Episode 23: Getting Lego Serious

Episode 23: Getting Lego Serious

Van Lai-Dumone, CEO of worksmart Advantage, talks unlocking creativity in the workplace.

Why is creativity a crucial skill in today's workforce, and how can it be harnessed for professional development? In this episode of the Career Adventurer Podcast, host Paul Fisher welcomes Van Lai-Dumone, founder and CEO of worksmart Advantage. Van's diverse background spans roles from a daily method bar practitioner to leading sales at GlaxoSmithKline. She is a certified Lego Serious Play practitioner, bringing a unique blend of creativity and team development into the corporate environment.

With a background as a Vietnamese refugee, Van offers a unique perspective on courage and taking the leap to pursue one's passions. She discusses her journey into entrepreneurship, driven by her passion for creativity, while navigating various obstacles. She highlights her transition from corporate roles to founding her own company, focusing on integrating creativity into leadership and team development programs.

One compelling aspect is her work with The Honor Foundation, using creative methodologies like Lego Serious Play to assist special forces operators transitioning to civilian careers. Major themes in this episode include the role of creativity in problem-solving, the importance of taking creative risks, and the power of following one’s passion despite societal expectations.

00:35 - Meet Van Lai-Dumone: Founder and CEO of Work Smart Advantage

01:19 - The Journey of Work Smart Advantage

02:43 - The Importance of Creativity in the Workplace

03:55 - Tools and Techniques for Creative Problem Solving

05:06 - The Power of Lego Serious Play

06:26 - Personal Reflections on Creativity and Career

15:39 - Overcoming Challenges and Rejections

20:46 - Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help

22:03 - The Journey of Opening a Bar Studio

23:22 - Lessons from Business Failures

24:37 - Challenges in Selling Yourself

28:06 - The Power of Experience in Business

31:03 - Working with The Honor Foundation

35:11 - Reflecting on the Journey

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