Afterthoughts: Gamifying Change with Orchango’s Edmond Molina (June 17, 2026)

On June 17, our CCCE community gathered for a session that was engaging, provocative, and deeply practical. In our pre‑event announcement, we promised an exploration of gamifying change as a strategic lever for building nimble, human‑centered organizations. Edmond Molina, Partner at ORCHANGO, delivered that with his energetic session.

The group got a behind‑the‑scenes look at the making of STEP UP!, ORCHANGO’s flagship change‑leadership simulation, and an invitation to rethink how we design learning experiences that actually shift behaviour.

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Why Gamification, and Why Now

We opened in round‑table conversations, sharing what drew us to the session. Themes emerged quickly:

• Making learning fun without making it frivolous

• Using storytelling to deepen engagement

• Moving beyond “flavour of the month” change initiatives

• Designing pathways that help people feel the impact of their decisions

Edmond built on this energy by grounding us in a simple truth: “The best teacher is experience.” And that’s where STEP UP! comes in.

Inside the Making of STEP UP!

Edmond walked us through the journey of creating the game, sharing how the concept grew organically. With its foundation in Nimble Change Leadership, the ORCHANGO Method™ recognizes that change is no longer as slow and controlled as it was in the mid-to-late 90’s. We are now in an agile era, and thriving companies need to raise the bar in response.

A few standout insights:

1. Action Learning in Action

STEP UP!™ is a facilitated learning board game for organizations faced with uncertainty, fast-paced change, and disruption. The simulation challenges competing teams to take on a tricky digital transformation. There are plenty of obstacles, internal politics and twists that simulate the real world. The case is written like a theatre play: real, immersive, and emotionally resonant.

2. Imperfect Prototypes Are a Feature, Not a Flaw

Edmond described early versions of the game made hand-cut paper cards, and whatever else was on hand. From minimum viable product to polished simulation, every iteration was an opportunity to learn.

3. Creativity + Constraints = Innovation

Some of the most charming examples came from the practical challenges of game mechanics:

• Cards that needed to stay in sequence but players kept shuffling → solved with a Chicago screw

• Two reference cards players needed to keep visible → solved with a tent card

These weren’t just production anecdotes, they were metaphors for change work itself. Constraints spark creativity when teams stay curious and collaborative.

4. Nimble Change Is a Capability, Not a Process

“Not everything is a process. Sometimes it’s people.”

The game teaches leaders to move from sluggish, linear change to nimble, ongoing adaptation. This is what organizations desperately need today.

From Pandemic Pivot to Universal Tool

COVID forced ORCHANGO to take the game online, using platforms like Mural to reimagine the experience. Instead of slowing them down, the disruption expanded the game’s reach and strengthened its design.

Today, STEP UP! is industry‑agnostic, culturally adaptable, and built for cross‑functional learning.

And the bragging rights certificate is a stroke of motivational genius.

Our Collective Takeaways

We closed the session by adding commitments to a “Commitment Wall” — a colourful mosaic of next steps, intentions, and sparks of inspiration.

Themes included:

1. Acting with boldness

2. Jumping on the “opportunity train”

3. Thinking outside the box

4. Staying open to ideas and partnerships

5. Bringing more play into serious work

Edmond left us with a brilliant quote from legendary high-wire artist Philippe Petit: “It’s impossible, that’s for sure. So let’s start working together.”

A reminder that change is rarely comfortable, but always collaborative.