# #042 - How to think with your hands - LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology with Alexandra Mandoki of Sparks Guide, Switzerland

- Show: [The Hardware Entrepreneur](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur)
- Published: 2017-11-22
- Length: 21m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-11-22-042-how-to-think-with-your-hands-lego-serious-play-methodology-with-alexandra-ma
- Listen: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thehardwareentrepreneur/042_-_How_to_think_with_your_hands_-_LEGO-_SERIOUS_PLAY-_methodology_with_Alexandra_Mandoki_of_Sparks_Guide_Switzerland.mp3

## Summary

Alexandra Mandoki, founder of Sparks Guide, explains the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology, a facilitation technique that uses physical brick-building to enhance collaboration and innovation in business settings. She details the method's origins at the LEGO company and its application for strategic development, team building, and problem-solving, noting that it engages 80% of the brain compared to 13% for traditional brainstorming. Mandoki also shares professional insights on overcoming cultural misunderstandings in international business and the importance of clear communication.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-11-22-042-how-to-think-with-your-hands-lego-serious-play-methodology-with-alexandra-ma#t=0) Introduction and Workshop Demo
- [5:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-11-22-042-how-to-think-with-your-hands-lego-serious-play-methodology-with-alexandra-ma#t=334) Origins of LEGO SERIOUS PLAY
- [7:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-11-22-042-how-to-think-with-your-hands-lego-serious-play-methodology-with-alexandra-ma#t=453) Business and Educational Applications
- [12:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-11-22-042-how-to-think-with-your-hands-lego-serious-play-methodology-with-alexandra-ma#t=753) Cognitive Benefits and Engagement
- [13:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-11-22-042-how-to-think-with-your-hands-lego-serious-play-methodology-with-alexandra-ma#t=833) Challenges to Adoption
- [15:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-11-22-042-how-to-think-with-your-hands-lego-serious-play-methodology-with-alexandra-ma#t=919) Career Lessons and Cultural Differences

## Topics

- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- LEGO (company)
- Sparks Guide (company)
- Lausanne Business School (company)
- LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (product)
- Business Model Canvas (tool)
- Marketing Management (other)
- 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 025: Staying playful](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-06-18-episode-025-staying-playful) (Making It)
- [Building the Future: The Journey of The LEGO Group in AM](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2023-09-05-building-the-future-the-journey-of-the-lego-group-in-am) (Additive Snack)
- [S1E43 A Joyful Approach to Product Development | Lisa Ho & Andrew Muyanja (Menlo Innovations)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-10-09-s1e43-a-joyful-approach-to-product-development-lisa-ho-andrew-muyanja-menlo-inno) (Being an Engineer)
- [S7E1 A Joyful Approach to Product Development | Lisa Ho & Andrew Muyanja (Menlo Innovations)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-01-02-s7e1-a-joyful-approach-to-product-development-lisa-ho-andrew-muyanja-menlo-innov) (Being an Engineer)
- [Ian Peterman | Legacy Branding, Uncommon Materials, & the One Contact Rule](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-04-14-ian-peterman-legacy-branding-uncommon-materials-the-one-contact-rule) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

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