Playfulness - Chris Marshall

Life Beyond The Numbers

"Playfulness is our natural state of well-being. We are playful when we are well." Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall and I explore why playfulness isn’t frivolous or childish but fundamental to how we thrive at work and in life. We discuss how playfulness helps us embrace complexity, navigate uncertainty and show up as our whole, human selves. Chris shares his multi-faceted career journey and how bringing all parts of himself into his work is an act of rebellion against boxes and niches. Together, we unpack how playfulness, far from being a distraction, is a powerful driver of well-being, creativity and leadership.

Chris Marshall is an entrepreneur and neurodivergent polymath, founder of The Playfulness Institute and Beyond Here, aiming to change the world through research and insights into playfulness and human thriving. Author, researcher, behavioural scientist, psychologist, psychotherapist, investment manager, podcaster, speaker, financial planner, and master distiller. Chris has been told by multiple PR and branding gurus that he should refine his message and concentrate on just one aspect, lest he risk losing his time-starved audience. Yet he’s ignored that advice and gone with what feels right. After all, he’s the first to admit he’s happiest spinning multiple plates. For Chris, it’s not just the joy of learning and discovery; it’s the integration and synergies that can be found between disparate fields of understanding. The golden thread that runs through his life is the aim to change the world by promoting human thriving – and the vital role that playfulness holds.

Connect with Chris

On LinkedIn

The Playfulness Institute website

Being Playful Podcast

Resources Mentioned

The Playful Advantage and Decoding Change by Chris Marshall

World Happiness Day – March 20th

David Whyte – poet and philosopher

Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ní Chríodáin

Emotions at Work - Being Playful Podcast (Chris & Susan)