Ep 6 -Trudi Boatwright - The Epitome of Play
In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode, Trudi Boatwright, playful experience designer, applied improv facilitator, and creative adventurer, invites us into a world where play is far more than fun: it’s a tool for presence, healing, and transformation. With a career spanning 48 wildly diverse roles (including chocolate making, amusement ride building, and founding a London theatre festival), Trudi shares her personal journey through loss, homelessness, and reinvention, revealing how play became her anchor and her purpose.
She explores how improvisation levels hierarchy in workplaces, how curiosity unlocks courage, and why creating safe spaces is essential for genuine expression. From thumb-wrestling with CEOs to riding yaks in the Himalayas, Trudi’s stories are a celebration of humanity, bravery, and bold self-expression. This episode is a joyful, grounded reminder that even in life’s messiest moments, we can choose to play, and in doing so, rediscover ourselves and strengthen personal and work relationships.
Listen on
“You don’t have to be funny to play. You just have to be willing.”
Trudi Boatwright
Wisdom from Trudi in Episode 6
“I’m not afraid to feel joy. I’m afraid to miss it.”
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is say ‘yes’ when you have no idea what comes next.”
“It’s not about being fearless. It’s about showing up anyway—with the fear, with the mess, and with the magic.”
“Improv isn’t just for the stage—it’s how we navigate life when plans fall apart.”
“You don’t have to be funny to play. You just have to be willing.”
“I had cancer. But I also had joy, ridiculous wigs, and a community that held me up.”
Key Themes Explored
The Power of Improvisation
Trudi shares how improvisation isn’t just an acting technique—it’s a life skill. Learning to say “yes, and…” opens up creativity, connection, and courage in the face of uncertainty. Improv teaches us to embrace the unknown with openness and playfulness, building trust in ourselves and in others.
Safe Spaces Spark Brave Moments
Psychological safety is foundational to unlocking creativity. Trudi’s approach to play is all about gentle invitations, inclusivity, and soft boundaries. When people feel safe, even in corporate spaces, play becomes a tool for truth-telling, healing, and bold self-expression.
Creativity is a Human Necessity
Trudi encourages everyone—especially adults—to reconnect with creativity. Whether in boardrooms or family rooms, we need more space for play, spontaneity, and authenticity.
Creativity is not a luxury—it’s a human necessity. Reclaiming it unlocks new solutions, better relationships, and deeper joy.