Meet BJ Davis of BJD Leadership Training and Team Development

Today we’d like to introduce you to BJ Davis

Hi BJ, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was spanked on my first day of kindergarten—an unforgettable lesson in leadership, discipline, and owning up. Excited to make friends and explore, I found blackberries beyond the playground boundaries that were laid out by our teacher. My idea was to help others reach them by holding the bobbed-wire fence up while they crawled through led to berry-stained hands and a lesson: people will follow you if they want what you have to offer. One girl, who didn’t follow us on our expedition, watched and reported, and soon we faced the consequences. When asked whose idea it was, I owned up, earning respect despite the paddle. This experience at the age of 5, shaped my belief in accountability and later inspired my career in leadership training, where for the last 21 years, I’ve taught others to embrace challenges through creative play, form alliances through collaboration and teamwork, and reach for the sweet rewards of responsibility for the actions you take in any given situation.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a business means signing up for challenges from day one. Embracing these challenges is crucial; otherwise, reconsidering your career path might be wise. As a business owner, especially in teaching skills where you are the product, everything you say and do directly impacts client outcomes, not just you. Clarity is essential: define who you are, what you offer, and who your ideal client is—avoid the temptation to work with everyone. Transparency about what you promise and deliver is key; if necessary, part ways with clients who aren’t a good fit. It’s better to focus on those who appreciate your work than to struggle with those who don’t.

We’ve been impressed with BJD Leadership Training and Team Development, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
BJD Leadership Training & Team Development, led by founder BJ Davis, emphasizes a transformative approach centered around High-Performance Play™. This innovative methodology seeks to reshape workplace dynamics by leveraging the universal language of play to foster team synergy, creativity, and inclusivity.

Davis’s journey began with a deep-seated belief in the power of play to bridge cultural divides and enhance communication beyond words. Over two decades of experience, Davis has refined the concept of High-Performance Play™, which aims to inspire teams to shift from competitive mindsets to collaborative and creative ones. This shift not only enhances productivity and enjoyment at work but also nurtures emotional well-being and resilience among team members.

The programs offered by BJD are designed to be engaging and inclusive, focusing on personal empowerment (You Play), collaborative teamwork (We Play), and collective unity (We All Play). These programs are now delivered globally through virtual platforms, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness in a post-pandemic world.

BJD’s impact extends beyond corporate settings to include partnerships with non-profit organizations and educational institutions worldwide. They have collaborated with entities like the American Council for International Education and World Learning, demonstrating a commitment to fostering leadership and development across diverse cultural and geographical contexts.

By integrating positive affirmations, engaging activities, and strength acknowledgment into their High-Performance Play™ process, BJD addresses mental health and resilience within organizational frameworks. This holistic approach not only boosts team morale but also cultivates a positive work culture that supports individual growth and organizational success.

In essence, BJD Leadership Training & Team Development stands out for its dedication to building healthy, happy, and unified communities through a creative mind-shift infused with play. Their programs offer a refreshing alternative to traditional workplace norms, promoting inspired leadership and sustainable success through the transformative power of play.
For more information, you can visit their website at highperformanceplay.com or connect with them via email at bjdavis@highperformanceplay.com.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Every success story is made up of countless smaller victories. At BJD Leadership, we’ve been honored with support from clients worldwide, such as the American Council of International Programs during the Ukraine conflict, and through partnerships with International Focus. Our dedicated team members, spanning several countries including Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and Afghanistan, have been instrumental in shaping our mission over the past two decades. Local supporters like Ann Jagger, a respected author and film producer, and Scott Markowitz, a lead facilitator, have championed our work for years. We extend our deepest gratitude to Cheryl Jenkins of Meredith College and Melissa Pasquinelli from the College of Natural Resources for their steadfast support of our “Owning the Peace” program. We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering belief and support from our local and global community at BJD Leadership.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.highperformanceplay.com
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajeandavis/