Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in technology and innovation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Peter Williamson, Co-Founder of Barometer XP, located in Washington, DC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Barometer XP represents the next generation of workplace learning and development. We use customized games and simulations to explore team dynamics and help companies thrive. We also train professional facilitators on how to use games more effectively for their clients. Our customer onboarding process typically starts with HR/people/culture officers or independent consultants. Engagements evolve around their needs or inquiries.

Tell us about yourself

Following a childhood dream, I became a professional golfer after college. My experience as an athlete and love of design thinking lead me to create a nonprofit Game Genius in the Washington DC area. Working with other changemakers and helping them succeed is at the root of what I like doing.

In 2021, Game Genius helped launch Barometer XP alongside a few local organizational development consultants. We combined our knowledge and expertise into a model for play-based facilitation. Now that model is influencing how businesses think about the future of work and team culture. Pretty cool!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Implementing play into any workplace is such a treat. We often forget about joy at our job, and not many L&D firms focus on this approach. Doing something innovative can be scary and uncertain, but getting it off the ground and seeing real impact validates the work we put in.

My favorite story to date: someone emailed me six months after a team engagement sharing they were going to leave the company but stayed after playing with us. That person was now a driving force in changing the culture to accommodate more of their colleagues.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

It's pretty easy to feel imposter syndrome in such a big industry. Every team needs some form of learning and development. The idea that we could be one of the thought leaders pushes us to keep refining our approach. But that inherently makes it hard to set boundaries on what's "good enough." I think a lot of business owners face this question, and the answer is different for everybody. Make sure you give yourself time to reflect.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Play often. Reflect always. You'll learn more about others faster.
  2. Invest in relationships. We're all human. Genuine connections lead to meaningful growth.
  3. Don't try and be everything to everyone. That goes for your team role, sales approach, and life boundaries.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If your team is 3+ people and interested in how play can help the business, contact me!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.barometerxp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barometerxp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barometerxp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barometerxp/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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