Mia and Lauren Sundstrom on Play, Human Flourishing, and Organizational Joy

Jan 22

Kristine Michie - PlayFull Podcast Interview - Mia Sundstrom and Lauren Sundstrom

Mia and Lauren Sundstrom on Play, Human Flourishing, and Organizational Joy

In this episode of The PlayFull Podcast, Kristine Michie talks with Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play (NIFP), and Lauren Sundstrom, NIFP Board Member, about the science, practice, and impact of play. They explore how play is essential not just for individual well-being but for workplaces, education, and societal health. From neuroscience and character development to organizational culture and philanthropy, the conversation reframes play as a foundational human and public health necessity.

Key Takeaways:

Play is foundational to human flourishing. Cognitive, emotional, and social health benefit from playful experiences, which help build empathy, resilience, and connection while reducing loneliness.
Play enhances workplaces and productivity. Organizations that model playful leadership, encourage experimentation, and create spaces for real play see engagement and creativity increase.
Understanding play personalities unlocks performance. Recognizing intrinsic motivators—like movement, exploration, or collecting—supports sustained motivation, prevents burnout, and fosters creativity in both athletes and professionals.
Play strengthens character and education. Through playful workshops and experiential learning, individuals can cultivate resilience, curiosity, accountability, and other strengths in safe, low-stakes settings.
Play is a social and philanthropic imperative. Investing in play multiplies mental health, optimism, and joy, making it essential for nonprofit sustainability and societal well-being.

"People understand play as being in opposition to work, and that's actually not true. Play can supplement work, make it more productive." — Mia Sundstrom

"Fundamentally, an investment in play is an investment in human and societal flourishing." — Mia Sundstrom

"Play is actually a really safe space for us to practice and learn about ourselves and the strengths of character." — Mia Sundstrom

More about Mia Sundstrom:

Mia Sundstrom is the CEO of the National Institute for Play (NIFP) and the granddaughter of founder and play expert Dr. Stuart Brown. She also serves part-time as a project manager for character education at the University of Denver.

She has spoken to global audiences, including Aspen Ideas and the World Expo in Osaka, delivering keynotes, leading workshops, appearing on podcasts, and consulting with schools and organizations on using play and character strengths to enhance learning, leadership, and innovation.

A former NCAA Division I assistant coach and team captain for the University of Denver’s top-10 gymnastics team, Mia helped lead the program to a historic fourth-place finish. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy (’23) and a Bachelor’s in Business Information and Analytics (’21).

Carrying on her grandfather’s legacy, Mia is dedicated to advancing the science and application of play worldwide.

More about Lauren Sundstrom:

Lauren is a Board Member of the National Institute for Play, founded by her father, Dr. Stuart Brown. She is deeply committed to advancing his legacy and brings passionate, lived experience to her role.

Episode References: