The Business Case for Play at Work

Overview

What if play isn’t a distraction from meaningful work, but the very thing that makes it better? In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch sits down with entrepreneur and Refinery29 co-founder Piera Gelardi to explore how a playful mindset can unlock creativity, strengthen relationships, and drive innovation in business and life.

Drawing from her new book The Playful Way, Gelardi explains why play is not something we earn after work, but a powerful tool that enhances how we work. From neuroscience insights to real-world business applications, this conversation reframes play as a strategic advantage rather than a frivolous activity.

Guest Bio

Piera Gelardi is an entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of Refinery29, a global media company focused on modern women’s lives across fashion, wellness, and culture. She helped grow the company from a small startup into a global brand with over $100M in revenue and 500+ employees. Gelardi is also the author of The Playful Way, where she explores how play can transform creativity, leadership, and resilience.

Key Takeaways

1. Play is a Performance Enhancer, Not a Reward
   Play isn’t something you earn after work. It is a mindset that improves creativity, problem solving, and relationships while you work.
2. Play Deprivation Has Real Consequences
   A lack of play leads to reduced resilience, limited perspective, and decreased intrinsic motivation, making work feel rigid and uninspiring.
3. Play Unlocks Innovation Through Divergent Thinking
   A playful mindset allows people to explore multiple possibilities instead of defaulting to safe, repetitive solutions.
4. There Are Multiple “Play Personalities”
   Play is not