Ungrind your mind
with HuMindWise
Join our Party!
We're a ragtag team of tech professionals on a quest to connect, play, and grow together through a community of care that shows up for each other.
Party : (noun) a chosen team, each on their own path, traveling together, learning, stumbling, supporting each other, and celebrating the journey, side by side.
Work used to feel better
Work wasn’t supposed to feel this lonely. It wasn’t supposed to drain us, flatten us, or make us doubt whether we belong.But the truth is, most of us are carrying it:
44% of workers report feeling stressed every day (Gallup, 2024).
33% describe the workplace as isolated or impersonal. 44% for remote folks
Only 1 in 3 say they’re truly engaged at work.
And too many of us are left asking: is this all there is?We think there’s a better way.
Why we play
Just because we have the technical skills doesn't mean we check our humanity at the door.
Play is how we humans explore, connect, and develop. And in The Party, we use games and game inspired experiences to practice the stuff no one teaches:
how to speak up
how to listen
how to disagree with kindness
how to hold uncertainty
how to lead with heart
These are "soft skills," which some might argue are the hardest skills of all to learn because how do you practice leading with heart? 😆
Playing games and make believe? 😏 Actually yeah! When learning feels like play, something shifts...We drop our guard, try new things, laugh...We connect.You won't find point systems or leaderboards in The Party. But you will find campfires, roleplaying games, and experiments.Play is how we build the kind of trust a community like this needs, while developing skills, like emotional intelligence, that carry over into your next meeting, career step, or even relationship.In a world that makes everything about productivity, play reminds us we're human. It gives us room to imagine better ways of working, growing, and supporting each other. It's how we build a peaceful, more joyful future for ourselves.If you're burned out, feeling isolated, or missing the magic of growing with people who care, come play with us! You're welcomed here.
Quest with the Party
Your first steps are simple, but they’ll light a path you’ll want to follow again and again.
Find a spark
Jump in! Join a Party Mixer or a game night and meet other members. Say hi, share a win, or just listen. This is how your journey begins.
Fan the flame
Connect deeper. Attend a campfire or opt in to biweekly matchup, post in a channel, or participate in our book club, Slow Page Society. Share stories and get to know your peeps.
Feel the heat
Step into practice. Lead your own event, try a maker jam, answer daily questions, or play in a game night. Experiment, collaborate, and stretch your skills in a safe space.
Get the glow!
Reflect and carry it forward. Take the insights, relationships, and skills you’ve practiced and bring them into your work, your projects, and your life. Leave each session energized, supported, and ready for the next spark.
"The Party is a workplace community for those that don't have one. Lissy is attempting to create the kind of space where people can grow, focusing on personal journey instead of productivity metrics and performance standards. I'm excited to play!"
-Brad Sytsma
Product Manager
A community for:
Folks craving a trusted circle outside of work where you can figure out what professional looks like for you
Those who are looking for low stake ways to grow with others
Having honest conversations about the things that affect our work
People who believe play, care, and growth make work meaningful
The rewards
You’ll start noticing new things about how you show up at work and in life.All of this is in a weird, fun, and gentle wrapper (see what I did there?)* held up by kindness and open-mindedness.
What you'll find inside
*This is the level of humor you can expect from me 😅
"The gulf between my work and any sense of community is one of the reasons I left tech. I think Lissy is so cool for imagining a different way for folks to connect and reconsider how they relate to one another in an environment that most folks think has no room for people to actually be people."
-Michael Budram
Program Manager
Lissy (She/They)
Founder of HuMindWise
A letter from the gamemaster
👋 Hi, I'm Lissy - professional human, lifelong gamer, and the person behind HuMindWise and the Party.For over a decade as a UX expert, I’ve been designing playful ways to ungrind our minds: using playful workshops to lead teams, bonding over games, and watching how adults grow when they’re invited to play again. Them's the credentials.
But honestly? I started the Party because I missed the feeling of being on a great team.
I’ve been burned out. Laid off. I’ve doubted my place in tech. And what brought me back wasn’t another Slack group, pizza party, or corporate training; it was the people and the support. That’s why I created HuMindWise: to have community, no matter where we're working.
Here, I’m not the one with all the answers. I’m the Gamemaster — the one who holds the space, sets up the game, and makes sure everyone has what they need to play, connect, and grow.
Through games, conversations, experiments, and shared practice, the Party is about building the skills and the community that make work — and life — more human.If you’ve been missing belonging, growth, and joy beyond the grind… you’ve found your team. Let’s play together!
We're in beta right now!
Be first to know when The Party officially opens
Join the Soft Skills, Big Feels newsletter to be the first to know when The Party launches.
At the end of each month, expect:
Resources for building human skills, like communication, empathy, and love
Stories about making work and tech a better place
Occasional news about HuMindWise, like events, courses, and special perks
You can unsubscribe anytime. This is a monthly newsletter, but I might send the occasional extra note when something exciting comes up. And don’t worry, your info is safe with me, no selling or sharing, ever.
Fresh Out of FAQs? I have plenty!
What is The Party, exactly?
Think of it as a third space away from work and home where you can be yourself, bond over shared experiences, and grow through games.
The Party is open to folks from all walks of life. The only requirement is that you work in a tech or tech-adjacent role, are respectful, and agree to the code of conduct.
What do you mean by "soft skills?"
Soft skills are superpowers for protecting your peace and creating joy at work. Some of the most common ones are empathy, public speaking, and teamwork. The Party is a playful space for everyone to experiment and try new things in an environment where it's safe to play around and grow those soft skill muscles.
Refund policy?
Communities are personal, and we want to make sure this feels like the right fit for you. Come browse, join an event, and meet some folks. If it’s not for you, just let me know within 14 days of your first payment and I'll refund you.Your membership is also month to month. Cancel right from your account, no reason needed.If you forget to cancel and get billed by mistake, just reach out within 14 days, no problem.
What things happen in The Party?
We show up in many different ways for each other. Coworking, light and deep conversations, game days, optional match ups, mutual aid, gaming streams, digital and in person events are some of the things you can expect. Participate in the ways that bring you joy.Every quarter, we explore a core theme that sits at the intersection of working in tech and being human, things like presenting, boundaries, rest as resistance, or even love.We comfort each other, of course, because these can be difficult topics, but we also learn new ways of thinking. It's not about mastery, but about noticing, trying, feeling, and learning.
Is the beta only for folks in Michigan?
We’re starting in Michigan to test and grow this community locally. If you’re in the Midwest though and excited to try it out, by all means! Please join us!Outside the region? No worries! Hop on the waitlist and you’ll be the first to know when we open up to a larger audience.
Hey! I'm available to chat!
Let's meet online!
Have a question? Just wanna meet? That's why I have coffee chats! Find a slot on my calendar.Feeling shy? Dude, me too! Try the scary thing anyway. 💙
Become a member today
Join the beta and help shape a playful, human-first community for the future of work.
The rewards
Folks craving a trusted circle outside of work where you can figure out what professional looks like for you
Those who are looking for low stake ways to grow with others
Having honest conversations about the things that affect our work
People who believe play, care, and growth make work meaningful
"The gulf between my work and any sense of community is one of the reasons I left tech. I think Lissy is so cool for imagining a different way for folks to connect and reconsider how they relate to one another in an environment that most folks think has no room for people to actually be people."
-Name
Name
"The Party is a workplace community for those that don't have one. Lissy is attempting to create the kind of space where people can grow, focusing on personal journey instead of productivity metrics and performance standards. I'm excited to play!"
-Name
Name
"The Party is a workplace community for those that don't have one. Lissy is attempting to create the kind of space where people can grow, focusing on personal journey instead of productivity metrics and performance standards. I'm excited to play!"
-Name
Name
Resources on your journey
Try on some of the resources from our community, The Party
Here's a taste of a few resources from our growing library
Free Resources
Games
Slidekicks
Work cooperatively to present a slidedeck you've never seen before, with no prep at all! If this gives you the heebie jeebies, don't worry! It's fun chaos designed to help you speak confidently and think on your feet.
Worksheets
Making Meaning at Work
Nine out of 10 employees say they would trade a portion of earnings to feel like their work has purpose.Before you do that, try this worksheet. By the end, you should have an idea of how you can add more meaning, and more joy to your day, no matter what your job is or how much you like it.
Quest for Joy
Joy is a profound state of happiness that is easier to find. Did you know that you can learn to conjure joy in the moment?The first step is knowing what brings you joy! And practicing how to summon joy throughout your day. This worksheet can help you start.
Get in touch with me!
What is HuMindWise and who is behind it?
Lissy (She / They)
Game roots
Hey folks! I’m Lissy, lifelong gamer, UX designer, and founder of HuMindWise.For over a decade, I've worked in tech, blending my love for play and design to create meaningful experiences. My journey with serious games began in college, where I designed games for inner city youth to develop soft skills naturally through play. This passion led me to Michigan State, where I earned a master’s in Human-Computer Interaction along with a certificate in Serious Games.After college, I was one of only two designers in my first job, and I had to learn on the fly how to persuade stakeholders, craft compelling stories, and advocate for my ideas, all while maintaining my sanity, my relationships, and my job. I had to create my own professional growth with little guidance, which created opportunity for me to figure out how to grow.
The missing piece
Beyond my first job, I worked on all sorts of teams - teams of one, embedded teams, central teams, chaos teams! Over the years, I learned that, for me and for many others, the tech world can be isolating, stressful, and overwhelming. Somewhere along the way, the focus on developing soft skills disappeared. These are foundational skills that we don't often find in schools, that require practice to master, and that we can use to create more peace and joy in our work lives.Here’s the catch: developing these skills takes practice, psychological safety, and real social interaction, things that tech rarely makes space for these days.
Why I created HuMindWise
In 2024, after being laid off and facing my own burnout, I considered leaving tech for good. But conversations with friends, about their stories, their struggles, their exhaustion, pulled me back in with a new sense of purpose.I realized I couldn’t fix the corporate world overnight. But! I could create a space where we support each other, continue building on the skills we need, and make work feel human again.That’s where HuMindWise comes in.
What we're building together
- A support system for navigating growth, self-doubt, and work challenges- A place where you can experiment, grow, and develop soft skills without the fear of failure.- A community powered by play, where professional growth feels more like an adventure than checking some boxes.
Play has always been my greatest teacher. From video games to board games to tabletop role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, games have taught me about connection, collaboration, and being human. Now, I’m bringing those same principles into tech careers to help others turn their struggles into opportunities for joy and learning.So welcome to the campaign, the one where we build the support system we wish we had!
Soft Skills, Big Feels
Soft Skills, Big Feels is a newsletter for folks working in tech (or tech-adjacent roles) interested in connection, talking about feelings, and being human at work.
A Monthly Hug for your Inbox!
At the end of the month, expect:
Resources for building human skills, like communication, empathy, and love
Stories about making work and tech a better place
Behind the scenes updates from HuMindWise, like events, offerings, and community goodies
No spam, no fluff. Just a little support in your inbox monthly.See the latest issues
You can unsubscribe anytime. This is a monthly newsletter, but I might send the occasional extra note when something exciting comes up. And don’t worry, your info is safe with me, no selling or sharing, ever.
Code of Conduct
A community built on play, growth, and respect
At HuMindWise, we’re here to grow, experiment, and support each other in becoming better professionals and better humans. This is a space where learning happens through play, where we practice soft skills without fear of failure, and where we build meaningful relationships.Being here (using this site, participating in events or the community, and so on) means agreeing to co-create a space that is inclusive, energizing, and supportive. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about curiosity, accountability, and respect.Here’s how we make that happen together:
We respect each other as human beings
Every person here brings unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths. We welcome that diversity, and we create space for everyone to feel heard and valued.
We commit to:
Treating each other with kindness and dignity
Engaging in curious, open-minded conversations
Giving each other grace to learn and grow
We don't do:
Harmful language, harassment, or discrimination (including but not limited to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, religious discrimination)
Personal attacks, bullying, or intimidation
Behavior that makes others feel unwelcome or unsafe
What happens if someone crosses the line?
If someone engages in harmful behavior, they will be removed from the community, events, courses, workshops, and coaching sessions without a refund. This is a space for growth, not harm, and that means prioritizing the wellbeing of our members.
Authentic expression and language
We encourage you to show up as your authentic self, including how you speak. If the occasional curse word is part of how you naturally express passion, humor, or emphasis, that’s totally fine.What matters most is respect. Language should uplift, not tear down. Avoid using strong language in a way that’s aggressive, harmful, or directed at others. Slurs and offensive language are never okay.TL;DR: Be yourself, speak freely, and keep respect at the heart of it all. 💙
Community first means no self-promotion
This is a space for connection, learning, and shared growth. We encourage discussions, idea-sharing, and supporting each other’s journeys, but outright self-promotion, unsolicited sales pitches, or using the community primarily for personal gain isn’t in the spirit of what we’re building. Self-promotion is allowed only in certain circumstances, with prior approval.
Share your insights and experiences, not just your products or services.
If someone asks for recommendations and your work is a relevant fit, that’s great! Just be mindful of intent.
If you’re unsure whether something is appropriate to share, ask a moderator first.
Our goal is to create a space where meaningful relationships can flower, not just basic networking transactions.
A place for experimentation and play
Learning and developing soft skills shouldn't feel like a performance. It should feel like an adventure!
You don’t have to be perfect here. This is a place to practice and try things out. But we do expect you to be curious, accountable, and open to feedback.
Mistakes are part of growth. We assume that others have good intentions. At the same time, we each take responsibility for the impact of our words and actions. Mistakes happen, and what matters is how we learn from them.
We explore, experiment, and play because that’s how we learn best.
We learn from and teach each other
No one has it all figured out, and that's the point!
Everyone here has something to offer, whether you’re new to soft skills, tech, corporate work or have years of experience.
We support each other because we want to, not because we expect something in return.
If you’ve learned something valuable, share it. If you need help, ask for it.
This is a collaborative space, not a competitive one. We grow better together.
Constructive feedback and navigating conflict
Disagreements are part of learning! What matters is how we handle them:
Lead with kindness. If you have feedback, make it thoughtful and constructive.
No passive-aggressive side comments. Direct, honest conversations build trust.
If something feels off, talk about it. Conflict doesn’t have to be scary. It can be an opportunity for understanding and growth. You can reach out to the person directly or reach out to Lissy.
This community isn’t about “calling out” but calling in to help each other grow while keeping respect at the center.
We talk about systems, not partisan news
We believe that real-world challenges, like bias, privilege, and workplace inequalities, deserve thoughtful discussion. Tech is not neutral, and neither are the challenges professionals face in the workplace. Racism, sexism, ableism, and other oppressive structures exist, and we will talk about them.This space is for:
Discussing how social systems impact our work and well-being
Learning how to navigate bias and inequality in professional spaces
Acknowledging that workplace struggles (like sexism, racism, and ableism) aren’t just personal; they’re systemic
Taking responsibility for our own learning so we don’t expect others to do emotional labor for us
This is not a space for:
Conspiracy theories, political news debates, or divisive party-based arguments
Expecting marginalized people to educate others on demand
Discussions that derail into personal attacks rather than solutions
If you’re unsure whether a discussion fits, ask yourself:
“Is this about making work better, or is it just arguing about politics?”
Above all, this is a community that values human rights. If you can't get behind that, this community is not a good fit for you.
What’s shared here, stays here
This is a space where people share their experiences, experiment with new skills, and open up about challenges. That requires trust and care.
Respect each other’s privacy. Stories shared here should stay here, unless you have explicit permission.
Share lessons, not names. If you want to talk about something you learned, do so in a way that protects others' privacy.
Protecting our energy
Growth can be exciting, but also challenging. We encourage everyone to:
Take breaks, set boundaries, and listen to what you need.
participate in a way that works for you. You don't to be present in every channel, event, workshop, and webinar. There will always be more.
Reach out if you need support.
Remember that progress is more important than perfection.
Why this matters
HuMindWise exists because soft skills will help improve our wellbeing and happiness at work, and soft skills need spaces to be practiced, not just talked about.We’re building something together, a place where work feels human again.By being here, you’re helping shape the kind of community we all wish we had.
Welcome to the party! 🎉
Need to report an issue?
If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, please reach out directly through the contact form, direct message, or by emailing [email protected]. We take concerns seriously and will handle them with care.
Terms of Service
Last Updated: 2/2/2025Welcome to HuMindWise! By accessing or using this website, humindwise.com, you agree to comply with the following Terms of Service ("Terms"). Please read these Terms carefully. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use this website.
Purpose of this website
HuMindWise is an informational website designed to provide information about our services, coaching, community, and other offerings. You can also sign up for newsletters, book consultations or coaching sessions, and contact us for various inquiries.
Eligibility
The services provided on this website are intended for adults aged 18 and older. By using this website, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, please do not use our website.
Services and interactions
By using our website, you may:
Sign up for newsletters for updates and information about HuMindWise.
Contact us for a call, coaching session, or more information.
Request changes to your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Access resources as available on the website.
Interactions related to courses or community access occur off-site, and payments for these services happen through third-party platforms.
Prohibited use
You agree not to:
Engage in any spamming, harassment, fraudulent, or malicious activity.
Use any content from this site for malicious purposes, including but not limited to unauthorized distribution, reproduction, or modification.
Resources provided by HuMindWise are for personal use only. They may not be redistributed, shares, resold, or modified for commercial purposes.
Use our website in any way that violates any local, state, national, or international laws.
No guarantees and disclaimers
While HuMindWise provides expert coaching and resources to guide you in your professional development, individual results from our services may vary based on several factors, including effort, commitment, and actions taken. We do not guarantee specific results from the coaching sessions, as outcomes depend on personal circumstances. Any statements regarding potential outcomes are intended for illustrative purposes and do not constitute guarantees.The Company is not responsible for any decisions made by users based on our marketing materials or consultations. We also do not offer legal, tax, medical, or accounting advice, and we encourage clients to seek guidance from licensed professionals in those areas.
Limitation of liability
The Company shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages. In no event shall the Company's total liability exceed the amount paid by the Client for services under this agreement. The Company is not responsible for errors or omissions in the services, materials, or information provided.
Intellectual property
All content provided on HuMindWise.com is protected by copyright. The text on our website may be used under a Creative Commons license, provided that you attribute the content to HuMindWise and provide a link back to our website. However, any materials related to our coaching services, courses, or community cannot be reproduced, distributed, or used outside of services rendered to HuMindWise.
Data collection and privacy
We collect email addresses when users sign up for our newsletter or book a session. We do not collect any other personal data or use cookies. For a full explanation of how we collect, use, and protect your information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Changes to terms of service
We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and the “Last Updated” date will be revised accordingly. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.
Dispute resolution and governing law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, USA, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any disputes, claims, or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Michigan. The parties hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and waive any objections to the convenience or propriety of venue in these forums.
Contact information
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Privacy Policy
At HuMindWise, I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy outlines the information I collect, how it is used, and your rights regarding your personal data.
Information I collect
I only collect email addresses when you sign up for our newsletter or book a meeting through my Cal.com link. You do not need to sign-up for the newsletter to receive a free resource, but if you do, only your email will be collected and added to our newsletter list.Additionally, if you join The Party community hosted on Heartbeat (course, event, and community platform), participate in a course or cohort, or attend events on that platform, Heartbeat may collect additional information, such as your username, password, profile details, event attendance, course participation, and payment details (if applicable). These are collected and managed according to Heartbeat’s own privacy practices.I do not collect any other personal data, nor do I use cookies on the HuMindWise.com website. However, Heartbeat and any linked platforms may use cookies or tracking technologies, and we encourage you to review their privacy policy for details on how they manage your data.
Analytics
We use TWIPLA, a privacy-first cookieless analytics tool, to understand how visitors interact with our website. TWIPLA operates in Maximum Privacy Mode, meaning it does not use cookies, track IP addresses, or collect personal data. All data is anonymized and aggregated only to improve website performance and identify improvement areas. The data is securely stored in Germany in ISO 27001-certified data centers and is never shared or sold. If you have questions about our analytics practices, contact us at [email protected].
Additional Info on TWIPLA
TWIPLA is a website analytics service that measures traffic on our website and collects general information from our website visitors. We create statistics to improve the experience of our website visitors. We never use cookies for this purpose. As a website operator using TWIPLA to conduct reach measurement, depending on the level of data protection we have activated, we may process information about the device you are using and its characteristics, information about technical characteristics of the website visit, the number of page visits and statistically relevant behavior of our website visitors. The technology does not use the collected data to identify individual visitors or to match the data with additional information about an individual user. Depending on the location from which you access our website, TWIPLA may not collect any information about the device you are using due to our technical settings.
How I use your email
Your email address is used for the following purposes only:
Sending newsletters, updates, and occasional promotions related to HuMindWise. These promotions will only be related to our services or my recommendations, which are not sponsored or paid for at this time.
Sending meeting invites, reminders, and relevant email and documents if you book a meeting with me through Cal.com or engage in coaching, courses, or community, or request info from me or access to a resource.
If you join our community (The Party on Heartbeat's platform), or enroll in courses or attend events on the platform, your email address and any other personal details shared may be used for community interactions, course access, and related communication.
I do not share your email address with third parties, and I will never sell or rent your email address to anyone. I value your trust in me and I am committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your data.
How to unsubscribe
You can unsubscribe from my newsletters at any time. Each newsletter contains an unsubscribe link at the bottom. Alternatively, you can contact me directly at [email protected] to unsubscribe.If you book a meeting with me or engage in coaching or courses, you can also unsubscribe from communication related to that at any time. If you join our community on Heartbeat, you may be able to manage communication preferences directly through your account settings on the platform.
Email Retention and Purging
I will keep your email address as long as you continue to engage with my newsletters. If you do not open any newsletters for 12 months, I may remove your email address from our list during a routine purge, whenever I remember to. You can also ask me to delete your email at any time by contacting me directly.If you ever reply to a newsletter, I may store your email in our Gmail storage for direct communication purposes, but I will not keep email addresses beyond what is necessary for our communications.
Data Security
We rely on the security measures provided by ConvertKit, Cal.com, and Heartbeat to protect your email address and any data you share with us. We do not store email addresses in our own database, and we do not export email lists to external systems.If you ever ask me to delete, update, or modify your data, I will respond as soon as I can and perform any requested updates.
Compliance with privacy law
We comply with the following privacy regulations to the extent applicable:
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation - EU) If you are a resident of the European Union, you have the right to request access to your personal data, request deletion of your data, or withdraw your consent for communications at any time. Please contact me directly to exercise these rights.
CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act - US) As a resident of California, you have the right to request deletion of your personal data. I do not sell your personal information, but you can request that we delete your email address or any data.
CAN-SPAM Act (US) In compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, I include an unsubscribe link in every email we send. You may unsubscribe at any time or contact me directly to manage your preferences. We also provide a physical mailing address in our emails, which is ConvertKit’s mailing address.
Services intended for adults
HuMindWise services are intended solely for adults (individuals 18 years or older). I do not intentionally collect personal data from minors. If you are under 18, please do not provide your email address or other personal information. By using our services, you confirm that you are an adult.
Data storage location
We use Kit, Cal.com, and Heartbeat for email services, meeting scheduling, and community/course management. While these services are primarily based in the US, I do not believe your email address or any data you share is stored outside of the US. If this ever changes, I will update our privacy policy accordingly.
Your rights regarding your data
If you would like to:
Request information on what data we have about you
Update your email or personal details
Delete your data from our system
Unsubscribe from our newsletters or other communications
Please contact me directly at [email protected]. I will respond to your request as soon as possible.
@HuMindWise
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