From Curiosity to Leadership

How embracing facilitation transformed my career, leadership approach, and organizational impact.

I first encountered facilitation years ago while working at Behavioral Health Works, Inc. in California. Our organization was rapidly growing, expanding into new states, and facing the inevitable challenges that come with scaling. To help us align as a team and address the disconnects between our various locations, our CEO brought in a facilitator. This was the first time I saw facilitation in action, and it left a lasting impression.

The facilitator took the time to interview each of us individually, gathering our thoughts and concerns before we came together as a group. During that interview, he asked probing questions—questions about what was working, what wasn’t, and how we felt about the challenges we faced. It felt personal and allowed us to open up in a way that we might not have if it had been an internal process. When we finally gathered, about 35 of us from different locations, it didn’t feel like just another meeting. Instead, it was a structured, engaging process where we collaboratively defined our problems and brainstormed solutions. The facilitator guided us through the process, writing down our contributions and ensuring that everyone had a voice in the conversation.

What struck me most was how smoothly it all went. We created workgroups around the challenges we identified and, in a short time, accomplished far more than I thought possible. It was impressive how much we accomplished in a short time—and how everyone felt like they had a voice. After that experience, I moved on to other roles, and facilitation faded to the back of my mind. But the memory of the energy in the room and how smoothly things had gone during that session lingered, especially as I found myself in less effective meetings. I started to recognize how powerful facilitation could be in creating productive, engaging discussions that moved organizations forward.

From Bookshelves to Curiosity: My Path to Learning More

Years later, my interest in facilitation resurfaced while I was browsing through business books at a local bookstore. I stumbled upon The Design Thinking Toolbox and Visual Collaboration, two books that piqued my curiosity. Flipping through them, I realized that there were actual techniques and methodologies for leading collaborative efforts, much like the facilitator I had worked with years before. I was particularly drawn to the idea that there were structured ways to get people engaged, contributing, and problem-solving together—just like in that first facilitation experience I had experienced.

At that time, I was also facing new challenges in my role. I had begun managing a remote team, and the lack of physical presence made it difficult to create the same kind of engagement that happens in person. I started exploring IBM’s Design Thinking program, hoping it would give me some of the tools I needed to manage these challenges. However, it quickly became clear that the program was more tailored to product design, which wasn’t exactly what I needed. I wasn’t looking to develop products—I wanted to find ways to engage my teams, especially as I moved into leadership roles and began managing a remote team.

While I found valuable information in those books and courses, I realized that reading alone wouldn’t help me truly internalize these concepts. I’ve always been a more hands-on learner, and for someone like me, who tends to be more quiet and reserved, experiential learning would be far more effective. I needed something more hands-on to really grasp the power of facilitation.

Reviews, Relevance, and Timing

As I dug deeper into facilitation and design thinking, I knew I needed a more immersive learning experience. That’s when I started researching certification programs, looking for one that would help me truly embrace facilitation and apply it in my work. I came across several options, but Voltage Control stood out. The reviews were glowing, and it was clear that people from diverse backgrounds—not just professional facilitators—were benefiting from their programs. The stories of others finding value in the program, regardless of their job title or background, gave me the confidence that it would be a good fit for me too.

One key factor in my decision was the flexible scheduling. The program offered sessions that fit perfectly into my work schedule. Being able to take the course on Fridays allowed me to balance my professional responsibilities while fully immersing myself in the learning. I knew it was the right decision, and I felt confident this was the path that would allow me to build the skills I needed.

Hands-On Learning That Built My Confidence

When I started the Voltage Control certification, I’ll admit I was nervous. I saw people in the program whose job titles were “facilitator,” and I wasn’t sure I fit in. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that facilitation isn’t just a job title—it’s a skill set that anyone can develop and use, no matter their role. This realization was empowering. I quickly learned that facilitation is more about guiding a process and creating space for others than about holding a specific job title.

The experiential learning approach of the program made everything click for me. I wasn’t just learning concepts; I was actively practicing them. One of the exercises that really stood out to me was Troika Consulting. It showed me how simple yet effective facilitation techniques can help solve real problems. I remember thinking, “This isn’t complicated, but it works.” I could immediately see how it applied to my work, especially in situations where I needed to gather input from multiple perspectives.

Another highlight was connecting with people from all over the world. During breakout sessions, I met others who were just like me—new to facilitation but eager to bring these skills into their work. There was a shared energy, a sense that we were all on this learning journey together. Those connections and conversations helped me build confidence and see the wide range of applications for what we were learning.

Transforming Ineffective Meetings Into Energizing Collaborations

Since completing the Voltage Control certification, facilitation has completely transformed how I approach my work. One of the most significant shifts is how I now handle meetings and collaborative sessions. Before, many meetings felt like time wasted—people talking over each other, the loudest voices dominating, and very little getting accomplished. Now, I use facilitation techniques that ensure every voice is heard, leading to more productive, structured conversations.

A recent example was a workshop I facilitated for our organization as we prepared for a major project: tearing down a building and constructing a new 33-story tower. In the past, discussions like these were unproductive, with ideas scattered and no clear direction. This time, I proposed a four-hour workshop where we broke down the key themes and challenges, involving the right people from different departments. It was the first time we truly harnessed collective insights, rather than relying on the same few voices. By the end of the session, we didn’t have all the answers, but we had a clear roadmap to establish workgroups to tackle the major themes. It energized the team and gave us a structure to move forward.

I also started incorporating small facilitation techniques in various settings at work. I introduced energizers, structured check-ins, and even tools like affinity mapping, which made discussions more engaging and inclusive. The transformation was palpable—meetings became spaces where people were eager to contribute, and we walked away with clear actions.

Using Facilitation to Break Down Silos and Shape Our Culture

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue integrating facilitation into my work on a larger scale. Our CEO has already asked me to take on more facilitation roles, and I see countless opportunities to apply these skills across different departments. One of my main goals is to break down the silos within our organization by bringing people together in meaningful, collaborative ways. We have teams that don’t always communicate effectively, and I believe facilitation can bridge those gaps, creating more aligned and productive working relationships.

I also plan to introduce facilitation into our HR programs. By involving the voices of employees from all levels, we can shape initiatives that truly reflect the needs of our workforce. Facilitation offers a way to not only gather those insights but to create a sense of ownership and engagement among our staff. I see facilitation as a key to strengthening our organizational culture and improving how we work together. The potential for impact is huge, and I’m eager to be part of that transformation.

If you’re considering a certification in facilitation but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit, I’d encourage you to take the leap. You don’t have to be a facilitator by title to benefit from these skills. Whether you’re looking to enhance team collaboration, make meetings more productive, or simply bring more structure to your work, facilitation can make all the difference. Voltage Control’s certification program was a game-changer for me, and it could be for you too.