Empowering learning through play-based design, interactive facilitation, and real-world impact.

With 20+ years of experience, Julian Kea is a learning designer, facilitator, and consultant specializing in game- and play-based learning strategies, capability development, and corporate training innovation. He leverages experiential learning to drive large-scale business transformations and capability building.

Since 2019, Julian has hosted the Serious Games Podcast, a platform exploring how play and games enhance learning, facilitation, and business impact. He is also the co-developer of #TheDebriefingCube, an open-source tool for structured debriefing and reflection, notably available as a CC-BY Open Educational Resource in nine languages. Additionally, he co-designed the official Training from the BACK of the Room! – Virtual Edition TBR-VE®, making interactive learning more accessible worldwide.

Who Julian Helps:

• Learning Designers & Trainers: Master play-based learning and advanced facilitation techniques.
• Transformation & Change Teams: Drive business transformation through experiential learning and Train-the-Trainer programs.
• Corporate Learning & HR Teams: Build learning strategies that support business transformation and workforce upskilling.

How Julian Helps:

Julian creates immersive learning spaces where participants engage in real conversations, challenge assumptions, and commit to action. His adaptive facilitation provides a safe space to explore behaviors, emotions, and decision-making with clarity. Through structured reflection and focused feedback, he enhances engagement, drives meaningful change, and ensures lasting impact.

His mantra: Rediscover Learning. Work Smarter.

Core Methods:

• #TheDebriefingCube – An open-source tool for structured reflection and decision-making, available as a CC-BY Open Educational Resource in nine languages.
• Training from the BACK of the Room! – Co-designer of the official virtual edition class, ensuring cutting-edge, brain-based learning.
•  Serious Games & Gamification – Fostering engagement and knowledge retention through play-based learning methodologies.
• LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® – Certified facilitator since 2013, enhancing collaboration and complex problem-solving.
•  Role-Playing with Seminar Actors – Leveraging live-action simulations (since 2014) to develop communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Notable Achievements:

• Advancing Agile Learning: Co-founded the Agile Games Track at Manage Agile, engaging 500+ participants annually to expand the role of Serious Games in the agile scene.
• Bringing #play14 to Germany: Launched the #play14 conference in 2016, establishing a key platform for serious games and interactive learning.
• Podcast Host & Thought Leader: Hosting the Serious Games Podcast since 2019, featuring expert insights on play-based learning and facilitation.
• Leading LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® in Germany: Founded the first German LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Meetup in 2015; among the most experienced facilitators in the region since 2013.
• Global Speaker & Contributor: Featured at Counterplay Festival (Aarhus), Serious Play Conference (Toronto), and multiple Open Space events on game-based learning.

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