A Decade of Discovery

About a decade ago, I found myself in the middle of a strategy exercise that would become a turning point in my career. I was working at Ophea, a well-known non-profit that focuses on health and wellbeing in Ontario schools, and we were undergoing a major strategy revision. The organization brought in Robin Corey to lead the session—a name that has become integral to my story. Robin’s facilitation style was magnetic. She wasn’t mechanical or rigid. Instead, she brought energy, engagement, and an effortless way of commanding the room. I remember watching her with admiration, thinking, “I don’t know where she learned how to do what she does, but I want to learn it too.”

There was something captivating about how she managed the group, pivoted when needed, and kept everyone authentically engaged. She made facilitation look easy, yet I knew there was a deep skill set underlying her ability to guide us through complex conversations while ensuring all voices were heard. The way she facilitated resonated with me, and I knew I had to find a way to learn these skills. It wasn’t just a desire to facilitate—it felt personal, like a missing piece in how I wanted to show up in the world.

Over the years, I kept reconnecting with Robin, first as she worked with Ophea again, and later when we began co-facilitating sessions ourselves. She became an unofficial mentor, and our partnership evolved into an ongoing collaboration. We would cross paths in various projects, whether she was leading the room or I was, always with a mutual understanding of what it means to facilitate with purpose. It was during this time that I truly started seeing myself as a facilitator—even if I didn’t fully realize it then. Robin’s influence has been pivotal, and she has remained a key figure in my journey, constantly pushing me to grow and think about facilitation in new ways.

A New Curiosity

Robin had planted the seed, and soon enough, I was looking beyond my immediate environment and exploring facilitation more deeply. I had already begun to emulate what I had seen her do—creating a more democratic space for different voices and encouraging participation in a meaningful way. But the more I tried to facilitate, the more I realized that there was an entire world of approaches and techniques I had yet to discover.

One thing that always stood out to me was the power of presence—something Robin embodied effortlessly. It wasn’t just about being in the room; it was about truly engaging with every person there. I remember noticing small things, like how Robin would stay off mute during virtual meetings. It was her way of being present, and I found myself adopting that practice as well. I realized that facilitation wasn’t about controlling a conversation but rather about being there with people, guiding them through whatever emerged. It was about allowing the space for everyone to feel seen and heard and to bring their best selves to the conversation.

The more I facilitated, the more I enjoyed it, and the more I sought opportunities to learn. I began experimenting with liberating structures—different tools and methods that encouraged diverse voices to come forward. There was a sense of discovery each time I tried something new, and I could feel myself growing, both as a facilitator and as a leader. My curiosity eventually led me to Voltage Control, thanks to Robin’s encouragement. She saw in me a desire to go beyond the basics, and Voltage Control offered me an opportunity to take my facilitation skills to a new level.

Choosing Voltage Control

When Robin first mentioned Voltage Control to me, I was a bit skeptical. I wondered if I had the time to truly commit to a certification program—hours of in-class time, readings, and practice. It felt like a big commitment, and I was unsure if I could juggle it all with my current responsibilities. But Robin had never steered me wrong before, and I trusted her judgment. She’s one of the busiest people I know, and if she was making time for this, then it must be worth it.

I was also hesitant because, in the charitable sector, professional development often has to be cheap or free. Voltage Control was the most expensive learning opportunity I had ever considered, even with the scholarship I received. But when I pitched the idea to my executive director, Chris, I framed it as an investment not just in my growth, but in the way we convene and create change at Ophea. Facilitation was already a core part of how we worked, and this was about leveling up.

Chris agreed, and I jumped in. The timing was perfect, as I had several convenings lined up that allowed me to apply my learning immediately. And while I was nervous about joining a group of strangers, I quickly found that the cohort was one of the most supportive spaces I had ever experienced. It was clear from the beginning that this journey was going to be transformative. I felt a profound sense of excitement and purpose that I hadn’t felt in a long time. It wasn’t just about learning new skills; it was about becoming part of a community that valued facilitation as much as I did.

Highlights and Growth

From the very first session, I felt a connection to the Voltage Control approach. Eric’s presence as a facilitator was impactful, and I found myself jotting down notes on even the smallest things—phrases he used and ways he guided the group. One phrase that stuck with me was, “I’m going to move us all to a pause.” It was such a simple, elegant way to redirect energy, and it’s something I use all the time now. It taught me that sometimes, facilitation is about creating moments of reflection and allowing space for the group to catch up with itself.

The cohort itself was another highlight. Some of the relationships I built during that time continue to this day. I loved the way we were partnered up for different exercises—some partners were fantastic, others less so, but that was part of the beauty of the experience. It mirrored real-life facilitation, where you don’t always get to choose who’s in the room. It taught me to adapt, to find value in every interaction, and to stay open to learning. The diversity of thought and experience within the cohort enriched my understanding of facilitation in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.

Skye, who supported Erik during the cohort, also left a strong impression on me. Her facilitation style was distinct from Erik’s, and it was refreshing to see different approaches in action. Skye had a calm, grounding presence that complemented Erik’s dynamic energy. It reinforced the idea that there is no one right way to facilitate—only the way that works best for you and the people you’re guiding. Seeing her in action gave me permission to embrace my own style, to lean into my strengths, and to trust my instincts.

Bringing Facilitation Back to My Work

One of the most immediate impacts of the certification was how I approached our annual board and staff convening. Traditionally, this meeting was highly structured, with a standardized agenda that left little room for creativity. I proposed a different approach: a facilitated experience that focused on connection, reflection, and purpose. To my delight, my colleagues were open to it, and the results were incredible.

I used liberating structures, music, and even a tessellation activity to help participants share their stories and connect on a deeper level. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—board members called it a “master class in facilitation.” For me, it was proof that the tools and techniques I had learned were not just theoretical; they had the power to transform how people engaged with each other and with the work we were doing. It was amazing to see people who were normally quiet come forward with ideas, and to witness a genuine sense of camaraderie develop throughout the session.

Since then, facilitation has become even more embedded in our culture at Ophea. It’s not just about having meetings; it’s about designing experiences that bring out the best in everyone involved. I’ve seen a shift in how my colleagues think about convening, and it feels like we’re all moving towards a more intentional, meaningful way of working together. People are asking better questions, being more deliberate about who is in the room, and ensuring that every voice is heard. This shift has led to more effective meetings, stronger collaboration, and a deeper sense of connection among our team.

What’s Next for Me

Looking ahead, I see facilitation as an essential part of my career and my identity. I aspire to move into a more senior leadership role, and I know that facilitation will be a critical part of how I lead. It’s about creating spaces where people feel heard, where diverse perspectives are valued, and where we can collectively imagine a better future. I envision a culture where facilitation is not just a skill but a way of leading that empowers everyone to contribute fully.

Facilitation will always be at the core of what I do. It’s not just a skill set—it’s a way of being that allows me to make the kind of impact I want to see in the world. I want to continue to create spaces where real change can happen—where people can connect, dream, and work together towards a shared vision. To anyone considering the Voltage Control certification, my advice is simple: you get out of it what you put into it. Embrace the experience, dive deep, and let it transform the way you engage with others. The journey is incredibly rewarding, and the tools you gain will serve you for a lifetime. It’s not just about professional development—it’s about personal growth and discovering a new way of interacting with the world. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, build confidence, or become a catalyst for change, this certification will take you there.