What if the secret to creating training that people actually want to complete has nothing to do with points, badges, or leaderboards? In this eye-opening episode of The Talent Forge, Dr. Natalie Makulski of Coeus Creative Group reveals how her deeply personal journey into gamification—which began with helping her grandmothers combat Alzheimer's and dementia—transformed her understanding of what truly drives engagement in learning.
Rather than focusing on the superficial elements of games, she delves into the psychological underpinnings that keep us coming back for more. Her research on Magic: The Gathering players uncovered a surprising truth: the most powerful element of gaming isn't competition or rewards—it's belonging.
This insight completely transforms how we should approach training design. Dr. Makulski challenges conventional wisdom by suggesting that competition between learners can actually undermine learning by creating subtle divisions. Instead, she advocates for collective challenges where learners work together against a common obstacle, fostering a shared identity that extends beyond the training event.
Whether you're a seasoned L&D professional or just starting out, this episode will forever change how you think about engagement in learning environments. Subscribe to The Talent Forge for more conversations that challenge conventional wisdom and provide actionable strategies to future-proof your training programs.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact [email protected] or connect below!
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
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Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com