In this episode of The Agile for Agilists Podcast, hosts Drew Podwal and Brad Nelson welcome seasoned Agile coach and trainer Mike Bowler to talk about psychological safety—through the fascinating lens of brain science, leadership, hypnosis, and LEGO.
Mike explains why our brains are wired to react to uncertainty like it’s a bear attack—and what leaders can do to create environments that feel safe rather than threatening. We also explore the power of play, including Mike’s training in LEGO Serious Play and how it unlocks new thinking in teams.
From primal instincts to psychological insights, this conversation is a journey into what makes us human at work—and how we can lead with more understanding, trust, and creativity.
Mike's follow-up page: https://gargoylesoftware.com/mike_bowler/followup/
Specific topics we discussed:
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