Postgraduate Certificate in Playful Leadership Skills
Published on June 19, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be speaking with Dr. Jane Thompson, an expert in leadership development and the instructor for our new course, the Postgraduate Certificate in Playful Leadership Skills. Dr. Thompson, can you tell us a bit about what drew you to this unique area of study? GUEST: Absolutely, I've always been fascinated by how play and creativity can foster innovation and collaboration in the workplace. I saw a gap in traditional leadership training and wanted to develop a program that encouraged playful approaches to leadership. HOST: Interesting, so how does this playful leadership approach differ from more traditional leadership styles? GUEST: Traditional leadership often focuses on hierarchy and control, while playful leadership emphasizes flexibility, experimentation, and fun. It encourages leaders to create safe spaces for their teams to explore new ideas, take risks, and learn from failure. HOST: That sounds like a refreshing change. What current industry trends do you see that make this course particularly relevant for professionals today? GUEST: The increasing pace of change and the growing importance of innovation are driving the need for new leadership skills. Companies are beginning to recognize the value of playful, adaptive leaders who can help their teams navigate uncertainty and thrive in complex environments. HOST: I can imagine that adopting a playful mindset in a professional setting might be challenging for some learners. What are some common obstacles you've encountered, and how do you address them in the course? GUEST: You're right, it can be challenging! Many professionals struggle to shift from a performance-focused mindset to a more playful, experimental one. In the course, we use experiential activities and game-based learning to help learners reframe their understanding of play and its value in leadership. HOST: That's a great approach. Looking toward the future, how do you see the field of playful leadership evolving, and what impact do you hope this course will have on students' careers? GUEST: I believe playful leadership will become increasingly vital as organizations face more complex, rapidly changing challenges. Our hope is that this course will empower students to transform their leadership styles, inspire positive change in their organizations, and boost their career prospects with a highly sought-after qualification. HOST: Dr. Thompson, thank you so much for sharing your insights on the Postgraduate Certificate in Playful Leadership Skills. We're excited to see the impact this course will have on our learners and the future of leadership development. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm looking forward to seeing the incredible things your students will accomplish with their new playful leadership skills!
