What do blindfolded bowling, ding dong ditch, and someone suggesting “murder in the dark” have to do with business? Absolutely nothing, and also everything.
What I noticed after our Thriving Women retreat earlier this month made it clear: the moments of laughter didn’t distract us from the work. They prepared us for it. The energy shifted, creativity lifted, and women who carry huge responsibility looked lighter.
Somewhere along the line, especially as women, we lose permission to play. Everything has to be productive, measured, and “worth it”. We tell ourselves we’ll have fun after the launch, after tax time, after the busy season, after the next goal.
But joy isn’t the reward at the end. It’s fuel. So this week, ask yourself: what could you do today that would make you smile, even for three minutes?
Chapter markers
00:00 Fun and games at a business retreat (and why it matters)
01:07 The 3-minute exercise that changed the room
02:00 Blindfolded bowling
02:54 Ding dong ditch and “murder in the dark”
04:56 When did we lose permission to be silly
05:45 Why joy gets delayed
06:50 Joy isn’t the reward, it’s the fuel
07:08 Joy as a burnout boundary
08:14 What makes Thriving Women different: community
09:03 Joy is essential, not accidental
09:42 Take business seriously without taking yourself too seriously
09:43 Three questions to ask yourself this week
10:24 Stop waiting for life to be less busy
10:44 What silly thing did you stop doing?
LINKS:
Emma McQueen:
Website: https://tea-with-the-queen.captivate.fm/linkedin
For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/
Day With The Queen - Melbourne Event - Oct 22nd, 2026
https://emmamcqueen.com.au/events/day-with-the-queen/
YouTube Channel
BD Sprint:
https://emmamcqueen.com.au/coaching-services/bd-sprint/
Mentioned in this episode:
Day With The Queen
