2020 Rob Alvarez

Rob Alvarez Bucholska – Biography

Rob Alvarez Bucholska is a globally recognized expert in gamification, game-based learning, and engagement strategies. He is the host and founder of the Professor Game podcast, a platform dedicated to exploring how games and gamification can transform education, business, and community engagement.

Professional Roles and Expertise

• Podcast Host & Consultant: Through Professor Game, Rob interviews leading practitioners in gamification, game design, and learning innovation. His podcast has featured hundreds of episodes, each offering insights into how playful design can drive meaningful change.
• Educator & Facilitator: Rob teaches and facilitates workshops on gamification and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) at top institutions including:
  • IE Business School
  • EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development)
  • EBS University
• International Speaker: He regularly speaks at conferences and events, sharing his expertise on how games can be used to foster loyalty, engagement, and learning in both entrepreneurial and educational settings
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Podcast & Blog Highlights

• His podcast episodes cover a wide range of topics—from civic engagement through classroom games to using AI for educational transformation.
• Recent episodes include:
  • “Civic Engagement Through Classroom Games” with Kerry Flanagan-Owen
  • “From Skeptics to Superstars: The Power of Play at Work” with Alex Suchman
  • “Failed Game Becomes a Hit — 8 Years Later” with Dain Saint
  • “Level Up IRL: Designing Your Purpose” with Yu-kai Chou

Philosophy & Impact

Rob believes that education wasn’t built to empower—it was built to control, and he’s on a mission to change that through playful learning. His work emphasizes the power of intentional play, interactive storytelling, and community building to create transformative experiences.