workshops work

A Mary Poppins’ bag of glitter, a big beating drum, a lump of clay, and a shiny gold crown. Bringing her wonderful, precious collection of props to the show, is the brilliant Paula Short.As a personal development psychotherapist, talented actress, and the founder of a 1997 youth centre, facilitation has been a guiding constant in Paula’s life and work. Now as a self-exploration retreat host, she facilitates deep transformation through the expressive arts, helping people to welcome unchartered emotions without shame.We explore how donning the cloak of the villain in a fictional story can become an embodied breakthrough, why the collective support of the group can be liquid gold, and why Paula has such an issue with tissues.A special, heartfelt conversation – join us!Find out about:How roleplay, costumes and props can help us to access buried feelings and emotionsThe importance of letting emotions free-flow without interruption, or ‘tidying’ them awayHow Paula create safe containers for self-exploration through playNavigating our trauma responses, and why we must learn to trust our own vulnerabilities  Normalising say ‘no’ – and why doing so gives us autonomy, helps us reconnect to our boundaries, and signals emotional safety to othersDon’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Connect to Paula Short:LinkedInWebsiteShare your thoughts about our conversation!Support the show✨✨✨Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a free 1-page summary of each upcoming episode directly to your inbox, or explore our eBooks featuring 50-episode compilations for even more facilitation insights. Find out more:https://workshops.work/podcast✨✨✨Did you know? You can search all episodes by keyword to find exactly what you need via our Buzzsprout page!

Emanuele Mazzanti, a facilitator at EY and passionate energy-giver, dives into the heart of human connection in corporate settings. He argues that fostering emotional presence can enhance performance and decision-making. Emanuele emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and playful interactions among leaders. Transforming client interactions from rigid presentations to engaging conversations is crucial. His philosophy champions connection over content, reminding us that profound transformation stems from simple, genuine human moments.

Dr. Ben Levy, a psychologist, magician, and founder of Magic Lessons, shares his unique approach to blending magic with education. He explains how magic can spark curiosity and deep learning through his ABC ME framework: Ability, Belief, Clarity, Motivation, and Environment. Ben explores the power dynamics of performance and the importance of belief in communication, emphasizing how a little awe can transform educational experiences. He invites listeners to embrace questions and the unexpected, presenting learning as a magical journey.

Dreaded conversations often hold the key to personal growth. There’s a high cost to avoiding them, but embracing these discussions can foster stronger relationships. Tune into your emotions to better understand the stakes involved. Recognizing your assumptions can pave the way for clarity. Creating a safe environment encourages curiosity and compassion, which are essential in navigating conflicts. Sharing boundaries transparently can lead to mutual respect, transforming challenging dialogues into opportunities for connection!

Chedva Ludmir, a public speaker and serial entrepreneur, sheds light on the power of curiosity and deep listening. She emphasizes the importance of asking gentle, gateway questions that foster honest conversations. Chedva discusses navigating uncertainty and how fiction can help tackle sensitive topics. She also shares her unique perspective on personal identity within Orthodox Judaism and the balance between community norms and individual choices. Discover how being present in discussions can lead to richer insights and transformative moments.

Jason Perelson, an expert in emotional maturity and self-awareness, dives deep into how our unresolved childhood experiences shape leadership styles. He discusses the influence of attachment theories on decision-making and highlights the need for leaders to recognize and destigmatize their triggers. With an emphasis on healing the inner child, he explores how vulnerability and compassion can transform corporate dynamics. This engaging conversation sheds light on nurturing creativity and fostering psychological safety in professional spaces.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Homann, Owner of Filament and a former lawyer, shares his expertise in creating effective facilitation spaces. He emphasizes the impact of environment on collaboration and how simplicity in tools fosters better communication. Homann also shares insights on adapting facilitation techniques for digital platforms, ensuring meaningful connections despite challenges, and the importance of thoughtful space design that empowers participants. Plus, he highlights the role of community engagement in driving impactful businesses.

One of the greatest paradoxes of leadership is that to lead well, you must learn to let go. To get comfortable with not having all the answers! To release your grip, relinquish control, and know that the wisdom already exists in everyone around you.Professor, coach and facilitator to the next generation of leaders, Rob Lion has spent the last 20 years fostering self-leading workplace cultures that truly listen to their people, building leaders that are facilitators at heart.Because the best leaders? They’ve taken off the stabilisers of delegation, left their ego at the door, and learnt the delicate dance of stepping back, to invite others to step in. Find out about:The intersection of leadership and facilitation – and what it takes to be a facilitative leaderWhy we should think with our whole bodies, rather than just listen to our gutThe complex, nuanced role of surrender and controlWhy leadership micromanagement and delegation are safety mechanismsWhy great leaders and facilitators must learn to confront their own triggersDon’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Connect to Rob Lion:LinkedInWebsiteBlogShare your thoughts about our conversation!Support the show✨✨✨Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a free 1-page summary of each upcoming episode directly to your inbox, or explore our eBooks featuring 50-episode compilations for even more facilitation insights. Find out more:https://workshops.work/podcast✨✨✨Did you know? You can search all episodes by keyword to find exactly what you need via our Buzzsprout page!

Mohsin Memon, the mastermind behind Evivve, creates multiplayer leadership simulations that merge gameplay with neuroscience. He discusses the power of simulated environments for fostering genuine leadership behavior and emotional engagement. The conversation highlights the AFFER model for behavioral change, the vital role of psychological safety in team dynamics, and how simulations can democratize organizations. Memon also emphasizes the importance of reflection and self-awareness in personal growth, making complex decision-making more accessible.

Thomas Lahnthaler, a seasoned facilitator and author of 'Facilitating Reflections,' challenges listeners to explore the depths of self-awareness in facilitation. He discusses the clash between personal authenticity and structured frameworks, navigates the critical balance of psychological safety, and underscores the importance of vulnerability and context in group dynamics. Thomas also questions the binary notion of good versus bad facilitation, advocating for embracing diverse perspectives and fostering genuine connections for impactful experiences.