Leadership and Play: It’s Serious Business by Kimberlee Burt Hendricks

Leadership isn't positional, it's relational. Whether you're a president, owner, principal, director, teacher, counselor, parent, or the person responsible for making sure lunch arrives on time... if you work with people and especially with children, you lead. Leadership is not defined by a title; it's expressed through presence, listening, and creating space for others to thrive. 

In this energizing session, you will explore how play is not just for children. It is a vital practice that nurtures creativity, connection, and emotional well-being for adults as well. Through stories, research, and reflective experiences, we will examine how neuroscience and well-established leadership models reveal that play is not a distraction from leadership, but a catalyst for it!

As early learning environments continue to evolve, embracing play personally and professionally has never been more important. Participants will engage in reflective discussions and playful moments that highlight how curiosity, imagination, and laughter strengthen leadership at every level.

Because when we understand the power of play, we lead and live with greater joy, empathy, and purpose.

Learning Objectives After this session, participants will:

Explain how neuroscience supports the role of play in both child and adult creativity, focus, and well-being.
Identify leadership models, including, servant, whole, transformational, and psychological safety, that align with playful, human-centered practice.
Reflect on strategies to integrate play into everyday professional interactions to enhance connection and trust.