1-Play, Grit, and Innovation: A Recipe for Workplace Happiness
Embracing Play and Purpose: The Inaugural Cake on Tuesday Episode with Elizabeth Bieniek
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The very first episode of the Cake on Tuesday podcast sets a powerful tone for what's to come. Hosted by Josh Elledge and featuring Elizabeth Bieniek—founder and CEO of Cake on Tuesday—this inaugural conversation explores how innovation, leadership, and play intersect in today’s evolving workplace.
With Elizabeth in the guest seat for this debut, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the mission behind the podcast, the meaning of leading with empathy, and why infusing fun into business isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a strategic advantage.
Redefining Leadership Through Innovation and Play
Right from the start, Josh frames Cake on Tuesday as more than just a podcast—it's a platform for celebrating workplace disruptors and visionary leaders. Elizabeth shares how the show was born out of her desire to amplify the stories of individuals who don’t fit into conventional corporate molds but are leading meaningful change in their organizations.
At the heart of her message is the idea that balancing grit with joy is essential for sustainable success. “Growth doesn’t have to feel heavy,” Elizabeth notes. “When we give ourselves permission to play, we unlock a level of creativity that drives real innovation.”
She also discusses her book, Cake on Tuesday, and the broader movement it's inspired—centered around lightening up the workplace without compromising results.
How to Bring Play into Your Culture of Innovation:
Design playful spaces. Think beyond ping-pong tables—create intentional areas where creativity and relaxation can coexist.
Gamify everyday work. Introduce small challenges or team rituals that spark fun and boost motivation.
Celebrate often. Whether it’s a milestone or a small win, don’t wait for year-end reviews to appreciate progress.
Empathy Isn’t Optional—It’s a Leadership Strategy
When the conversation shifts to the emotional side of work, Elizabeth is clear: the best leaders today are those who bring empathy into every interaction. Reflecting on her own journey, she admits there was a time when she kept her personal and professional worlds strictly separate. But over time, she discovered that authentic connection fosters loyalty, creativity, and wellbeing.
“Empathetic leadership isn't just about being nice,” she explains. “It's about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute.”
Ways to Lead with Empathy:
Open the door—literally and figuratively. Build psychological safety through honest communication and regular check-ins.
Know your people. Understanding what drives your team personally and professionally unlocks deeper trust.
Model what matters. If you want vulnerability, lead with it. If you value work-life balance, demonstrate it.
Finding the Balance Between Vision and Execution
As a technologist turned entrepreneur, Elizabeth knows the pressure of delivering short-term results while staying future-focused. She shares how this tension shows up for many business leaders—and why it's critical to zoom out periodically and ask, “Are we still building what matters?”
Her advice for innovators juggling multiple priorities:
Align your resources with long-term value. Every short-term win should ladder up to a bigger picture.
Create space for future thinking. Block time for brainstorming, trend-watching, and blue-sky discussions.
Never innovate alone. Collaborating with diverse thinkers can spark breakthroughs you’d never reach on your own.
Calling All Unconventional Leaders
Josh closes the episode by asking Elizabeth who she hopes to feature in future episodes. Her answer? Founders, CEOs, and culture-shapers who dare to lead with joy, curiosity, and courage—even when their methods buck tradition.
Listeners are encouraged to nominate individuals who embody this ethos by applying to be a guest. Whether you're transforming your workplace with empathy, launching a culture of play, or redefining what leadership looks like, your story could inspire others to do the same.
Final Thoughts
With warmth, wit, and a clear sense of purpose, the inaugural episode of Cake on Tuesday sets the foundation for a podcast that celebrates innovation done differently. Elizabeth’s insights serve as both inspiration and a challenge: to lead with lightness, to innovate with intention, and to make work feel a little more like cake on a Tuesday.
Episode Highlights:
Why play is a strategic tool for business innovation
Simple ways to build a culture of empathy and authenticity
How to balance immediate goals with long-term vision
Red flags and green flags when building workplace culture
Who Cake on Tuesday is for—and how to be part of it
Explore more at cakeontuesday.com
Know someone who belongs on Cake on Tuesday? Apply to be a guest.
