The Power of Play: Jeff Harry and Dr. Leigh Richardson on Healing Workplaces and Building Psychological Safety

About this episode

Dr. Leigh Richardson and Jeff Harry discuss how play can transform workplaces and enhance psychological safety.

Work doesn’t have to drain you—it can energize you. On In Your Head, Dr. Leigh Richardson sits down with Jeff Harry, one of the top HR influencers recognized by BambooHR and Engagedly, to explore how play can transform the workplace. Jeff has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, and Wired for his innovative approach: using positive psychology and playful practices to build resilience, foster creativity, and create psychologically safe environments where people thrive. Together, Dr. Richardson and Jeff unpack how teams can use play to break through challenges, heal workplace toxicity, and unlock peak performance. The message is simple but powerful—when we give ourselves permission to play, we also give ourselves permission to grow.

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Leigh Richardson

Guest: Jeff Harry

Topics covered

• play
• workplace transformation
• psychological safety
• positive psychology
• creativity
• resilience

Keywords

• play
• workplace
• psychological safety
• positive psychology
• creativity
• resilience
• team dynamics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BambooHR, Engagedly, New York Times, NPR, Wired