Gamified Leadership Experience for Managers (P21055)

Client/Industry: Semiconductor
Attendees: SPARKS Managers (Mid-Level Leaders)
No of attendees: 25 Participants in Two Groups

Duration: Two Half-Day Virtual Gamified Workshops
Mode of delivery: Virtual
Date: – June 2022

The Challenge:

Kulicke & Soffa’s Leadership Journey for their managers wer built with bold ambition: to grow a new generation of leaders who were not only technically competent, but also self-aware, adaptable, and deeply collaborative. As a global semiconductor solutions provider operating in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, the company knew its managers needed more than just theory to thrive. They needed to be able to lead through complexity, handle ambiguity, and make confident decisions under pressure.

While the formal leadership curriculum provided a strong foundation, the client recognised that real transformation happens not just through learning, but through experience. They wanted a programme that didn’t just explain leadership concepts but brought them to life in a way that felt immediate, challenging, and relevant. They were looking for something immersive, something that could stretch managers beyond their comfort zones, reveal their leadership instincts under stress, and create space for honest reflection and peer learning.

The goal was clear: shift leadership development from passive consumption to active discovery. The client wanted participants to feel the tension, excitement, and urgency that real-world leadership demands—so that every insight gained came from doing, not just listening. This wasn’t just about instruction. It was about creating the conditions for managers to see themselves in action, reflect on their impact, and grow through every decision they made during the experience.

I never realised how much I default to command-and-control mode when things get stressful—until I saw it in the game. The reflection afterwards helped me understand how to shift that and empower my team better. It was fun, but more importantly, it was real.

The Solutions:

PPEARL partnered with a global gamification platform, a multiplayer, simulation-based platform rooted in immersive learning. Across two sessions, the managers stepped into a virtual ecosystem where they had to strategise, communicate, and make fast, complex decisions in the face of ambiguity—mirroring the modern leadership landscape.

The sessions weren’t about “winning the game”; they were designed to surface how participants lead, collaborate, and respond under pressure. Some took charge too quickly, others hesitated. Some over-planned, while others acted instinctively. These patterns were not just observed, they became the basis for meaningful conversations.

A trained Game Master helped the group reflect after each round, gently guiding them to make connections between what had just happened in the game and what often happens at work. Insights surfaced naturally, without judgment. Leaders began to see their habits, strengths, and blind spots more clearly. The simulation didn’t give them answers, but it helped them ask better questions about how they work with others, what kind of leader they are under pressure, and what needs to shift to lead more effectively.

The Impact:

Participants reported a noticeable shift in how they perceived leadership and team dynamics. They walked away with:

• A heightened sense of self-awareness in team settings

• An appreciation for strategic decision-making under uncertainty

• Greater empathy and listening in cross-functional collaboration

• Actionable insights to apply immediately within their teams

100%

of Participants Actively Engaged
88%

Increased in Leadership Awareness
10

Collective Team Insights Captured

PPEARL's Promise:

At PPEARL, we believe people learn best when they’re given the chance to try, reflect, and try again. Leadership isn’t something you pick up from a slide deck, as it takes practice, feedback, and a little discomfort. Through gamification, reflection, and action, the participants didn’t just learn to lead—they became leaders in the moment. Our partner showed us that growth can come from play, and that transformation starts with awareness.