From Grad School to a Facilitative Leader

How facilitation reshaped my career, my leadership, and my identity

I was first introduced to facilitation back in 2016, right after I finished grad school. I had just landed a job as an associate program manager for an anti-bias education program—a position I wasn’t entirely sure I was prepared for, but I was eager to learn. At that time, I had mostly seen traditional presentation styles of learning, where the leader was the one speaking, and everyone else was there to listen. It was effective, sure, but it often felt disconnected. I noticed people weren’t really bringing their own voices into the room, and as a result, they weren’t fully engaged.

The facilitation model I encountered was unlike anything I had experienced before. Our programs weren’t about presenting or training; they were about guiding participants through shared activities, letting them use their own experiences to discover insights. As soon as I began co-facilitating those sessions, I saw the power of shifting the dynamic from the leader as the sole source of knowledge to the leader as someone creating space for others to explore and connect. It was eye-opening. Participants weren’t just learning; they were engaging deeply, reflecting on their own identities, and shaping their own understanding in a way that felt meaningful.

That work, especially in the context of anti-bias education, was both challenging and rewarding. I witnessed firsthand how much more powerful difficult conversations could be when people felt safe to share. Facilitation allowed me to invite people into a conversation rather than deliver information to them, and that made all the difference—not just for them, but for me as well. I found myself growing more confident not only in leading discussions but in holding the tension that came with difficult topics. I realized that the magic of facilitation lay in giving people the tools to express themselves, in their own way, on topics that mattered.

Two years into the role, I was promoted to our national education team, and that’s when facilitation became a real cornerstone of my work. I had the opportunity to take what I had learned and adapt it internally, whether in team meetings, program strategy sessions, or even planning our learning and development initiatives. I began to experiment—bringing facilitative tools into meetings to make them more collaborative, and even using facilitation techniques for strategic program planning. I was no longer just deploying programs; I was working with others to rethink and redesign how we approached our work. And that’s when it hit me: facilitation wasn’t just a way to teach. It was a way to create spaces that were inclusive, dynamic, and transformative.

Exploring the World of Facilitation

By late 2022, I had begun to realize that facilitation could be a tool for more than just delivering our programs. I started to get curious about what else was out there—other approaches, other techniques, other facilitators. I started digging into the world of facilitation more broadly, and I quickly realized that there was so much more to learn. I read articles, attended webinars, and even tried a few online courses. What I found was both exciting and a little daunting: facilitation wasn’t just one thing; it was a broad, evolving field with countless methodologies, styles, and tools.

One thing that stood out to me was how facilitation seemed to be thriving in fields like product design and agile project management. There were entire communities dedicated to applying facilitation techniques to help teams solve complex problems, innovate, and collaborate better. I remember feeling a mix of inspiration and intimidation—these were areas I had no background in, yet the principles of facilitation felt familiar. It was exhilarating to see how adaptable facilitation could be, and it made me wonder how I could bring these diverse techniques into my own work.

Around that time, I also started connecting with other facilitators. I joined online forums and participated in virtual meetups, which gave me a sense of community that I didn’t realize I needed. These spaces were full of people who, like me, were passionate about creating inclusive environments and helping others succeed. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. I was hooked—not just on the idea of facilitation, but on the potential it held for transforming the way we work together, across any field or industry.

Choosing Voltage Control

My exploration eventually led me to Voltage Control. I stumbled upon one of their info sessions, and something just clicked. Here was an organization that wasn’t about prescribing a single method or approach—it was about helping facilitators find their own way, using the tools and techniques that best fit their style and context. It was the first time I found a program that emphasized facilitation as a personal journey, not just a set of skills to master.

I attended an info session, and then another. I met Erik and immediately felt that Voltage Control had something different to offer—something that was more human-centered, more adaptable, and ultimately more meaningful to me. The focus wasn’t just on learning facilitation techniques, but on understanding yourself as a facilitator and developing your own authentic style. That’s when I knew this was the right step for me. I signed up for their certification program, ready to take my facilitation journey to the next level.

Finding My Facilitation Identity

Voltage Control’s certification program was transformative. It was structured, but flexible enough that I could explore my own facilitation style. Each session was both a learning experience and a chance for reflection. One of the most impactful parts of the program was the portfolio I created—artifacts that showcased my facilitation journey, both past and future. Looking back at the early artifacts and then seeing the ones I created toward the end, I could literally see my growth. The exercises weren’t just about mastering new techniques; they were about figuring out who I was as a facilitator.

Another major highlight was the community I became part of. My cohort was filled with people from all sorts of backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspective to the table. We learned from each other, supported each other, and grew together. The feedback I received during practice sessions was invaluable—it helped me understand my strengths and the areas where I could push myself further. And Erik, our facilitator, modeled what true curiosity looks like in practice. He showed us how to stay open, ask the right questions, and trust the group to find its way.

The program also helped me expand my toolkit. I learned new techniques for managing group dynamics, handling conflict, and creating inclusive spaces. I remember one session in particular where we explored different ways of responding to difficult moments—using silence, redirecting questions, and inviting others in the group to share their thoughts. These weren’t just abstract concepts; they were practical skills I could immediately apply in my work.

Transforming My Work

After completing the certification, I started to see my role in a new light. Facilitation wasn’t just a part of my job—it was the lens through which I approached everything. I began using facilitation techniques not only in our anti-bias education programs but in team meetings, cross-departmental projects, and even in one-on-one conversations. My confidence as a facilitator grew, and so did my impact. I found that people were more engaged, more willing to share, and more invested in the outcomes when they felt they had a voice.

One of the biggest changes was how I approached strategic initiatives. I began facilitating discovery sessions for different departments, helping them align on goals and collaborate more effectively. I was asked to consult on projects that were outside my typical scope—helping other teams redesign their programs, plan for the future, and solve complex challenges. The skills I developed through the certification gave me the confidence to step into these roles and trust that I could add value, even if the subject matter was new to me.

The most rewarding part has been seeing how these facilitative approaches have shifted our organizational culture. Meetings that used to be a slog are now more dynamic. Teams that used to struggle with alignment are now collaborating more smoothly. And I’ve received feedback from colleagues who say that they feel more included, more heard, and more motivated. Facilitation has transformed not just my career, but also my relationship to my work and my colleagues.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep expanding my facilitation practice. I want to take on more consulting projects, working with teams and organizations that are facing tough challenges and need help figuring out how to move forward. I also want to continue teaching facilitation—helping others discover the power of this approach, just like I did. Whether it’s through workshops, coaching, or one-on-one mentorship, I see myself as someone who helps others unlock their potential by creating spaces where they can show up fully and contribute meaningfully. Facilitation has given me a sense of purpose, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

To anyone considering taking the leap into facilitation, I’d say this: be ready for a journey that is as personal as it is professional. It’s not just about learning tools and techniques—it’s about discovering who you are as a leader, how you show up for others, and how you can create environments where people thrive. It’s challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding. And if you’re ready to explore what’s possible, Voltage Control is an incredible place to start.