I Started Pop CoLab Before I Fully Understood Why

I have always been driven by exploration. Fitting, since my dominant play style is Explorer. Exploration has led me to good decisions. Exploration has also led me down hard paths. Both shaped where I am today.

For years, I wondered why I kept choosing a different path than people around me.

Some chose work with more stability. More structure. More certainty. I often chose the path with more questions.

When I started Pop CoLab, I did not fully know what I was building. I knew the idea felt different. I knew people would find value in the work. I knew the work gave me energy.

At first, I wondered if I liked Pop CoLab because the idea felt new. Now, I understand the pull was deeper.

Pop CoLab became a place for people to reconnect with parts of themselves often left behind at work.

Joy.

Curiosity.

Creativity.

Trust.

Play.

For me, play looks like building things.

Exploring.

Observing.

Trying new things.

Doing the work myself and seeing what happens.

Every day at Pop CoLab gives me room to explore. The best part is watching other people do the same.

Some people jump in.

Some observe first.

Some want to make.

Some want to move.

Some want to compete.

Some want to talk.

All of those responses matter. Play does not look the same for everyone.

Pop CoLab exists to create space for those differences. A space where people explore. A space where teams learn more about each other. A space where different play styles feel welcome.

Pop CoLab started as an idea I did not fully understand at the time. Now, I see the purpose more clearly. But I guess that is how a lot of really cool things are created.

Purposeful play.

Self-awareness.

Connection.

For an Explorer, there is no better path to be on.

If your team needs help building inclusive experiences rooted in psychological safety, I would love to work with you.