Cass Holman

Ben Swire, a former IDEO design lead and author of 'Safe Danger', and Cass Holman, designer and author of 'Playful', explore the vital intersection of safety and risk in fostering creativity. They discuss how psychological safety allows teams to innovate and challenge norms, while play can lower the cost of risk and enhance collaboration. Cass emphasizes that constraints can spark creativity and that adults should embrace playful exploration to overcome their fear of failure. Both guests advocate for integrating play into work to drive resilience and trust.

Cas Holman, a pioneering play designer and author of 'Playful', shares her insights on the profound role of play in both children and adults. She discusses the twelve play types, highlighting how deep play helps us process fears and drives innovation. Cas also delves into the importance of creating open-ended play systems that foster identity exploration, and how being playful is a form of resistance against societal pressures. Tune in for her practical tips on reconnecting with playfulness and the power it holds in our lives.

Michelle Lee, IDEO partner who brings playful thinking into complex organizations, and Cas Holman, play designer and creator of Rigamajig, discuss play as a leadership mindset. They explore asking better questions, design function versus form, psychological safety, seeding playful conditions, adult play types, purposeful friction, and balancing exploratory play with business goals.

Cas Holman, a renowned toy designer and former RISD professor, dives into the importance of play for adults. She reveals how our culture stifles playful impulses and offers refreshing definitions of play that go beyond loud activities. The conversation encourages micro-play moments in daily life and discusses the impact of play on resilience and creativity. Holman also debunks myths about adult play, promoting intrinsic motivation over external rewards, and shares practical steps for reclaiming joy as an adult.

Cas Holman, founder of Heroes Will Rise and former designer for LEGO and Disney Imagineering, advocates for the power of play in creativity and resilience. She emphasizes that play is essential for innovation and coping with uncertainty, not a distraction from productivity. Cas discusses how adults often suppress play due to societal norms, yet free play can enhance flexibility and communication. She also warns against fully outsourcing creativity to AI, urging listeners to embrace curiosity and reframe success to unlock deeper connections.