Facilitator Forum

In this special BONUS episode, we’re bringing back Jenny Sauer-Klein, founder of the Scaling Intimacy School of Experience Design, to talk facilitation fails. Building from Rick Rubin's definition that “failure is the information you need to get where you're going,” Jenny and Julia openly share stories and learnings around their top 5 failures from decades of facilitation and how those experiences have helped them get to where they are today. You’ll hear some cringe-worthy moments, a few “I’ve been there”s, and lots of heartfelt learning that can only come from reflecting on your mistakes. Through lively conversation about lived experiences that lead to practical solutions, Julia and Jenny provide an invaluable resource for facilitators seeking to enhance their skills and navigate common challenges in the world of facilitation. For show notes including a discount code for the Facilitation Finesse course go to https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/14-bonus

#013 - In the final episode of Facilitator Forum, we meet the talented Willie Jackson, a leader and facilitator who is on a mission to bring more ease and lightness to the notoriously fraught subject of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). We talk about who “should” be facilitating DEI discussions, explore interesting trends across cultural and generational divides, and learn tactical best practices for leading DEI conversations. You’ll also catch a cringey laugh from one of my own embarrassing DEI facilitation fumbles! Ultimately, Willie teaches us that there’s a role for everyone to play in building bridges across humanity through this important work. To get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/013

#012 - Mexican artist Julia Haro created a stunning painting that I recently purchased at an art show in her home, a transaction that sparked a mystical connection between us. In a personal, intuitive, and emotional conversation, Julia and I explore what exactly she facilitated for me by creating and selling this piece of art, as part of a broader conversation about the timeless bond that unites artists with their audiences. To get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/012

#011 - Rites of passage guide Larissa Conte understands that humans are not separate from nature and brings this perspective into her work to bridge diverse worlds as an integrative systems coach, helping business leaders enhance their “power literacy” along the way. In this heart-centered conversation, we explore the art of transformation (aka living and dying), the difference between self-care and selfishness, the power of paying attention to subtle things, and the potential each of us has to be a healer. To get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/011

#010 - On a mission to help humanity become a “net positive to nature,” Tom Chi ran over 100 personal experiments to reduce his carbon footprint and walked away with 7 approachable actions to help the planet — while improving his own life in the process. In this Earth Day episode packed with practical tips and tricks, Tom shares his findings and guides us all to become better facilitators of planetary health. If you'd like to get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/010

#009 - In his stunning work to help underserved youth “take off their masks” and deal with challenging experiences in healthy ways, nonprofit leader and award-winning teacher Ashanti Branch must consistently examine his own masks and the truths that lie beneath. In this episode, we navigate ways to respond vs react, manage difficult group dynamics, and explore what it means to be our “true selves” as we guide others to do the same. If you'd like to get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/009

#008 - When the pandemic began and group experiences shifted from in-person to online, international facilitator Gwyn Wansbrough had a breakthrough that changed the trajectory of her career. In this episode, we explore what it means to have a “breakthrough,” unpack ways we can create the conditions for people to have them in online environments, and share what it’s been like behind the scenes as facilitators to pivot from in-person to virtual… with a surprisingly emotional breakthrough moment emerging along the way! If you'd like to get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/008

#007 - Inspired and guided by her Navajo ancestors, Vickie Oldman infuses indigenous wisdom into everything she does. As Vickie honors her relatives, tells facilitation stories and shares her native language, she invites us into a world where we, too, are encouraged to slow down, listen to intuition, and contemplate the power of language. “This is what I do. This is the medicine I bring. And I’m bringing it,” she says. In this episode, we have the privilege to receive this medicine. If you'd like to get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/007

#006 - Drums have always been a cathartic outlet for percussionist Caleb Spaulding. Now he facilitates rhythmic experiences to help other people identify and express their emotions. In this episode we learn about Caleb’s journey, discuss barriers and pathways to self-expression, and navigate mental health topics like work burnout, toxic masculinity, and finding ways to “be creative” in our everyday lives. Plus, get ready to experience a short guided drumming meditation! If you'd like to get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/006

#005 - Public speaking coach Eduardo Placer fearlessly shares the truth about himself that he's struggled with the most and empowers us to heal by looking more deeply at the stories we believe about ourselves. We talk about the ways people tend to “perform power," and what’s possible for ourselves and our world if we can learn to present as who we really are instead. If you'd like to get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/005

#004 - Learning & development expert Joanna Miller, who describes herself as a “personal trainer for discomfort,” challenges us to embrace both joy and discomfort as a way to get more of the connection we crave in our personal and professional lives. We talk about how to be more real with ourselves and others (and why that’s so important), and explore ways to proactively “dial up the magic” in order to create moments of true connection. You can learn more about embracing discomfort here: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/blog/004-addressing-the-elephant If you'd like to get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/004

#001 - Julia Winston didn't set out to become a professional facilitator, but now that she's found herself on this exciting career path, she notices fellow facilitators everywhere! What exactly does it mean to be a facilitator, and how does one embark on such a path? Join Julia on a journey to discover the unique stories of people from different walks of life who find themselves on the path of facilitation as a vocation - and consider the role facilitation plays in your own life along the way. You can learn more about the WHY behind this podcast here: http://www.facilitatorforum.com/blog/001-welcome You can learn more about Julia's journey here: https://www.juliawinston.com/about If you'd like to get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: http://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/001

#002 - In our very first interview, I chat with rockstar facilitator and experience designer Jenny Sauer-Klein about how to guide groups on a playful note - without feeling forced. We explore what it means to strike the balance between structure and spontaneity, how to trust your own intuition, and ultimately unlock the ability to “meet people where they're at" so that we can create intimate environments where everyone is invited to flourish. You can learn more about playfulness as a mindset here: https://www.facilitatorforum.com/blog/002-proactive-playfulness If you'd like to get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: http://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/002

#003 - Today we embark on a soulful journey with artist entrepreneur Adam Rosendahl to learn about his transformative introduction to the world of facilitation, the visual arts as a tool to unlock empathy, healing and connection across cultures and differences, and the power of personal ritual to help facilitators get in the zone of making magic for others. We discuss the different ways in which facilitators feel part of and disconnected from the groups we’re guiding, and what it’s like to return to in-person gatherings after facilitating virtually through the pandemic. You can learn more about facilitating connection across differences here: http://www.facilitatorforum.com/blog/003-transcending-power-dynamics If you'd like to get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: http://www.facilitatorforum.com/episodes/003