Podcast
Roll for Leadership
Hosted by Denis Petrochenkov · EN
Welcome to ‘Roll for Leadership,’ where program and project management meets the world of tabletop role-playing games and geek culture. Hosted by Denis Petrochenkov, a seasoned program manager with over 20 years of experience and a lifelong RPG enthusiast, this show explores the fascinating intersection of professional leadership and nerdiness.
From the strategic thinking learned in epic battles to the boundless creativity of character creation, Denis shares insights on applying these lessons to real-world scenarios. With D&D celebrating its 50th anniversary and shows like Critical Role bringing RPGs into the spotlight, there’s no better time to embrace your inner geek and supercharge your career.
Beyond RPGs, we’ll delve into the whimsical wisdom of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the rich world-building of Discworld, the legendary quests of The Lord of the Rings, the intricate politics of The Expanse, the visionary leadership lessons from Star Trek, and much more. These pop-culture gems are packed with lessons and insights perfect for program and project management.
Join us for lively discussions, practical tips, and guest appearances from fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or a newbie to RPGs and geek culture, ‘Roll for Leadership’ has something for everyone.
Subscribe now and roll for leadership with us—because in the game of life and leadership, every roll counts!
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Embracing Your Inner Geek - Pop Culture and Modern Management
Oct 17, 202400:52:50Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In Episode 10 of Roll for Leadership, Denis explores how embracing geek culture can reshape modern leadership, transforming how leaders connect, inspire, and guide their teams. Drawing from a rich tapestry of worlds — from Star Trek to Dungeons & Dragons and computer games like Baldur’s Gate 3 — Denis discusses the leadership lessons hidden in these beloved stories.Using storytelling frameworks and examples from real-world leaders like Satya Nadella and Jensen Huang, this episode reveals how geek culture helps leaders build trust, foster creativity, and create a sense of belonging in their teams. Geek-inspired leadership isn’t just about fandoms — it’s about crafting meaningful, shared journeys for teams to grow, collaborate, and succeed together.Key Topics: • The rise of geek culture in leadership and management • Building trust and connection through shared interests and storytelling • Using pop culture references to foster creativity and collaboration • Lessons from RPGs for building stronger teamsSubscribe, share, and engage with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more updates, including new video content (coming up soon), adventures, and merch — and join us for a special giveaway featuring a vintage Dragon Magazine!Credits: • Logo and Art: Denis, DALL-E • Music: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
Transcribe →The Hero’s Journey | Keeping Teams Motivated Through Storytelling
Oct 10, 202400:40:47Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In Episode 9 of Roll for Leadership, Denis dives into the timeless power of storytelling with a focus on The Hero’s Journey, the narrative framework made famous by Joseph Campbell and of course one of the best sources for storytellers: Nancy Duarte's books. Using these frameworks, Denis explores how leaders can keep their teams motivated, engaged, and connected by crafting meaningful narratives. From starting a project to overcoming challenges and celebrating success, this episode provides practical tools for guiding teams through their own epic quests.Pretty much as Dungeon Masters, Leaders craft stories for their teams to help them grow and find meaning in their work.Key Topics:• Understanding the Hero’s Journey and its leadership applications• Building a shared vision through storytelling• Overcoming trials and fostering team growth• Using storytelling to inspire, lead, and motivate teamsSubscribe, share, and engage with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more updates and to join our community of adventurers.Credits:• Logo and art: Denis, DALL-E• Music: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
Transcribe →Special Announcement- New Programming Schedule
Oct 6, 202400:05:04Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In this special announcement of Roll for Leadership, Denis takes a moment to share exciting news with the community. Starting with Episode 9, The Hero’s Journey: Keeping Teams Motivated Through Storytelling, the podcast will now release every Thursday. Denis explains why this change is being made to better accommodate the growing listener base as we approach the big Episode 10.Denis also extends a huge thank you to everyone who reached out to check in, and reminds adventurers that every roll counts as we embark on the next chapter together.Key Topics: • New release schedule: Thursdays • Upcoming Episode 9: The Hero’s Journey and Storytelling • Gratitude and community engagementSubscribe, share, and engage with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more updates and join our community of adventurers.Credits: • Logo and art: Denis, DALL-E • Music: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
Transcribe →The Wizard’s Gambit: Problem-Solving Tactics from Fantasy Magic Systems
Sep 29, 202400:44:28Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In this episode of Roll for Leadership, Denis explores the strategic depths of fantasy magic systems. From the tactical spellcasting of Dungeons & Dragons to the precise Small Science of the Grishaverse, and the intricate weaving of the One Power in The Wheel of Time, we dive into how magic teaches problem-solving, resource management, and adaptability. Learn how these fantasy strategies can elevate your leadership and project management skills.Key Topics: • Strategic planning and resource management • Creative problem-solving and specialization • Balancing forces and adaptabilitySubscribe, share, and engage with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more information and join our community of like-minded leaders and gamers.Check out The Frostbound Ruins adventure and share your feedback!Credits: • Logo and art: Denis, DALL-E • Music: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
Transcribe →The Art of Diplomacy: Stakeholder Management Lessons from Waterdeep
Sep 22, 202400:32:59Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In this episode of Roll for Leadership, Denis transports listeners to Waterdeep, the City of Splendors, to explore the intricate web of stakeholder management through the lens of D&D’s iconic setting. Just as navigating noble houses, guilds, and masked Lords in Waterdeep requires diplomacy and strategic thinking, managing stakeholders in real-world projects demands similar skills. Tune in as Denis shares insights on alliances, conflict resolution, and power dynamics, applying lessons from Waterdeep to professional leadership.Key Topics: • Identifying key stakeholders and their roles • Building trust and alliances • Conflict resolution and negotiation strategies • Navigating power dynamics in projectsSubscribe, share, and engage with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more information and join our community of like-minded leaders and gamers!Credits: • Logo and art: Denis, DALL-E • Music: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
Transcribe →Rolling for Initiative: Anticipating Risks in TTRPGs and Projects
Sep 15, 202400:40:13Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In this episode of Roll for Leadership, Denis explores the critical topic of risk management, drawing parallels between rolling for initiative in TTRPGs and anticipating risks in real-world projects. Whether you’re dodging traps in a dungeon or navigating project challenges, preparation is key. Denis walks through risk identification, contingency planning, and response strategies, offering actionable insights for leaders both in and out of the game.Key Topics: • Anticipating and managing risks • Developing contingency plans • Responding to unexpected challenges • Learning from past experiencesSubscribe, share, and engage with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more information and join our community of like-minded leaders and gamers!Credits: • Logo and art: Denis, DALL-E • Music: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
Transcribe →Leading Your Adventuring Party: Team Dynamics in RPGs and the Workplace
Sep 8, 202400:51:14Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In this episode of Roll for Leadership, Denis takes you deep into the heart of Icewind Dale, blending the epic challenges of RPG adventuring with real-world team dynamics. Explore how leading an adventuring party through the frozen tundras parallels managing a team in the workplace. Denis breaks down the roles within an RPG team, drawing insights on leadership styles, conflict resolution, and the importance of adaptability. Whether you’re guiding a team of heroes or professionals, this episode will equip you with strategies to lead effectively.Key Topics: • Understanding team roles in RPGs and project management • Leadership styles inspired by iconic RPG characters • Conflict resolution and maintaining team unity • Adapting to changing team dynamics in both fantasy and real-world settingsSubscribe, share, and engage with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more information and join our community of like-minded leaders and gamers!Credits: • Logo and art: Denis, DALL-E • Music: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
Transcribe →Strategic Mastery: Resource Management and Table Politics in Magic: The Gathering Commander
Sep 1, 202400:51:12Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In this episode of Roll for Leadership, Denis continues his exploration of the strategic depths of Magic: The Gathering Commander. Join us as we delve into the nuances of table politics, long-term versus short-term planning, and the ever-evolving meta. Discover how the social dynamics at the Commander table mirror the complexities of leadership and project management, offering valuable lessons in adaptability, influence, and resource management.Key Topics: • Navigating table politics and influence • Balancing long-term and short-term planning • Adapting to the evolving meta in leadershipSubscribe, share, and connect with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more information and join our community of like-minded leaders and gamers!Credits:Logo and art: Denis, DALL-EMusic: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
Transcribe →Strategic Alliances and the Ever-Changing Meta: Leadership Lessons from Commander
Aug 25, 202400:34:04Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In this episode of Roll for Leadership, Denis delves into the strategic world of Magic: The Gathering Commander. Explore how the intricate alliances, shifting metas, and tactical gameplay of Commander offer valuable lessons in leadership and project management. Denis breaks down how forming alliances, managing resources, and adapting to changes are as vital in the boardroom as they are on the battlefield. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to Commander, this episode will sharpen your leadership skills through the lens of this dynamic game.Key Topics: Strategic alliances and betrayals in Commander Managing resources and understanding the meta Applying gaming strategies to leadership and project managementSubscribe, share, and engage with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more information and join our community of like-minded leaders and gamers!Credits: Logo and art: Denis, DALL-E Music: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
Transcribe →Galactic Roadmaps: Strategic Project Planning Lessons from Battlestar Galactica
Aug 18, 202400:38:06Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:In this episode of Roll for Leadership, Denis takes you on an intergalactic journey inspired by Battlestar Galactica. Learn how the epic journey of the fleet mirrors strategic project planning. Denis dives deep into how clear objectives, strategic checkpoints, and adaptability are crucial to navigating complex projects. Whether you’re managing resources or adjusting to unforeseen challenges, this episode will help you steer your project to success with a flexible and clear roadmap.Key Topics:Strategic project planning inspired by Battlestar GalacticaThe importance of clear objectives and adaptabilityManaging resources and setting strategic checkpointsSubscribe, share, and engage with us on social media. Visit roll4leadership.com for more information and join our community of like-minded leaders and gamers!Credits:Logo and art: Denis, DALL-EMusic: Denis, ChatGPT, Udio
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