workshops work

Everyone who steps into our workshop room brings their own experience. An emotional backpack of mosaic stories, hardships and histories - some, more traumatic than others.But the weight of trauma demands a special kind of care: far beyond empathy, we must show up with a deep sensitivity and respect that fosters non-triggering, inclusive spaces.Rachael Dietkus knows this better than most. As a social worker-designer and the first trauma-informed subject matter expert at the White House, she’s been at the helm of understanding some big, complex social issues - from masked gun violence, to how racism shows up in healthcare.This week, Rachael teaches us her craft of trauma-informed design, peppered with brilliant anecdotes, thoughtful insights and guidance - there’s lots to learn, think about, and apply. Find out about:What it means to facilitate with trauma sensitivityThe importance of rejecting rigidity to make space for deep, meaningful conversations The key difference between therapy and facilitating therapeutic exchangesThe importance of eliminating the element of surprise when dealing with complex issuesHow to foster safe spaces that don’t demand a vulnerability of participants Don’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 Rachael Dietkus: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!

What can we learn about ourselves when we silence the world outside, quieten our voices, and make peace with discomfort, in the knowledge that everything in life is impermanent?At the end of October, I stepped into my fifth silent Vipassana retreat to ask myself that question once more. I left my voice, my phone, my negativities, and my niggling thoughts at the door for 10 days, committing my mind and body to the ancient Indian practice of ‘seeing things as they really are’.Come with me for a special, soul-searching episode, as I bring you into the inner workings of my mind during the retreat. I share the wisdom I found along the way, and why practising mindful, non-reactive observation forms the roots needed for effective facilitation, leadership, and life! I hope you enjoy.Find out about:The ancient 2500-year-old method of Vipassana meditationWhy leaders and facilitators who do the inner work can face conflict with confidenceWhat Vipassana can teach us about managing our personal triggersWhy letting go of sensation, emotion, desire and the need to control, builds a resilience for lifeDon’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 Myriam Hadnes:LinkedInLearn about VipassanaShare 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!

Burning Man is the ultimate expression of radical, creative trust. As 80,000 people from all over the world gather in the Nevada Desert, they join together on a blank canvas to co-create a utopia of art, community, culture and human spirit - leaving no trace that the event ever happened.In this sprawling temporary city of interactive installations, music, dance and expression, how do you grant creative freedom with the trust that everyone will keep the cultural essence of Burning Man alive?Rob Blakemore, the regional contact for the UK tells us all in this fascinating conversation! With collaboration, emergence and participation at the heart of this enigmatic event - facilitators, get ready to be inspired.Notes:The 10 principles of Burning Man that defined its ethosWhat facilitators can learn about the event’s experience designHow Burning Man embraces a culture of participation, radical enablement and experimentationHow to foster trust in people while giving them the freedom to exploring new ideasThe concept of non-transactional, non-judgemental giftingDon’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 Blakemore:LinkedIn Burning Man Mind BlownShare 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!

Are facilitators just salespeople in disguise? We’re not on commission, we’re not driven by a desired outcome, we don’t have a product, and nor are we in a numbers game… and yet, the longer I spoke to Alan Versteeg this week, the more I realised just how much we have in common.And if you still don’t believe me, Alan is here to change your mind - after all, this is where he shines! Alan has been selling perspectives to people for many, many years, inviting them in to  realise new ideas - rather like that of a facilitator.Learn how Alan masters the influence of persuasion, how he’s perfected the art of authenticity to build trust, and why he believes the buy-in of a group is actually your secret sales pitch.Find out about:The intersection of facilitation and sales: from trust to perception and psychologyAlan’s 26-year sales experience in selling perspectivesWhy leaders need to master buy-in if they are to inspire new perspectivesThe importance of appealing to someone’s values - not their idealsThe 6 Ps of persuasionDon’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Download the 6P Cheat SheetConnect to Alan Versteeg: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!

Jutta Weimar, founder of the Berlin-based Facilitation Academy, shares her profound insights into the art of facilitation that prioritizes authentic connections. She explores how personal growth and self-awareness are pivotal in creating spaces of healing and commitment. Jutta discusses the balance between structure and freedom in workshops, the significance of understanding participants' obstacles, and the importance of being one's true self to foster authenticity in others. Dive into a sincere conversation about empowerment, trust, and navigating the inner journey of facilitators.

Maria Arpa, a mediator and facilitator, dedicated to bridging divides across communities, shares her wealth of experience in fostering trust and open dialogue. She discusses her innovative Dialogue Road Map method for communicating needs and creating safe spaces that enhance vulnerability. Exploring stories from extreme environments to corporate life, Maria highlights the transformative power of empathy and respect, as well as the importance of self-awareness in both personal and professional contexts. Her insights inspire a deeper understanding of human connection.

Dave Gray, a possibilitarian, artist, and author renowned for his insights on Gamestorming and community building, shares valuable life lessons on creativity and business. He discusses the crucial role of facilitation in team dynamics and how structured meetings can enhance collaboration. Gray highlights the importance of empathy maps in aligning teams and the shift from traditional sales to meaningful customer connections. He emphasizes the balance between structure and spontaneity in fostering creativity while navigating the complexities of professional fulfillment.

Minna Taylor, an applied play theorist and strategist, passionately advocates for the importance of play in organizational settings. She explores how play fosters creativity and authenticity while dismantling societal misconceptions. With insights on psychological safety and the need for openness, Minna emphasizes that embracing uncertainty can lead to deeper engagement. The conversation also touches on reintroducing play for adult wellness and productivity, highlighting the vital role it plays in navigating change and enhancing connection in the workplace.

Myriam Hadnes, an expert on cultivating great conversations, shares her insights on the delicate art of dialogue. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and presence in enhancing conversations. Myriam reveals her three rules for effective questioning and why follow-up questions are vital. She explores the significance of silence and the power of the word 'and' in deepening understanding. Additionally, she addresses why meaningful discussions often fade with loved ones, encouraging listeners to reignite those connections.

Corporate training doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be playful, curious, a little bit magical, and dare I say it - fun. And this week I am joined by the creative magic of not one, but two brilliant guests who are here to tell you how: Simon Edwards and Ian Byrne.Hailing from the worlds of game design and facilitation, we delve deep into the wondrous realm of learning in all of its curious, human forms. Together, they share the eureka moments of their immersive experiences, the evolution of leadership in L&D, why ancient Vipassana meditation has the power to overcome ego, and the art of giving radical candor.Tune in and get ready to learn!Find out about:The two halves of an organisation: the informal and the formalThe role and limitations of AI in organizational change, learning and facilitationRecognising the cultural differences of engagementAction learning: how to turn theoretical learning into realityWhat we can learn from neurodivergent thinkingThe power of pausing to listen to your bodyDon’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 Simon and Ian:https://mindblown.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindblown-adventures/https://www.facebook.com/MindBlown.iohttps://www.instagram.com/mindblown.io/https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-edwards-93312318/https://living-systems.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/icbyrne/Share 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!