episode 96 - the word is nim

episode 96 - the word is nim

From the word is leadership by Emmanuel Gobillot

November 16, 2025 · 18 min · Season 2 · Episode 96

About this episode

This episode explores how the game of nim serves as a metaphor for leadership, emphasizing the importance of social strategies and self-regulation.

At first glance, nim (a simple game of removing matchsticks) may not seem like a deep leadership metaphor. But look closer, and it reveals powerful truths. In this episode, I explore how leaders can use games not just for relaxation, but for self-regulation. We also uncover the broad range of social strategies (from cooperation to competition) and how mastering the full spectrum enables faster, more effective leadership. Because leadership, like any game, isn’t about always winning. It’s about knowing how and when to play.

People in this episode

Host: Emmanuel Gobillot

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • games
  • self-regulation
  • social strategies
  • cooperation
  • competition

Keywords

  • nim
  • leadership metaphor
  • matchsticks
  • self-regulation
  • social strategies
  • cooperation
  • competition

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