Together is better. Meet Playground Builder, Stephen. 👋
For Demand Planning Manager Stephen, his journey as a Playground Builder started as a surprise—to him and to those around him.
"It felt like something others wouldn’t expect me to do, when I explained it to friends and family, they said, ‘Seriously, you’re going to be doing what!?!’ I liked that it gives me a chance to explore facets of my personality that don’t always come out in my day-to-day role"
What started as an unexpected opportunity quickly became a passion for Stephen. He found that the Playground Builder program gives him a framework to bring energy and focus into his interactions with others.
Creating Everyday Leadership Through Small Moments. One of Stephen’s key contributions as a Playground Builder has been embedding Leadership Playground principles into the everyday rhythm of his team.
“I’ve built multiple Playground touch points into our weekly meetings—starting and ending with a moment of reflection, sharing ‘things to be proud of,’ and using ‘Even Better Ifs’ feedback to refine how we work together. I’ve found that a ninja-like, stealth approach works better than directly referencing the Playground all the time.”
By normalising these practices, Stephen has cultivated an environment where his team embraces curiosity and growth naturally, without it feeling like an obligation.
"Curiosity is My Driving Force"
Of the three Leadership Playground behaviours—Being Brave, Being Curious, and Being Focused—curiosity is the one that resonates most deeply with Stephen.
“We are rolling out a new global forecasting tool, and throughout the process, I’ve been asking questions both for clarity and to challenge assumptions. It’s not just about the technical side—it’s about understanding the bigger picture and making sure the solution works for everyone.”
Curiosity has also helped Stephen forge stronger relationships within the organisation.
“In my interactions, I make an effort to get to know people beyond their job description. That human connection strengthens how we collaborate.”
Building a Culture of Engagement and Inclusion. For Stephen, the Leadership Playground is as much about creating an inclusive, engaged culture as it is about leadership development.
“I’ve led site-wide initiatives and campfires to bring people together, helping different teams connect and evolve the way we work. The best part? Seeing those ideas take on a life of their own.”
Stephen believes that the Playground Builders are instrumental in shaping the culture of the LEGO Group as a whole.
“As I’ve been known to say—the time when you are too busy for the Playground is the time when you need it the most.”
"Making Leadership Playful and Meaningful" For Stephen, being a Playground Builder has changed the way he approaches leadership and team dynamics.
“One of the most rewarding moments was seeing the small changes I introduced become embedded in how we work. The ‘Even Better If’ mindset has helped shift us away from criticism and toward continuous improvement. It’s not about pointing out what’s wrong—it’s about building on what’s already great.”
This perspective has made a lasting impact, not just on Stephen but on the teams he works with.
“The best ideas, the best culture—it all comes from people coming together, bringing energy, and challenging each other. The Playground Builder program has shown me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating the right environment where answers can emerge.”
For Stephen, being a Playground Builder has reinforced a simple but powerful truth: together is always better.
