Grant Leibbrandt

When I first played a business simulation game, I was very curious but also felt quite sceptical. How could a game possibly help develop real-world business skills or help solve real-life business challenges? After diving in, I quickly realised these simulations offer much more than entertainment, or entra-trainment. They actually provide an engaging, dynamic, hands-on way to learn and grow by allowing people to safely experiment in a risk-free environment. Here are some key benefits of...

Psychological safety—the belief that team members can take risks and be vulnerable without fear of negative consequences—is the single most important factor in team effectiveness and innovation. The Startup Game creates an environment where psychological safety flourishes naturally, establishing foundations that transform how teams work together long after gameplay concludes. During the game, participants must share ideas, make decisions, and sometimes fail in front of colleagues. The...

The true measure of any team development intervention is whether learning transfers to actual workplace performance. The Startup Game excels precisely because it bridges the gap between simulation and reality, equipping teams with practical frameworks and behaviors they can immediately apply to their business challenges. Participants don't just learn about innovation; they practice it in ways that mirror their daily work. The game introduces participants to proven innovation methodologies...