Another Day, Another Workshop !

🎥 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:In this solo episode, I’m sharing my go-to strategies for running effective brainstorming sessions that actually lead to creative, actionable ideas, not just sticky-note chaos.We’ll dive into why structure matters, how to frame the right problem before jumping into ideation, and how to create an environment where everyone feels safe to contribute. Whether you’re leading a workshop, a team offsite, or just trying to get fresh ideas flowing, these techniques will help you get better results with less frustration.I’ll also walk you through some of the principles I use in my own facilitation practice , from time-boxing and anonymized input to the power of quantity over quality. Plus, you’ll learn how small design choices like breaks, space setup, and energizers can have a big impact on creativity.📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:00:00 – Unlocking Creative Brainstorming03:03 – Understanding the Creative Process05:58 – Overcoming Obstacles to Creativity08:55 – Principles for Effective Ideation11:59 – Creating a Supportive Environment15:05 – Maximizing Idea Generation Techniques18:07 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:• Why brainstorming needs structure to succeed• The importance of exploring the problem space first• How creativity is like a muscle, and how to build it• Why small steps increase confidence and output• How anonymized input reduces fear of judgment• Why focusing on quantity over quality sparks better ideas• How time-boxing boosts focus and flow• The role of breaks in unlocking new insights• Why the physical setup of your space matters• How icebreakers and energizers can dramatically improve results🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:I’m a workshop facilitator and designer working with NGOs, startups, and global brands to make collaboration more creative and productive. From strategy sprints to big-team events, I bring energy, clarity, and a touch of unexpected magic to every session.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to my newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow me on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh👍 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!Was this helpful? Hit like, drop your favorite brainstorming tip in the comments, and subscribe for more insights on facilitation, creativity, and collaboration.

🎥 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:In this episode, I sit down with Jan Keck, facilitator, TEDx speaker, and creator of Ask Deep Questions, to explore how to design workshops that go beyond small talk and build real connection.Jan shares his journey from “recovering shy guy” to becoming a leading voice on creating safe, meaningful group experiences. We dive into why he prefers the term ice melters over icebreakers, how to use connection activities to read the room from the very start, and why the right activity for the right group matters more than checking a box.You’ll learn how to create environments where people feel safe to take risks — whether it’s a group of strangers or a room full of C-suite execs. Expect Jan’s favorite activities, thoughtful metaphors (they make everything easy to visualize and remember), and actionable tips you can bring into your next workshop.📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Why You Should Melt the Ice, not Break It06:30 – Making connection safe, not awkward10:55 – Picking the right activity for the right group14:48 – Spark Activities: Starting strong before the “official” start18:50 – Warm-up examples for virtual & in-person22:50 – Jan’s go-to 3-round connection activity28:50 – Improv, “yes and,” and co-creation31:00 – The power of optionality in engagement33:59 – Should deep questions come early?35:08 – How to prep when you don’t know the group39:03 – Tools Jan uses before the session even begins43:00 – Why Two Truths & A Lie might be doing more harm than good47:16 – High-stakes facilitation: Practicing for real tension49:18 – Trojan horses & connecting with execs51:13 – Why the best facilitators improvise53:04 – Holding yourself accountable (yes, Jan’s book is coming!)✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:• Why you should melt the ice, not break it.• The campfire metaphor for building trust gradually• How to design activities for different risk levels• What to do before a session even begins to build connection• When (and how) to adapt your plan in real time• Tips for engaging C-level leaders and skeptics• Ways to turn your session into a safe space for real sharing🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:👉 Connect with Jan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116/👉 Jan's website: https://www.jankeck.com/👉 Jan’s Ice Melters Book Newsletter: https://www.jankeck.com/book/👉 Jan’s Card Deck: https://www.askdeepquestions.com/🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:I’m a workshop facilitator and designer working with NGOs, startups, and global brands to make collaboration more creative and productive. From strategy sprints to big-team events, I bring energy, clarity, and a touch of unexpected magic to every session.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to my newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow me on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh👍 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!Enjoyed the conversation? Hit like, drop a comment with your favorite metaphor or moment, and don’t forget to subscribe for more content on facilitation, connection, and workshop design.

🎥 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:In this episode, we talk about how facilitators can make online meetings and workshops more fun and interesting. We share why being yourself, using humor, and showing your personality can help people pay attention and enjoy the experience.We also talk about free tools like OBS Studio and Stream Deck that can help you run better online sessions. You’ll hear simple tips on how to grab people’s attention, make your sessions look great, and learn from people who live stream. If you want to improve your online workshops, this video is a great place to start.📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:00:00 – The Role of a Facilitator and Entertainer02:59 – Creating Engaging Remote Experiences05:50 – Authenticity in Branding08:54 – The Importance of Humor in Learning11:46 – Being Playful in Serious Work15:02 – Tech Tools for Effective Facilitation18:06 – Using OBS Studio for Presentations21:02 – Enhancing Engagement in Virtual Meetings23:49 – Removing Mental Load in Tech Management30:55 – Adapting Tools for Online Facilitation35:00 – The Power of Free Tools39:05 – Engaging Online Audiences43:03 – Dynamic Presentations and Visuals50:02 – Stream Deck: Enhancing Facilitation55:00 – Learning from Live Streamers57:53 – Final Thoughts on Remote Facilitation✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:• Why humor and play matter in virtual facilitation• How to use OBS Studio and Stream Deck to boost engagement• Tips for building an authentic personal brand• Ways to reduce mental load and focus on connection• What facilitators can learn from streamers and entertainers• Why engaging visuals make a big difference• How free tools can elevate your sessions without a big budget🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:👉 Connect with Said on LinkeDin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/said-saddouk/👉 Said's Facilitainment Weekly : Tips, tools & behind-the-scenes from virtual facilitation : https://join.thefacilitainer.com👉 Said's website: https://thefacilitainer.com/👉OBS Studio: https://obsproject.com/👉 Stream Deck: https://www.elgato.com/en/stream-deck🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:I’m a workshop facilitator and designer working with NGOs, startups, and global brands to make collaboration more creative and productive. From strategy sprints to big-team events, I bring energy, clarity, and a touch of unexpected magic to every session.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to my newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow me on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh👍 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!Enjoyed the conversation? Hit like, leave a comment with your thoughts or favorite sound bite, and don’t forget to subscribe for more on facilitation, creativity, and designing better online experiences.

🛠️ Free Resource Guide: The 10 Levels of Facilitation: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.com/p/facilitatorscorner-resource-guide🎥 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:In this episode, I dive into what it really takes to level up as a facilitator—from your very first workshop to becoming a seasoned pro. Using the metaphor of a game, I’ll walk you through key stages of the facilitation journey, with tips, mindset shifts, and real talk about what actually works. If you’re a new facilitator or looking to sharpen your craft, this one’s for you.📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:00:00 – Introduction to Facilitation Levels03:08 – Understanding the Game of Facilitation06:01 – Leveling Up: From Beginner to Expert08:51 – Real-World Experience in Facilitation12:06 – Mastering the Mechanics of Facilitation14:54 – Deepening Connections and Engagement18:07 – Continuous Learning and Experimentation20:53 – The Never-Ending Journey of a Facilitator✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:• How to know if facilitation is right for you• Smart ways to gain experience fast (even for free)• Why real-world practice beats theory• Techniques to build engagement and connection• Why the best facilitators never stop learning🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:Hi, I’m Mehdi En-Naizi. I design and lead workshops for teams and organizations—from strategy and collaboration to creative breakthroughs. I’m passionate about helping facilitators grow their skills, build confidence, and create meaningful experiences. Whether you’re just getting started or already on the path, I’m here to help you level up.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to the newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh👍 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 ! If this video sparked any insights, hit that like button, drop your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more content on facilitation, creativity, and workshop design.

In this episode, I sit down with Romi Alexandra—learning experience designer, facilitator, and advocate for participant-centered education—to explore what it takes to create truly transformational learning experiences. Romi shares her approach to intentional design, emphasizing the importance of emotional engagement, experiential learning, and music as a tool to deepen connection and retention.We unpack how debriefing, cultural sensitivity, and reflection anchor learning, and how facilitators can craft environments that center the participant’s lived experience. Romi also shares best practices for designing workshops that don’t just inform, but transform, with practical advice on balancing client needs, fostering accountability, and igniting curiosity through thoughtful questioning.📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:00:00 – Creating Transformational Learning Experiences02:50 – The Role of Facilitation in Learning06:08 – Experiential Learning and Emotional Engagement09:00 – The Power of Music in Learning12:04 – Debriefing and Reflection in Learning14:55 – Asking Questions to Enhance Learning18:00 – Emotional States and Learning Design21:05 – Participant-Centered Learning23:53 – Transformative Learning through Experience27:07 – Connecting Emotions to Learning Outcomes31:09 – Participant-Centered Design Approach32:31 – Balancing Client Needs and Design Constraints33:48 – The Importance of Experiential Learning35:30 – Navigating Client Expectations and Participant Needs37:17 – The Role of Novelty in Learning Experiences40:08 – Designing Peak Moments in Workshops43:10 – Ensuring Post-Workshop Accountability49:05 – Cultural Sensitivity in Facilitation53:38 – Best Practices for Facilitators✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻: • How to design workshops that prioritize transformation over information • Why emotional engagement and reflection are essential to retention • The power of music and novelty in learning environments • Why asking questions first unlocks deeper learning • How to balance client demands with human-centered design • The importance of post-workshop accountability and action • Strategies to honor lived experiences and foster meaningful connection🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:👉 Romy's Website: https://bento.me/romyalexandra 👉 Learning Experience Design training : https://experientiallearninginstitute.org/experiential-learning-trainer/🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:I’m a workshop facilitator and designer working with NGOs, startups, and global brands to make collaboration more creative and productive. From strategy sprints to big-team events, I bring energy, clarity, and a touch of unexpected magic to every session.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to my newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow Romy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romy-alexandra/Follow me on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh👍𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!Enjoyed the conversation? Hit like, leave a comment with your thoughts or takeaways, and don’t forget to subscribe for more on workshops, creativity, and the future of facilitation.

In this episode, I share what it was really like to run a workshop with 150 people. I talk about how I prepared, what worked (and what didn’t), and what I learned from the experience. I walk you through some of the creative activities I used to get people talking and working together, along with the behind-the-scenes challenges—like handling logistics and keeping the energy up in a big group.It’s an honest look at what it takes to lead a large-scale workshop and make it meaningful for everyone involved.I broke down the full workshop design process in my newsletter, have a look if you’re curious : 👉 https://bit.ly/3RNkts5Takeaways 🍗The workshop was designed as a total event, not just a session.Logistics were the biggest challenge due to the size of the group.Setting clear goals is essential for successful transformation.Engaging activities are crucial to maintain participant energy.The creative video challenge fostered collaboration and innovation.Facilitators need to be prepared for resistance to creative activities.Everyone has the potential to be creative; it's a skill that can be developed.Providing tools and guidance can enhance creativity in participants.Feedback from participants highlighted the fun and engaging nature of the workshop.Preparation and understanding client expectations are key to success.🎬 Chapters00:00 – Introduction to the Workshop Experience06:10 – Designing the Event Structure12:12 – The Creative Video Challenge18:01 – Facilitating Creativity and Engagement23:48 – Feedback and Reflections on the WorkshopGet in touch ✌️https://bit.ly/49clGjh

In this episode, I sit down with Alexandre Eisenchteter, former 3M process engineer turned expert facilitator and founder of Stormz, a collaborative brainstorming platform. We dive into the journey of building Stormz, the art and science of facilitation, and how AI is transforming the way we design and run workshops.From the principles of diverging and converging to the role of facilitators as creative catalysts, Alexandre shares a wealth of insights drawn from years of hands-on experience. We also explore the evolution of Stormz from software to a full-fledged service, and how COVID-19 pushed innovation in remote collaboration tools.Plus, we get into the real talk—what works in brainstorming, what doesn’t (looking at you, dot voting), and how to balance AI with human connection to keep workshops impactful, not robotic.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Alexandre Eisenchteter01:49 – The Journey from Process Engineer to Facilitator05:02 – Understanding Diverge and Converge in Problem Solving08:10 – The Role of the Facilitator in Brainstorming11:48 – Techniques for Effective Brainstorming14:47 – Adapting Techniques for Different Audiences17:46 – The Evolution of Stormz: From Idea to Reality24:11 – Challenges and Successes in Launching Stormz29:49 – The Future of Facilitation and Collaboration Tools35:48 – The Evolution of a Facilitation Agency39:36 – Transitioning from Workshops to AI Integration41:50 – The Impact of COVID-19 on Remote Collaboration44:02 – Redesigning Storms: A New Era for SaaS47:48 – Innovative Strategies for Idea Generation50:13 – Leveraging AI in Workshops: Best Practices54:28 – Balancing Technology and Human Interaction01:00:24 – The Future of Facilitation: AI Tinkerers Club01:05:17 – Managing Expectations with AI in Workshops01:09:19 – The Challenge of Time Constraints in Workshops01:10:23 – Understanding Methodology and Its Misapplication01:11:48 – The Importance of Time in Workshops01:13:43 – Strategies for Effective Workshop Management01:16:31 – Managing Client Expectations01:19:08 – The Soufflé Effect: Workshop Enthusiasm vs. Reality01:21:46 – Rethinking Dot Voting in Workshops01:30:23 – Integrating AI into Facilitation01:39:34 – AI as a Tool in the Facilitator’s Toolbox✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻: The facilitator’s role in creative problem-solvingWhy “diverge and converge” matters in group workHow to adapt techniques to your audiencePractical workshop tips, including when not to use dot votingHow to integrate AI thoughtfully in facilitationThe challenge of time constraints—and how to push backWhy managing expectations is key to workshop success🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:👉 Stormz – Collaborative Workshop Tool : https://about.stormz.me/👉 AI Tinkerers Club : https://join.ai-tinkerers.club/ ai-tinkerers.cards👉 AI Tinkerers Cards : https://ai-tinkerers.cards🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:I’m a workshop facilitator and designer working with NGOs, startups, and global brands to make collaboration more creative and productive. From strategy sprints to big-team events, I bring energy, clarity, and a touch of unexpected magic to every session.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to my newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eisenchteter/Follow me on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh

In this episode, I share my thoughts on Foundation Sprints, a new workshop format created by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky. I was lucky enough to take part in the first public training, and I’m excited to share what I learned.This sprint is all about building a solid foundation before jumping into execution. I walk through the key steps: identifying your target audience, defining the core problem, exploring your advantages, analyzing competitors, and finding what makes you stand out.I also do a deep dive into one decision-making activity from the sprint that I think every facilitator should have in their toolkit.If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to design better workshops, this episode is full of tips and ideas you can start using right away.Want to see visuals and more details? Check out my newsletter post:https://facilitatorscorner.substack.com/p/my-hot-take-on-the-foundation-sprint📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:00:00 – Introduction to Foundation Sprints01:00 – Understanding the Foundation Sprint02:31 – Key Takeaways from the Training04:59 – The Importance of Alignment and Prioritization07:22 – Analyzing Competition and Differentiation09:13 – The Magic Lens Decision-Making Tool14:45 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:• What makes Foundation Sprints different (and powerful) • A step-by-step breakdown of the sprint format • How to align teams before execution • One must-know tool for group decision-making • Real-life takeaways from the first public training 🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:Check out my full breakdown of the Foundation Sprint in this newsletter post:👉 https://facilitatorscorner.substack.com/p/my-hot-take-on-the-foundation-sprint🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:For the past five years, I’ve been crafting and leading workshops with big brands, NGOs, and startups—focusing on strategy, creative problem-solving, concept design, and team alignment. Whether in-person, online, or hybrid, I design experiences that are engaging, impactful, and just the right amount of unexpected.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to my newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow me on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh