A Journey Of Rediscovery: 'Play To Transform' Guides Leaders Back To Their Inner Child

Avinash Jhangiani’s latest book, "Play to Transform: How Your Inner Child Can Accelerate Change and Rehumanize Business," is a refreshing exploration of leadership, innovation and personal growth.  

Jhangiani is an author, leadership development coach and transformation consultant with more than two decades of work experience in the USA and India. Previously, he has held key leadership roles at Omnicom Media Group and Reliance MediaWorks, among others. As founder-CEO and chief facilitator of Play2Transform Group, he currently uses principles of human-centric design and play as a catalyst to accelerate change for several renowned organisations. 

In a world characterised by rapid change and uncertainty, this book invites readers to embark on a transformative journey by reconnecting with their inner child. Endorsed by visionaries like Sam Pitroda, Harsh Mariwala, Raghunath Mashelkar and Harish Mehta, it challenges conventional leadership paradigms and offers a compelling perspective on infusing business with heart and soul. 

The Power of the Inner Child 

Jhangiani introduces a captivating notion of embracing the inner child to thrive in today's tumultuous business landscape. In a world often marked by ambiguity, leaders can find themselves grappling with uncertainty. The book contends that the traditional, serious approach to leadership is ill-suited to navigate these uncharted waters. Instead, it encourages tapping into our inner child—a source of boundless creativity, resilience and curiosity. 

Play as a Transformative Tool 

One of the central themes of the book is the power of play. Jhangiani argues that play is not frivolous but a vital tool for transformation and innovation. Through real-life examples, contemporary shift strategies and insights from various industries, he illustrates how organisations can create psychologically safe environments that encourage employees to express themselves freely, make mistakes and ultimately, embrace change. 

The Synergy of Play 

A significant highlight is Jhangiani's exploration of the metaverse which is a virtual shared space created by the convergence of physical reality and the digital world. He presents a compelling case for how this emerging digital landscape can benefit from the principles of play and inner child work. In a world increasingly driven by technology, he advocates for a harmonious integration of human and artificial intelligence to solve complex problems. 

Transformation and Well-being 

Jhangiani reveals a profound synergy within organisations—play can serve as the single arrow that hits two critical targets: innovation and well-being. By cultivating a culture of play, businesses encourage fearless exploration, creativity and risk-taking, driving innovation at its core. Simultaneously, this playful atmosphere reduces stress, enhances team cohesion and boosts employee morale, contributing to overall well-being. 

A Call for Change 

"Play to Transform" is a rallying cry for leaders to think differently, take risks and embark on a transformative journey fueled by the innocence and wonder of their inner child. Jhangiani's narrative is engaging, peppered with anecdotes and supplemented by practical exercises that encourage readers to put these concepts into action. 

‘Play to Transform’ by Avinash Jhangiani is a compelling guide for leaders, innovators and anyone seeking to harness their inner child's potential to thrive in a world marked by constant change and uncertainty. This book is a testament to the transformative power of play and the enduring curiosity that resides within us all.  

As a reader, "Play to Transform" offers a unique and inspiring journey into the world of leadership, innovation and personal growth. Jhangiani's blend of real-world examples, contemporary insights and practical exercises makes this book both enlightening and actionable. It challenges traditional notions of leadership and encourages us to reconnect with our inner child, rekindling the spark of creativity and resilience that often gets lost in the seriousness of adulthood. "Play to Transform" is not just a book, but a call to action, inviting us to reimagine leadership and embrace the transformative power of play. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to thrive in today's ever-changing business landscape.