Joshua Howard is the COO of OtherSide Entertainment, a company focused on providing players with innovative gameplay, immersive worlds, and engaging narrative. His focus extends beyond creating great games; he fosters positive team cultures, cultivates future leaders, and prioritizes employee well-being as the foundation for exceptional player experiences. Joshua's experience spans leadership roles in companies like Microsoft, Crytek, and Big Fish. He actively consults, coaches, and writes on leadership and management within the video game industry. A passionate board gamer himself, Joshua believes the principles of game design can be effectively applied to real-world management challenges.

In this episode…

Effective leadership is the cornerstone of employee growth. While some leadership styles prioritize control and hierarchy, fostering a culture of empowerment is demonstrably more effective. This approach transforms employees from passive followers into active contributors. However, it begs the question: How can leaders cultivate an environment that ignites employee potential?

Gaming enthusiast Joshua Howard advocates for a leadership style that prioritizes employee growth and empowerment. This entails creating a work environment where employees feel trusted to take ownership of their tasks, contribute their unique ideas, and continuously develop their skills. Joshua also emphasizes open communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a culture of learning over micromanagement. Ultimately, his leadership approach focuses on building a strong, collaborative team focused on shared goals and mutual well-being. To develop a more empowered and thriving team, it’s crucial to invest in employee development opportunities.

Join Lizzie Mintus on today’s episode of the Here’s Waldo podcast as she interviews Joshua Howard, the COO of OtherSide Entertainment, to talk about fostering employee growth through effective leadership. Joshua discusses the relationship between management and game design, how to be an effective leader, and the value of having a diverse team.