We delve into the science of play in facilitation with special guest Brandon Wetzstein. Discover how play, especially through LEGO Serious Play, transforms adult behaviour and enhances creativity, collaboration, and connection in team settings.

Learn about the surprising benefits of incorporating playful elements into serious work environments and how they can lead to better ideas and stronger team dynamics. Brandon shares personal stories of breakthroughs and offers practical advice on making workplaces more engaging and productive through play.

00:00 Introduction

03:05 The Importance of Play in the Workplace

06:59 Exploring LEGO Serious Play

08:31 The Power of Play in Team Building

15:58 The Origins and Impact of LEGO Serious Play

22:46 Virtual LEGO Serious Play: Challenges and Rewards

24:17 The Power of Hands in Communication

25:05 Using Hands to Unlock Subconscious Ideas

26:18 The Magic of LEGO in Workshops

27:10 Adults Are Just Giant Kids

27:58 Favourite Icebreakers and Energisers

30:48 The Importance of Play in Serious Settings

32:57 Transforming Group Dynamics with Play

38:47 The Future of Work: Analogue Tools and Connection

45:47 Final Thoughts

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Brandon Wetzstein

Founder and Chief Play Officer (IN8 Create)

Brandon is driven by a passion to reshape the way we collaborate. In a world brimming with digital tools and automation, he's convinced that our real strength lies in how well we work together. With this belief, he founded IN8 Create, aiming to unearth the hidden potential in all of us. Given the right tools, environment, and support, Brandon believes we can reach incredible heights, enriching our lives, relationships, and communities.

Links:

https://in8create.com

https://herdingsqurrels.com

https://linkedin.com/in/brandonwetzstein

Emily Gardner — trainer, speaker, and author of The Path of the Guide — discusses how to unpack what facilitation really means in 2025 and beyond.

00:00 Introduction

02:38 Emily's Journey into Facilitation

05:32 The Importance of Facilitation

14:25 Practical Tips for Aspiring Facilitators

23:24 Favorite Facilitation Techniques

27:31 Handling Conflict in Facilitation

34:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Emily Gardner

Website: https://www.emilyfacilitates.com/

Book: https://amzn.eu/d/9zVN6ny

We explore the power of creating trust in facilitation.

Michelle Tillis Letterman, an expert on workplace communications and relationships, named by Forbes as one of the top 25 networking experts.

Michelle shares key insights on the importance of connection, especially in a tech-driven and post-COVID world. We discuss the concept of 'mood memory,' the challenges of attention span in communication, and strategies to keep audiences engaged during meetings and workshops.

Michelle emphasises the need for trust and vulnerability in leadership and facilitation, and she introduces her 'seven mindsets' to grow influence and impact. Practical tips on small talk, recognition, and effective communication styles for diverse groups are also shared.

00:00 Introduction

02:51 The Power of Connection

03:22 Challenges of Modern Communication

05:01 Strategies for Effective Communication

11:04 Understanding Different Learning Styles

17:17 Building Trust in the Workplace

20:15 Mastering Small Talk

22:13 Connecting Through Animals and News

23:06 Fun Hypotheticals and Advice Questions

24:25 The Power of Mood Memories

27:05 Parenting and Management Parallels

29:32 Authentic Recognition in Workshops

31:33 Transformative Stories of Connection

35:03 The Fascination with Connection

37:58 A Superpower to Improve Workplace Communication

39:32 The Connected Leader Course

42:03 Final Thoughts

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Michelle Tillis Letterman

https://michelletillislederman.com/