In this episode of The Learning Edge Podcast, Leif Sørensen speaks with Barbara Hell-Vianden from The Showcase, an international consultant with more than 25 years of experience in business development, communication, and organizational transformation.

Barbara shares how she first began using Actee simulations in corporate workshops. She recounts a high-stakes strategic seminar in Berlin with senior leaders facing resistance to change and complex stakeholder dynamics. Despite initial concerns about introducing a "game" in a serious business setting, the simulation quickly surfaced hidden behaviors, sparked honest conversations, and produced tangible strategic insights.

Drawing on her background as a former professional athlete and Ironman trainee, Barbara explains why experimentation, resilience, and stepping into the unknown are essential qualities for consultants. She also offers practical advice for using game-based learning effectively: clarify the strategic objective, create psychological safety for participants, let group dynamics unfold during gameplay, and dedicate time to translating insights from the simulation into real business actions.

The episode explores how simulations can move beyond traditional workshops to help organizations test decisions, understand stakeholder behavior, and drive meaningful change.

Learn more about The Showcase: https://the-showcase.eu/ Connect with Barbara Hell-Vianden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-hell-vianden/

Find out more about Actee: https://actee.com/ Follow Actee on LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/company/actee