A Hands-On Approach to Better Team Communication with Shannon Russell

In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, Adrienne Wilkerson sits down with Shannon Russell, founder of Build Better Teams Consulting, to explore how LEGO Serious Play can help organizations strengthen communication, uncover new ideas, and create more connected teams.Shannon began her career as a television producer before leaving the industry to build a STEM education business while raising two young children. After spending more than eight years teaching LEGO and robotics, she discovered LEGO Serious Play, a hands-on methodology that helps adults think, communicate, and solve problems in a more visual and collaborative way. During the conversation, Shannon explains how building with LEGO can create a more level playing field during meetings. Instead of hearing only from the most vocal people in the room, every team member has an opportunity to build, explain, and contribute their perspective.Adrienne and Shannon also discuss the challenges of managing remote and growing teams, the importance of regular check-ins, and why leaders need to create more opportunities for genuine human connection in an increasingly digital workplace.Whether you are leading a small business, navigating rapid growth, managing a remote team, or trying to improve collaboration across your organization, this conversation offers practical ways to help people feel heard, valued, and connected.In This Episode• Shannon’s transition from television producer to entrepreneur • Starting a business while raising young children • How Shannon’s STEM education company evolved • What LEGO Serious Play is and how it works • Why hands-on learning can improve understanding and retention • Creating space for quieter team members to contribute • How LEGO can reveal team roles, gaps, and opportunities • Supporting accidental business owners who suddenly have a team • Using LEGO Serious Play with remote and in-person teams • How regular check-ins strengthen team cohesion • Building stronger relationships in remote workplaces • Why celebrating wins can create a healthier team culture Key TakeawaysHands-on learning creates deeper understanding: LEGO Serious Play encourages people to think with their hands. Team members build their answers, explain their ideas, and create a visual representation that others can better understand and remember.Every team member deserves an opportunity to contribute: Traditional meetings often favor the most vocal people in the room. A structured building exercise gives quieter or more introverted team members an equal opportunity to share their ideas.Strong teams require consistent connection: Remote work can leave employees feeling isolated or disconnected from the larger organization. Regular team check-ins and intentional one-on-one conversations can help people understand their priorities, ask for support, and feel valued.Leaders need to know their people: Team cohesion is not only about productivity. Asking about an employee’s family, challenges, goals, and life outside of work can build the trust needed for stronger communication and long-term retention.Celebrating progress strengthens culture: Ending the week by recognizing personal and professional wins can help teams focus on what is going well instead of only discussing problems and unfinished tasks.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Shannon’s Career Journey01:14 Transitioning from Television to STEM Education03:14 Starting a Business with Young Children08:41 Discovering LEGO Serious Play10:50 How LEGO Serious Play Improves Team Collaboration13:24 Tactile Learning and Human Connection16:26 Building Team Roles and Organizational Plans17:46 Supporting Accidental Business Owners19:16 Helping Team Members Understand Their Roles21:38 Virtual vs. In-Person LEGO Sessions23:28 Keeping Growing Teams Connected24:22 Weekly and Individual Team Check-Ins26:17 Celebrating Wins and Strengthening Culture28:55 Building Deeper Workplace Relationships30:23 How to Connect with Shannon RussellConnect with Shannon Russell:Build Better Teams Consultinghttps://buildbetterteamsconsulting.comBuild Better Teams Podcasthttps://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast