Collaboratory: exploring the power of teams

Every Voice Counts: Improvise & Connect with Jesse Pudles

Our final episode for this season features Jesse Pudles, CEO and founder of SpotCorp Events, who brings his background in theater and storytelling to the world of team-building. Discover how improvisation, authenticity, and playful design can break down silos, boost team resilience, and make sure every voice is heard. https://www.spotcorpevents.com/ [https://www.spotcorpevents.com/] We will take a break to take stock, reflect and see what we will do next with Collaboratory. If you have any feedback, please reach out to nicscollabpodcast@gmail.com [nicscollabpodcast@gmail.com]  Thanks for listening!

Whale Wisdom: Collaboration Lessons from the Deep

Discover how humpback whales master teamwork in this episode of Collaboratory. Dr. Natalie Mastick, aquatic science expert, shares insights from her research on whale collaboration—especially their incredible bubble-net feeding. Learn what these ocean giants reveal about communication, trust, and shared goals, and how their strategies can inspire stronger teams in work and life.

Gaming for Teamwork: How D&D Shapes Collaboration

Tom Watkin is a business leader, facilitator, and advocate for using Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) to enhance teamwork and leadership skills. With extensive experience managing teams across industries and continents, Tom brings a unique perspective on the parallels between collaborative storytelling in D&D and real-world team dynamics. Through his blog Dungeons and Dragons at Work, he explores how roleplaying games can foster creativity, problem-solving, and stronger connections within teams, making him an expert in blending fun with professional growth.  https://dndatwork.com/about/ [https://dndatwork.com/about/]

Teamwork in Ants: Decoding their Collective Success

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Heather Campbell, an ant biologist with a deep passion for social insects, particularly ants. As the co-author of Ants: A Visual Guide, Dr. Campbell has extensively studied the intricate social structures and collaborative behaviors of ants. Dr. Campbell holds a PhD in ecological entomology from the University of Reading and is a lecturer in entomology at Harper Adams University in Shropshire, UK. Ants: A Visual Guide - https://tinyurl.com/yp9xrdse [https://tinyurl.com/yp9xrdse] What Ants can Teach Us About Working Together - https://tinyurl.com/b8apndwh [https://tinyurl.com/b8apndwh]

Clarity, Fluidity and Quantum Teamwork: Unlocking Collective Potential

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Wagner D’Annuzzo, a consultant and former leader in shaping the future of work at IBM and Prudential Financial. Wagner shares why “clarity creates capacity,” how autonomous teams thrive through fluidity, and why leadership is a mindset every team member should embrace. This conversation is packed with insights to help your team align, innovate, and achieve awesome results. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wagnerdenuzzo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wagnerdenuzzo/] Leading to Succeed: Essential Skills for the New Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Succeed-Essential-Skills-Workplace/dp/1632261421 [https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Succeed-Essential-Skills-Workplace/dp/1632261421]