My name is Rita Ezenwa-Okoro and I am the author of Exercise Your Imagination: For Leaders Who Want to PLAY a Head Taller. I wrote this book because nearly everyone thinks or believes play is only for children and, in fact, when adults play it is seen as a sign that they are childish. However, based on my research and experience, I believe play is a developmental activity for everyone across all ages. Only when we are in a child-like space and mind can we exercise our imagination for invention, innovation and transformation.

My hope is that, in reading this book, you will discover how the application of improvisation, role play, storytelling, humor, movement, dance, music, and creative direction in work and life makes team leads, managers, community organizers and public servants become extraordinary leaders. I hope to instill in you the same sort of passion and excitement that I have for integrating play into everyday life. Ultimately, I want you to see this book as a tool to help you become a high performing, creative and innovative leader.

In this book, you’ll learn about how…

• A leader of fortune 500 companies and numerous national and international corporations achieved surprising results from — boosting creativity, collaboration and performance by building a culture of play
• A single song lyric triggered a breakthrough for a leader in high-stakes humanitarian rescue operations, which led to a life-changing career pivot
• A creative intervention that transformed an educator’s approach, produced immediate classroom impact and new professional momentum

You will love this book if you want to make bold career moves, unlock more leadership potentials within, rise above the weight of outdated systems, silence frustrations and haunting fear of leading disengaged teams.

Exercise Your Imagination is a nonfiction book

that speaks to directors, managers, community organizers, and public servants who are curious to explore unconventional, playful frameworks. It offers strategies to break free from the status quo and become catalysts for change in both professional and personal spheres.

The book is written in four Parts….

• In Part 1, you’ll be immersed in the Art and Science of Play and Creativity, where you’ll uncover groundbreaking studies on the power of play in both children and adults. Discover the fascinating journey of adult play’s evolution, and meet Jerre Stead, who served as the leader of Fortune 500 companies and numerous national and international corporations. His inspiring philosophy embraces work as play with a purpose
• Part 2 will inspire you with stories of visionary leaders like Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter, and Cathy Salit, CEO Emeritus of Performance of a Lifetime and Founder of Global Play Brigade. These leaders are transforming the development sector through creative, shape-shifting approaches. Dive into the vibrant history of play movements and uncover a transformative curriculum designed for leaders eager to integrate play into their lives and professional journeys
• In Part 3 we take a deep dive into playful cultural practices from the global south that shape identities and societal roles. Explore the leadership journey of Adama Sanneh, the partly Italian, partly Senegalese, and partly Gambian Co-founder/CEO of the Moleskine Foundation. Witness how creativity has been a driving force in his impactful leadership story
• Part 4 spotlights real-life transformational stories of emerging leaders who boldly perform with audacity in their chosen fields. Discover practical tips on infusing play and creative practices to fuel personal growth and leadership development. Plus, gain forward-thinking insights as I share my imaginative outlook on the future, forecasting what leaders must proactively embrace in this creative age

My Publishing Journey: Where Your Support Goes

I’m publishing Exercise Your Imagination with the support of Manuscripts Press, an innovative publisher that provides me with a full publishing team to bring this book to life. This summer, I’m working closely with:

• A revisions editor, copy editor, and proofreader to refine and elevate every story in the book
• A marketing strategist to help me connect with new audiences and make the book’s message reach those who need it most
• A cover artist and layout editor who will ensure the final product is visually stunning and professionally produced

Other Ways to Support Me

Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help:

• Please share my presale campaign on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn with your friends, family and network. Please use #ExerciseYourImagination and tag me so we can help amplify your efforts
• Please recommend my book to five (5) friends, family members, or co-workers who you think would enjoy it via text or direct message on social media

Thank you so much for all of your love and support!

Rita Ezenwa-Okoro

About the Author 

Rita Ezenwa-Okoro is a dynamic creative culturist, and visionary leader who harnesses the transformative power of play and performing arts to raise and nurture leaders. Her previous book, Doing. Being. Becoming., earned her numerous speaking features, including at the United Nations 9th Global Forum and The Association of the Study of Play (TASP).

As a renowned thought leader, speaker, author, and creative strategist, Rita has directly empowered over 5,000 youth leaders and entrepreneurs, sparking ripple effects that have positively impacted countless families and communities worldwide.

Rita’s visionary leadership shines as the Executive Director of the Global Play Brigade. This movement uses play to soften borders and barriers between people across the globe. She is also the founder of the Street Project Foundation— a United Nations Award-Winning organization.

A Mandela Washington Fellow, Rita is also a three-time global fellow of the International Society of the Performing Arts (ISPA), and now the first Nigerian to serve on the board of ISPA, a prestigious organization for performing arts leaders across the world.

When she is not on a mission to change the world, Rita makes music, explores the world, and indulges in the guilty pleasures of a good RomCom.