Work/Life Balance | From Hyrule to HR: How Video Games Build Real-World Career Skills

Welcome back to The Corporate Cliché Podcast!

Join Jen + Jess as they dive into the realities of corporate life through relatable and unfiltered watercooler conversations.

In this episode, we’re kicking off 2026 with a fresh installment of our Work/Life Balance series — reflecting on our holiday break, celebrating how far the podcast has come, and revealing one of our favorite ways to unplug: video games.

From cozy traditions and much-needed rest to Zelda marathons and squad strategy sessions, this episode is all about what recharges us outside the 9–5 and how those “fun” skills translate directly into Corporate success.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

✅ Holiday Break Reset
We share how we truly unplugged over the holidays; from hot chocolate traditions and puzzle nights to downtime, decluttering, and setting intentions for the new year.

✅ Leveling Up Outside of Corporate
Jen dives into her lifelong love of gaming, from classic Nintendo titles to modern open-world adventures like The Legend of Zelda and Fortnite and why gaming has always been her ultimate escape.

✅ Gamers in the Boardroom
We break down how video game skills directly translate into corporate strengths; strategic thinking, problem-solving, resource management, risk assessment, and team coordination.

✅ The Shigeru Miyamoto Story
The inspiring origin story of Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto, an artist with no formal programming background who created Mario and The Legend of Zelda, and what his journey teaches us about curiosity, creativity, and raising your hand even when you don’t “check every box.”

✅ Interview Gold: How to Frame Gaming as a Skillset
We have some fun rebranding Zelda and Fortnite skills into powerful, corporate-ready interview answers. (Spoiler: “Directed tactical operations with cross-functional teams” hits differently.)

💬 Key Takeaways:

Taking real time off is essential. Stepping away helps you appreciate where you are instead of constantly chasing what’s next.

Your hobbies aren’t separate from your career. They’re often building transferable skills you use every day.

Innovation doesn’t always come from credentials. Sometimes it comes from curiosity, imagination, and the courage to try.

Work/Life Balance isn’t just about rest. It's about reconnecting with what makes you you.

👥 Join the Conversation!

🔗 Engage with Us:
Are you a gamer? What are you playing right now? Tag us on social and tell us how you unplug outside of work!

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