Transforming Teams Through Play with Jen Ables

Join us on Play for Performance as host Jolynn Ledgerwood converses with Jen Ables, an event facilitator at Feet First Eventertainment. Jen's diverse career spans from insurance underwriting and professional dancing to founding a charity, earning recognition at the White House and Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. Her expertise in gratitude, resilience, and personal reinvention informs her approach to designing engaging experiences that foster strong teamwork.

In this episode, Jolynn and Jen explore the role of play in various settings—be it ballroom dancing, adaptive programs for wounded warriors, or corporate events—and how it fosters collaboration and connection. Jen shares insights from her experience with both in-person and virtual team-building initiatives, offers strategies to ensure inclusive participation, and discusses the importance of embracing our playful side to enhance workplace productivity and satisfaction. Discover how integrating elements like LEGO and interactive activities can transform your work environment.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
00:09 - Teaching Dance to Wounded Warriors
05:48 - "Playful Teaching Transforms Learning"
08:23 - "Embracing Play for Greater Connection"
10:40 - Virtual Events: Bringing Energy Online
13:48 - Balancing In-Person and Virtual Events
18:03 - "Game Challenges: Cup Stacking Fun"
22:50 - "Fluke Dog: Creative Airplane Challenge"
26:39 - The Magic of Play
28:22 - "Leveling the Workplace Playing Field"
31:17 - "Get Unstuck: Move and Play"
32:55 - Outro

Quotes:

"Everyone's inner child longs to play. When play emerges naturally, it creates magic."- Jen Ables

"Play complements work, uniting teams and driving meaningful outcomes."- Jolynn Ledgerwood

Key Takeaways:

Diverse Journeys Create Dynamic Facilitators
Play is Powerful—And Personal
Adaptive Play Builds Resilience
Gamification Energizes Learning
Virtual Connection, Real Camaraderie
Everyone Has an Inner Child—Invite Them Out!
Inclusion Is Non-Negotiable
When in Doubt? Move, Dance, Play!
The Magic of Play Lasts Beyond the Event

Connect with Jen Ables

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferables
Company website: http://feetfirstevents.com/
Personal website: http://jenables.com/

Call To Action: For in-person team-building events in San Diego with Jen, head to http://FeetFirstEvents.com and request to work with me and my team! If you're not in San Diego -- not to worry! We have a network of facilitators throughout the country. I'm always available for virtual events, too!

Connect with the Host:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolynnledgerwood/
Website:https://elevateyourtalent.co/

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