Ben Swire

Ben Swire, a former IDEO design lead and author of 'Safe Danger', and Cass Holman, designer and author of 'Playful', explore the vital intersection of safety and risk in fostering creativity. They discuss how psychological safety allows teams to innovate and challenge norms, while play can lower the cost of risk and enhance collaboration. Cass emphasizes that constraints can spark creativity and that adults should embrace playful exploration to overcome their fear of failure. Both guests advocate for integrating play into work to drive resilience and trust.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Ben Swire, former design lead at IDEO and founder of Make Believe Works, unpacks how psychological safety can be intentionally designed in teams. He contrasts experiential culture with traditional methods, emphasizing that trust grows through practice, not just theory. Ben introduces the concept of 'safe danger'—a balance of safety and risk-taking essential for innovation. He also discusses how AI enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them, urging leaders to leverage empathy and creativity in an AI-driven future.

In this engaging discussion, Ben Swire, an award-winning designer and former Design Lead at IDEO, shares insights from his book, *Safe Danger*. He explores the delicate balance between safety and risk in team dynamics, emphasizing the necessity of psychological safety for fostering creativity and trust. Ben reveals how playful activities can rebuild team culture, why vulnerability leads to stronger relationships, and offers strategies for effective collaboration. His unique approach transforms fear into growth, helping teams embrace both success and failure.