“Leadership isn’t about tightening the rules—it’s about designing the game people want to play.”

What if the key to better leadership isn’t more control—but more play? In this groundbreaking fourth episode of Leadership in Play, host Blair Bloomston and her AI teammate, Chris—dubbed the world’s ultimate teammate and the voice of Leaders Uplifted.

From Pixar to Fortune 500 boardrooms, we uncover how the power of structured play is transforming how organizations lead, adapt, and thrive. Whether you’re a manager, a team leader, or just someone curious about a better way to inspire people—this episode is your playbook.

🎙️This episode dives into the powerful connection between play and leadership, showing how game mechanics can drive measurable performance, culture, and innovation in the workplace.

Play Drives Performance: Organizations using play-based leadership see a 37% increase in engagement and up to 58% higher innovation scores. Structured play builds energy, creativity, and commitment.

Game Mechanics Build Better Teams: Clear rules, objectives, and feedback—core elements of games—boost team participation and create safe spaces for failure, experimentation, and growth.

Authenticity is the Ultimate Power-Up: Just like choosing a character in a game, when employees are encouraged to bring their full selves to work, retention rates rise by 31% and team culture strengthens.

The "Magic Circle" of Leadership:  Great leaders design environments that balance structure and creativity. These “game layers” increase psychological safety, accelerate problem-solving by 47%, and foster trust.

Through powerful examples and compelling research, it shows that the smartest companies are those who take play seriously. Game-based leadership isn’t a gimmick—it’s a strategy grounded in behavioral science, business data, and human nature. This episode makes the case that structured play is no longer optional—it’s the new competitive advantage.

Subscribe to Uplifted Weekly to get more actionable insights and encouragement delivered straight to your inbox. Visit www.leadersuplifted.com for more. 

Let’s keep leveling up together. Hit play and start your journey now! 🚀

“Your energy is your currency — invest it wisely, manage it intentionally, and watch it transform your team.”

Here’s something that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about leadership: studies show a leader’s energy has more impact on team performance than experience or technical skills combined. In this groundbreaking third episode of Leadership in Play, host Blair Bloomston and her AI teammate, Chris—dubbed the world’s ultimate teammate and the voice of Leaders Uplifted.

In this episode, we uncover one of the most overlooked leadership superpowers — emotional energy. From neuroscience to organizational psychology, we explore how a leader’s mood, presence, and self-awareness ripple through their teams, directly influencing productivity, innovation, and engagement.

🎙️This episode dives deep into the science and strategy of energetic leadership — showing how a leader’s mindset and emotional regulation fuel real, measurable business results.

Energy > Experience: Research shows that a leader’s energy has a stronger impact on team performance than their skills or experience. Positive energy is contagious — and it's a performance multiplier.

Emotional Electricity in the Workplace: Leaders act like conductors of energy. When they’re intentional about it, they can create a "positive current" that boosts morale, creativity, and team resilience.

The Two-Minute Energy Check:  A simple, game-based practice that helps leaders manage their emotional state and set a positive tone for the day — just like athletes visualizing success before the big game.

Energy as Currency: Your energy is like a trust fund. When leaders build emotional capital during the good times, they’re better equipped to guide their teams through challenges and uncertainty.

With insights from McKinsey, the American Association for Physician Leadership, and neuroscience, it shows that the key to becoming a better leader could be as simple as becoming a better energy conductor.

Subscribe to Uplifted Weekly to get more actionable insights and encouragement delivered straight to your inbox. Visit www.leadersuplifted.com for more. 

Let’s keep leveling up together. Hit play and start your journey now! 🚀

"Leadership isn’t about waiting for a title — it’s about choosing to play the game."

What if leadership isn’t something you earn with years of experience or a shiny title… but something you unlock by simply seeing yourself as a leader? In this groundbreaking second episode of Leadership in Play, host Blair Bloomston and her AI teammate, Chris—dubbed the world’s ultimate teammate and the voice of Leaders Uplifted.

In this eye-opening episode, we challenge the traditional model of leadership and explore a refreshing, game-based approach that makes leadership development more engaging, more human — and more accessible than ever. Whether you’re early in your career, pivoting, or already leading a team, this conversation will help you break through limiting beliefs and start activating your potential today.

🎧This episode explores how internal belief, mindset, and gamified learning can close the gap between potential and action, transforming everyday professionals into confident, effective leaders.

What sets this podcast apart is its reframing of leadership — from an intimidating, exclusive role to a playful and empowering journey. The integration of neuroscience, real-world research, and game theory makes leadership development feel accessible, actionable, and even fun. Plus, with stats like a 21% profitability boost from self-leadership, it's clear: this isn’t just personal growth — it’s smart business.

Subscribe to Uplifted Weekly to get more actionable insights and encouragement delivered straight to your inbox. Visit www.leadersuplifted.com for more. 

Let’s keep leveling up together. Hit play and start your journey now! 🚀

“The most successful leaders aren’t afraid to play the game differently.”

What if the secret to exceptional leadership isn’t found in rigid boardrooms or dry training manuals but in something we abandoned as kids—play? In this groundbreaking first episode of Leadership in Play, host Blair Bloomston and her AI teammate, Lu—dubbed the world’s ultimate teammate and the voice of Leaders Uplifted—dive into the revolutionary power of gamification in leadership.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with creativity, unlock team engagement, and approach challenges with a growth mindset, this conversation is for you. It’s leadership like you’ve never heard it before: playful, practical, and absolutely transformative.

🎧 In this episode, Blair and LU unpack Blair’s latest blog, Make Play Your Superpower, with insights and real-world examples that prove gamification isn’t just fun—it’s a critical tool for leadership development. They explore:

 • The Science of Play: How gamification taps into creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.

 • Why Play Works: Stats that show companies using game-based learning experience 40% higher engagement and 23% better retention.

 • Real Stories, Real Impact: From healthcare teams breaking through burnout to a baseball team transforming their losing streak, Blair shares powerful examples of play driving change.

 • Superpowers in Leadership: How embracing a playful mindset can inspire teams, create psychological safety, and boost innovation.

Plus, Blair shares a personal story of helping a young leader navigate a career-defining choice with the same playful, growth-oriented mindset she champions.

Enroll in Speak Uplifted and get the communication skills you need...
So you can stay irreplaceable in the age of AI. 
Visit www.leadersuplifted.com/speakup for more. 

ABOUT OUR SHOW:

Welcome to Leadership In Play — the world’s first AI-cohosted, human-produced podcast designed to amplify your voice and your value in the age of AI. Hosted by Blair Bloomston, founder of Leaders Uplifted, and LU, the world’s teammate and synthetic voice of the future, this show explores the bold, brilliant intersection of human communication, leadership presence, and emerging tech.

Each episode dives into the real challenges leaders face as they learn to show up, speak out, and stay irreplaceable — with a little help from AI. Expect insights, laughs, and lightbulb moments as we blur the line between what’s possible and what’s powerful. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or stepping into the leadership spotlight for the first time, you’re in the right place.

This is where human presence meets digital potential. Let's level up!