"I'm a good (but kinda boring) leader." Being brave enough to bring fun & creativity to work. Richard Medcalf & Antonia Kirkby #79

As a high achiever, you’ve probably spent your career optimising for productivity, efficiency, and the bottom line. But there comes a time when that old winning formula no longer cuts it. Maybe you’ve been promoted, or you’re leading a bigger team. Maybe you’ve been told to bring more energy, charisma, and presence to your leadership so that others want to follow you. Research shows that bringing play, fun, and creativity to work can help to retain colleagues, and inspire more innovative ideas. Before you freeze and say, I’m the most un-fun person I know (shriek emoji), stay with me. I promise, there’s no juggling or stand-up comedy required. Today’s guests are going to teach you how (and WHY) to bring more energy and fun to your leadership. Richard Medcalf is an author and coach who heads CEO circles with fun and a lightness of touch. Consultant clinical neuropsychologist, Dr Antonia Kirkby explains our brains on play, and why you want to be optimising for connection in meetings. The episode is full of ideas you can try right away.

Richard Medcalf

Dr Antonia Kirkby on LinkedIn

Video of the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders.

Forbes article, “Elevating Leadership Through the Science of Fun.”

Forbes article, “The Forgotten Art of Having Fun.”

HBR article, “Leading with Humour.”