I’ve lived in Austin for 25 years, and while I haven’t immersed myself in every SXSW, I’ve managed to participate somewhat every single year I’ve been here. It’s been a big part of my Austin experience. As a musician, I’ve played official showcases, unofficial showcases and even alternative outsider festivals. As a startup founder, I’ve attended VC parties, client activations, networking events, and the beloved Fogo De Chow“meat-ups”, if you know, you know! In recent years, I have mainly been volunteering as a mentor and judge, which has been a wonderful experience in contributing to the ecosystem.

This year, Voltage Control partnered with SXSW to offer our Workshop Design process to all of their workshop facilitators, where we hosted several live sessions in January to help workshop facilitators prepare for their SXSW sessions. With the global success of our Facilitation Lab meetups we also thought it was a great opportunity to bring the meetup to SXSW as an official meetup. Then, just because we had to go all in, we ran a workshop on AI Teammates, to explore team collaboration use cases for generative AI. 

SXSW is always brimming with innovation, creativity, and connection. However, this year through our meetup and workshop we had the opportunity to observe something especially compelling—a deep yearning for genuine, meaningful human-to-human interactions amid all of the passive talks and media consumption. Both of our sessions offered rich insights and genuine connections that we felt were important to share more broadly with the community. Read on for a detailed exploration of the key topics and themes that emerged as we reflected on our SXSW activations.

Creating Meaningful Connections

Our Facilitation Lab meetup sought to elevate interaction beyond the typical exchanges of business cards and superficial networking. As attendees entered, we warmly greeted each person, handing out customized “We Connect” name tags that featured prompts like “Something that’s on my mind right now…” or “I’m curious about…” This simple yet thoughtful intervention quickly transformed initial interactions from polite small talk to engaging conversations rooted in personal interests and genuine curiosity. For instance, one participant humorously noted he spent the entire day with his prompt about ‘remaining grounded under pressure,’ sparking deeper conversations even outside the meetup context. These intentional threshold moments proved pivotal, shifting the energy in the room and setting the tone for sustained and meaningful connections throughout the event.

Erik mentioned to me that he’d forgotten to remove his name badge, and it continued sparking meaningful conversations throughout the day. Inspired by a recent coaching session on the power of silence as a facilitation tool, I chose “Silence” as my own badge prompt. Interestingly—and humorously—some attendees interpreted this as me signaling a need for quiet reflection rather than a conversation starter. Clearly, it’s worth choosing your prompt carefully!

Equally impactful were the interactive posters that posed provocative “How Might We” questions around the room. Participants eagerly engaged with these prompts, leaving behind sticky notes filled with thoughtful observations, authentic vulnerabilities, and creative ideas. These carefully structured, yet simple, tools effectively lowered conversational barriers, inviting authentic exchanges and meaningful reflections.

Notably, we observed attendees continuing their conversations long after the scheduled meetup ended, underscoring the success of our deliberate design in fostering sustained engagement. This experience reinforced for us—and hopefully our attendees—that intentional facilitation of human connection can lead to powerful, lasting interactions that extend far beyond any singular event.

Exploring Loneliness & Vulnerability

One unexpectedly resonant theme from our meetup was loneliness—a timely topic that surfaced repeatedly, even before Michelle Obama’s keynote on the subject. Participants openly shared their experiences of loneliness, highlighting its prevalence and impact across professional settings. Discussions around this theme revealed how critically loneliness intersects with facilitation, community building, and organizational leadership.

Participants emphasized the importance of creating environments where vulnerability is not only permitted but encouraged, seeing it as a catalyst for combating isolation and fostering deeper connections. Many suggested practical strategies, including dedicated moments within events for genuine personal exchange, structured affinity groups, and conscious efforts to normalize sharing vulnerabilities as part of organizational culture.

One compelling nuance that emerged in our discussions was the particular isolation facilitators often experience. While facilitators dedicate themselves to creating inclusive spaces that support and encourage vulnerability among others, attendees openly acknowledged how rarely facilitators themselves receive reciprocal support. This dynamic sparked insightful exchanges around the critical need to intentionally build community and support networks specifically for facilitators—spaces designed to nurture and sustain those whose roles inherently involve emotional labor and continuous support of others. This recognition deepened the collective understanding that addressing loneliness is not only about structured team-building but also about providing consistent, authentic support for those who hold space.

Reimagining the Art of Meetings

Meetings often carry negative connotations—viewed as tedious obligations rather than opportunities for genuine collaboration and innovation. During our meetup, attendees enthusiastically discussed ways to reinvent meetings using facilitation principles. The message was clear: stop “meeting” and start “designing collaboratively,” shifting from passive consumption of content toward active participation.

Innovative ideas emerged, including flipping traditional meeting agendas—prioritizing interactive engagement before addressing routine content—to ensure participant energy and creativity are maximized. A provocative attendee suggestion humorously yet pointedly captured this sentiment: “Any meeting over one hour is a waste of time.” This underscored a shared desire among attendees to prioritize engagement, interactivity, and co-creation in all meeting formats.

Our discussions also highlighted the necessity of making meetings purpose-driven, interactive, and intentional, transforming them from informational sessions into collaborative experiences that actively engage all participants. The clear takeaway for facilitators and business leaders is that intentionality and thoughtful design dramatically improve outcomes, making meetings more impactful and deeply satisfying for everyone involved.

Harnessing Conflict for Growth

One particularly insightful conversation during the meetup revolved around the theme of conflict—often perceived negatively but recognized here as a powerful opportunity for growth and stronger relationships. Attendees expressed the importance of normalizing conflict within teams, treating it not as a failure but as a natural byproduct of diverse perspectives working toward innovation.

To better leverage conflict, participants recommended simulating difficult conversations and scenarios proactively. Such practice not only prepares teams to handle future challenges constructively but also helps establish trust and clear boundaries around how conflicts can be handled effectively. This proactive approach allows teams to feel secure exploring differing opinions, leading to breakthroughs rather than breakdowns.

Further, principles of non-violent communication, depersonalizing disagreements, and establishing trust were frequently suggested as essential facilitation skills. This collective insight reinforced the power of intentional conflict management as a critical facilitation capability, ultimately fostering team cohesion, mutual respect, and collective resilience.

AI as a Dynamic Teammate

At our AI Teammates workshop, the conversation shifted dramatically as participants reconsidered their perceptions of AI—transforming their view from seeing it merely as a utilitarian tool to recognizing its potential as a dynamic teammate. This shift was vividly illustrated when an attendee, deeply familiar with AI in his professional life, experienced an “aha” moment, expressing excitement at recognizing AI’s fuller potential to engage and facilitate.

This cognitive shift emerged through our intentional design. We strategically used persona cards to introduce participants to new perspectives on AI, prompting deeper reflection on roles like historian, synthesizer, challenger, and optimist. Attendees discovered how leveraging AI in these roles could greatly enrich team discussions, sparking creativity and critical reflection.

A particularly powerful moment illustrating this cognitive shift occurred during our AI Teammates workshop. One attendee, who identified himself as deeply embedded professionally in AI technologies, experienced a profound “aha” moment as we explored AI’s collaborative roles. He candidly shared with the group that, despite his extensive use of AI tools, this workshop was the first time he genuinely saw AI’s deeper collaborative potential—not merely as a functional assistant but as an authentic partner in team interactions. Emotionally moved by this realization, he said the experience gave him “goosebumps,” capturing perfectly the transformative possibilities when facilitators intentionally design experiences that prompt meaningful shifts in perspective.

The workshop highlighted how AI, when positioned thoughtfully, could initiate conversations and engage team members who might otherwise hesitate to participate. In essence, AI provided a neutral voice, catalyzing richer dialogue and deeper insights. For teams hesitant about direct engagement, AI offered a safe starting point, a powerful insight into how technology can be a genuine collaborator rather than merely an information tool.

Exploring Practical Applications and Concerns with AI

Participants left our workshop inspired to experiment with new AI tools such as Claude, Perplexity, and Miro Sidekick, seeing firsthand their potential to enhance real-time facilitation. The excitement was palpable as attendees brainstormed practical uses—such as using AI to facilitate deeper reflections, structure conversations, and provide new insights during collaborative sessions.

Yet, despite widespread enthusiasm, participants also candidly discussed concerns around security, privacy, and integration of AI into organizational practices. Attendees from Germany notably highlighted slower regional adoption due to institutional hesitance and rigorous privacy standards. Addressing these concerns became a vital element of our workshop, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, context-sensitive integration of AI into diverse organizational cultures.

Despite these valid concerns, the workshop’s overwhelming takeaway was excitement about AI’s untapped potential. Attendees saw clear opportunities to enrich their practices through these emerging technologies, feeling empowered and equipped to thoughtfully advocate for and practically implement AI as a meaningful participant in their teams and meetings.

Crossing Thresholds for Transformation

Both our meetup and workshop underscored the critical importance of thoughtfully designed thresholds—both physical entry into spaces and cognitive entry into new ideas. By consciously crafting these moments, we enabled attendees to shift from routine thinking into new possibilities, deeply enhancing their event experience.

Participants expressed gratitude for small yet impactful interventions, such as the persona cards we handed out while attendees were waiting in line for the workshop. Given the unique context of SXSW, where attendees often queue up 45 minutes or more in advance, the cards provided a delightful and unexpected moment of connection and reflection. As participants selected a card that best represented their approach or attitude toward AI, spontaneous conversations quickly blossomed among previously disconnected attendees. People eagerly compared their chosen personas—whether Historian, Synthesizer, Challenger, or Optimist—sparking curiosity, laughter, and immediate bonds. These thoughtfully designed threshold experiences didn’t just occupy waiting time; they actively reshaped the atmosphere, transitioning attendees from passive anticipation to active engagement and collaboration, dramatically influencing their openness, interactions, and reflections throughout the rest of the workshop.

And the big payoff was crossing cognitive thresholds around their use of AI demonstrated facilitation’s power to shift perspectives profoundly. Attendees repeatedly shared that thoughtfully guided experiences allowed them to see familiar tools and interactions in entirely new ways, demonstrating how effective facilitation can lead to significant shifts in understanding and collaboration practices.

Reflect, Experiment, and Engage

Our experiences at SXSW demonstrated the incredible potential at the intersection of human connection, vulnerability, thoughtful facilitation, and AI integration. These moments provided rich insights and clear evidence that intentional facilitation can profoundly reshape organizational culture and interpersonal dynamics.

We invite you—our community of facilitators, leaders, students, and alumni—to embrace and carry these insights into your own practice. Experiment boldly with facilitation techniques, reimagine your meetings for deeper impact, navigate conflict constructively, and thoughtfully explore AI as an active, engaged teammate.

Join us at our upcoming Facilitation Lab events and continue exploring these themes with us. Together, let’s facilitate spaces where human connection, innovation, and meaningful change flourish.

The post Facilitating Human Connection in the AI Era appeared first on Voltage Control.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how teams collaborate and innovate. As we move beyond viewing AI as a mere tool, the concept of treating AI as an active team member is gaining traction. This perspective shift opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing the depth and breadth of our collaborative efforts. By involving AI in brainstorming sessions, refining ideas, and generating creative stimuli, we can unlock new potentials that were previously unattainable.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how AI can be effectively integrated into facilitation processes, the benefits it brings, and practical applications that demonstrate its transformative power. From preparing AI with the right context to training teams to engage with it meaningfully, we will delve into the various aspects that make AI a valuable ally. Additionally, we’ll share insights from real-world applications, including a case study with the US SOCOM Innovation Foundry, to illustrate the practical benefits of AI in facilitation.

Rethinking AI as a Team Member

In the evolving landscape of facilitation, AI has emerged as a powerful tool. However, instead of viewing it merely as a task executor, what if we treated AI as an additional team member? Imagine having a seven-person team where an AI like ChatGPT or Claude is the eighth member. This shift in perspective can unlock new potentials in how we collaborate and innovate.

By posing the same questions to AI as we do to our human team members, we can generate a diverse range of insights. For instance, during brainstorming sessions, AI can contribute ideas that might inspire “Yes, and” thinking, akin to the dynamic flow of a collaborative team. Similarly, AI tools like Midjourney can provide visual stimuli that spur further creative exploration.

Treating AI as a collaborator enriches the facilitation process, helping us to prompt better and receive more nuanced feedback. This approach not only broadens the scope of our inquiries but also enhances the depth of our engagements, making the AI a valuable ally in our collective efforts.

Consider the implications of integrating AI into various stages of facilitation. From the initial brainstorming phase to the execution of ideas, AI can act as a catalyst for creativity and innovation. How are you currently integrating AI into your team dynamics? Share your experiences and thoughts.

Preparing AI for Collaboration

Reframing our interaction with AI from a simple input-output model to a more collaborative process can significantly enhance our facilitation outcomes. When we view AI as a collaborator, we’re encouraged to provide it with comprehensive background information and thoughtful prompts, similar to how we prepare human participants.

As facilitators, it’s crucial to equip AI with context—why we’re gathering, the tools and exercises we plan to use, and the key questions we aim to explore. This preparation allows the AI to generate responses that are more aligned with our goals and more useful to our group. For instance, if we are conducting a workshop on strategic planning, providing AI with information about the company’s vision, mission, and current challenges can lead to more relevant and insightful contributions.

Moreover, considering AI as a participant helps us think differently about its role in our workshops. Should it act as an extra person, or should every attendee have an AI copilot? These structural elements can significantly influence how effectively we harness AI’s potential during collaborative sessions. What are some ways you prepare your AI tools to be more effective collaborators? Let’s discuss.

Training Teams to Work with AI

Effective AI collaboration requires training our team members to engage with these tools meaningfully. It’s not just about using AI for tasks but understanding the difference between a transactional and a collaborative relationship with AI.

A transactional relationship focuses on simple command-response interactions, while a collaborative approach involves a deeper engagement, where AI contributions are integrated into the team’s workflow. Facilitators can guide this process by setting up scenarios where team members interact with AI in ways that build their capacity for richer engagements. For example, role-playing exercises where AI takes on different perspectives can help team members see its value beyond basic tasks.

Training our teams in this manner helps them see AI as a partner that enhances their work. Over time, this fosters a more innovative and adaptive team environment, where AI is leveraged to its full potential. This training can include workshops, hands-on practice sessions, and continuous learning opportunities to keep up with evolving AI capabilities. How have you trained your teams to work with AI? What challenges and successes have you encountered?

Enhancing Facilitation with AI

One of the most exciting aspects of integrating AI into facilitation is its ability to enhance the adaptive quality of the process. By being open to AI-generated inputs, facilitators can pivot and adapt their strategies in real-time, adding a layer of dynamism to workshops.

AI introduces a level of unpredictability that can be incredibly valuable. For example, AI might suggest an idea or perspective that wasn’t initially considered, prompting facilitators and participants to explore new avenues. This is akin to rolling dice in a game, where the outcome is not entirely predictable but can lead to interesting and productive developments.

Furthermore, AI can help facilitators manage the flow of discussions by providing real-time feedback and suggestions. This dynamic interaction can make workshops more engaging and creatively stimulating, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Integrating AI in this way can make workshops more engaging and creatively stimulating, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Have you experienced the adaptive nature of facilitation with AI? Share your stories!

Practical Applications: SOCOM Innovation Foundry

At a recent Innovation Foundry with US SOCOM, we had the opportunity to incorporate AI to elevate group outcomes. Teams used AI to generate descriptions, refine their ideas, and even challenge their concepts to strengthen them. This iterative process of using AI as a critical evaluator helped them identify weaknesses and enhance their proposals.

Additionally, AI tools like Midjourney were utilized to create compelling visuals for presentations. This not only improved the quality of their final products but also provided a unique perspective that might not have been considered otherwise.

Such practical applications highlight the potential of AI to help push the group beyond the first good idea, inspire higher quality and effectiveness of our work, making it an invaluable asset in both the ideation and execution phases.

For example, one team used AI to simulate potential market responses to their product idea, which led to significant refinements and a more robust final proposal. Another team leveraged AI to create detailed visual prototypes, making their presentations more persuasive and impactful. Have you used AI to refine your group process? How did it help? Let’s hear your experiences.

The Future of AI in Facilitation

As we look to the future, the integration of AI in facilitation is poised to become even more integral. Advances in AI technology will likely introduce more sophisticated tools and capabilities, further enhancing the ways in which we can collaborate and innovate. Staying abreast of these developments and continuously refining our approach will be key to maximizing the benefits of AI in facilitation.

Exploring new AI tools and keeping up with the latest trends can provide facilitators with a competitive edge. Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation will ensure that we are always leveraging AI to its fullest potential. The future promises exciting possibilities, from more intuitive AI interfaces to tools that can better understand and predict group dynamics.

Investing in training and development for both facilitators and team members will be crucial. As AI evolves, so too must our skills and strategies for integrating it effectively into our processes. The potential for AI to revolutionize facilitation is vast, and by staying proactive, we can continue to lead the way in collaborative innovation.

Conclusion

The integration of AI into facilitation is more than just a technological advancement; it represents a paradigm shift in how we approach collaboration and innovation. By treating AI as a team member, preparing it with relevant context, training our teams to engage with it meaningfully, and embracing its adaptive qualities, we can unlock new levels of creativity and productivity. Practical applications, like those seen with the SOCOM Innovation Foundry, demonstrate the tangible benefits of this approach.

As we continue to explore and refine our methods, the potential for AI to enhance our collaborative efforts remains vast and exciting. The future of facilitation with AI is bright, and by embracing these tools, we can drive innovation and achieve outstanding outcomes in our workshops and collaborative endeavors.

FAQ

Q: How can I start integrating AI into my facilitation processes? A: Begin by viewing AI as a team member rather than just a tool. Provide it with context and thoughtful prompts, and involve it in brainstorming sessions and idea refinement. Training your team to interact with AI meaningfully is also crucial.

Q: What are some AI tools that can be used in facilitation? A: Tools like ChatGPT and Claude can be used for generating ideas and providing feedback, while visual tools like Midjourney can help create compelling visuals for presentations. Additionally, tools like DALL-E can generate unique visual concepts that can inspire creative thinking.

Q: How do I prepare AI for collaboration? A: Equip AI with comprehensive background information about your goals, the context of your gathering, and the tools and exercises you plan to use. This helps the AI generate responses that are aligned with your objectives. Providing continuous feedback to the AI can also help refine its outputs over time.

Q: What challenges might I face when integrating AI into facilitation? A: Some challenges include ensuring team members understand how to engage with AI collaboratively rather than transactionally, and adapting to the unpredictability of AI-generated inputs. Training and practice can help overcome these challenges, as well as fostering a culture of open-mindedness and experimentation.

Q: Can AI replace human facilitators? A: AI is not a replacement for human facilitators but rather a valuable collaborator. It can enhance the facilitation process by providing diverse insights and creative stimuli, but human intuition and leadership remain essential. The human element of empathy, intuition, and nuanced understanding of group dynamics is irreplaceable and works best in tandem with AI

The post Facilitation & AI Teaming appeared first on Voltage Control.

I’m happy to share that Voltage Control and KUNGFU.AI will be hosting an AI Readiness Workshop as part of the CTO Summit this year. The workshop will take place on April 10, 2019, the day after the Summit. The AI Readiness Workshop is designed to help innovators and technology leaders focus in on how to apply artificial intelligence across the business.

About the Workshop

• An instructor-led event with activities to connect the dots between data, technology, and practical AI use cases.
• Includes a presentation by expert Ron Green on the state of AI.
• Working with peers, you’ll see how to align on a business objective, assess the state of your data, identify practical use cases, and define a starting point.
• By the end of the workshop, you will walk away with a framework and strategy document that guides internal conversations on how to apply this technology.

Who Should Attend?

• CTO/CIO/CPO/CDO/VP-level digital and technology leaders
• But, bring a few team members, as the activities are collaborative.

(Reach out to me at info@voltagecontrol.co if you can’t attend the CTO Summit and want to buy tickets to the workshop.)

By the end of this event, you will walk away with:

• Understanding key tenants of the successful AI strategies
• A strategic framework for identifying AI opportunities relevant to your business
• Methods for aligning and inspiring your team to do more with data

AI Readiness Workshop Agenda | April 10, 2019

9:30 AM: Doors Open
10:00 AM: Welcome & Intros
10:30 AM: Presentation from AI Expert Ron Green, CTO KUNGFU.AI
11:30 AM: Break
11:45 AM: AI Readiness Canvas: Explore Your Challenges
12:15 AM: AI Readiness Canvas: Articulating Your Goals
12:45 PM: Lunch
3:45 PM: AI Readiness Canvas: Data Worksheets
4:00 PM: Closing & Network

About Ron Green

Ron Green, CTO at KUNGFU.AI will kick things off with a lecture on the state of AI, explore the history of its application, and share some common themes on how it is being applied in business today.

Ron is a serial tech entrepreneur, CTO, and expert in machine learning. He’s built several successful companies in telecom, biotech, e-commerce, social media, and healthcare. He was most recently CEO and founder of Thrive Technologies (acquired by CLOUD), a mobile healthcare startup. Prior to Thrive, Ron ran software development at Ziften Technologies, Powered (acquired by Dachis Group), and Visible Genetics (acquired by Bayer). Ron holds an MSc with Distinction in Evolutionary and Adaptive Systems from the University of Sussex, and a degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas

Venue

• We will be located in the Mobility X room inside Capital Factory.
• Capital Factory is located in the Omni Hotel: 701 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
• Mobility X is located on the 1st floor of the Omni building. It is on the northwest corner, inside the Voltron co-working space. There will be signs and staff that can help you to the room.

Parking

The Omni has paid valet parking. There is also street parking nearby as well as lots on 8th st. and Trinity as well as 8th and Neches.

Sponsors

About the Sponsors

KUNGFU.AI helps companies start and accelerate AI programs by providing strategy and development services.

The post From AI Thinking to AI Doing: A Strategy Workshop appeared first on Voltage Control.