Ep 11: The Serious Case for Not Taking Everything So Seriously

Is it possible that the secret to better teamwork, sharper ideas, and a more connected workplace is... play?

In this episode, Indra and Amanda bust the myth that work and play are opposites. They explore how introducing moments of levity, whether it’s custom Slack emojis, playful team names, or low-stakes laughter, can actually deepen collaboration, trust, and creativity.

They break down the different types of play that can live comfortably (and appropriately) in professional settings, and offer guidance on how to bring joy into work without crossing the line into "mandatory fun." Whether you're leading a team or just trying to make your next meeting feel less like a root canal, this conversation invites you to rethink what productivity can look like, when you add a little play to the mix.

Useful Links:

• The Messy Middle Matters Merch: shop.themessymiddlematters.com
• The Messy Middle Matters Glossary: www.themessymiddlematters.com/glossary
• Feedback for The Messy Middle Matters: www.themessymiddlematters.com/feedback