this.us.now. offers playful professional development opportunities for leaders and teams. We are experts in the practical applications of learning through play. Play is an underrated and underutilized tool that can empower people to build safer, more inclusive, and more equitable spaces and communities

When done well, playful environments provide low-barrier entry points for addressing complicated/nuanced subjects and building strong, trusting, and productive relationships. If people are able to play, they can more easily dive into co-creation, understanding, and progress – even when coming from dramatically different perspectives, experiences, or backgrounds. We create spaces for shared experiences and low-stakes, playful practice, in order to focus on areas of growth like leadership / team development, diversity and inclusion, organizational strategy, and communication. Theory is nothing without application; so, we teach and inform, but also invite people to play and practice with us.

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Lauren has facilitated interactive workshops as well as been a keynote speaker for groups of all sizes and ages. She has previously presented sessions both independently and with this.us.now. at various organizations/companies (Dome Construction, Old Pal, Bet Tzedek Legal Services), schools (University of Michigan, Flint), and summits/conferences (BambooHR, World Domination Summit, Hivery Summit). Her experience from a decade of working with kids in enrichment and camp settings, informs her perspective and focus on how play, curiosity, and inclusion can improve productivity, innovation, teamwork, and leadership.

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Maddy is an impact-obsessed, life-long learner with a passion for leadership, data, and play. She was born in Minnesota, raised in North Carolina, and currently resides outside of Boston; she often pulls on her cross-cultural life experience in her professional leadership. Driven by a dedication to understanding and an unending belief in human betterment, Maddy envisions a more empowering, engaging, and compassionate world. Using analytics as the tool and values as her compass, she pursues this vision relentlessly.