Play to Lead — Gamification Strategies for Badass Leaders

Episode 027 of the Badass Leaders Podcast

Gamification expert Caitlin Johnson joins Angela Gill Nelms to unpack how leaders can transform their work, careers, and teams using game design thinking. 

From leveling up your career to designing systems that make hard things fun, Caitlin shares tactical strategies and hard-earned wisdom from her work coaching tens of thousands of leaders. They dig into motivation, breaking out of comfort zones, embracing experimentation, and why 90-day quests might be the secret to your next breakthrough. This episode is a high-energy blend of inspiration and action—perfect for leaders ready to play bigger.

Learn more about Caitlin Johnson at:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldbirdconsulting/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-s-johnson/
• Website: www.bold-bird.com 
• Podcast: Campus to Corporate

Mentioned this episode:

• Guion Bluford Jr. – First African-American astronaut; personal inspiration for Caitlin (https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/bluford_guion.pdf) 
• Scott – Podcast host Caitlin previously co-hosted with (https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=dDNopyVJ9JknJ2bp) 
• Florence Healthcare – Angela’s former company where she implemented gamification in software design (https://florencehc.com/) 
• Richard Bartle – Game designer who created the 4 player types: Dominator, Achiever, Explorer, Connector (https://www.essex.ac.uk/people/BARTL01006/Richard-Bartle) 
• Working Genius – Personality assessment tool referenced (https://www.workinggenius.com/) 
• Ikigai – Japanese concept of “reason for being,” discussed in relation to evolving epic missions 
• Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits 

About Angela:
Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.

Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at www.AngelaGillNelms.com. 

About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at hello@TheAGNGroup.com to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bebravebebadass/podcasts
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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/badass-leaders-podcast-brave-hearts-brave-conversations/id1788987881
• Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Badass-Leaders-Podcast-Brave-Hearts-Brave-Conversations-Badass-Leaders/B0DS2CQL9V?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
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• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com. 

Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.

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