In this Facilitation Lab podcast episode, host Douglas Ferguson interviews Rubens Filho, Director of Spells & CEO of Abracademy, about using magic as a tool for transformative learning and team development. Rubens shares how magic, psychology, and learning design are blended to create engaging, research-informed workshops that foster curiosity, wonder, and collaboration. The discussion covers the origins of Abracademy, the power of metaphor and storytelling in leadership, the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, and the impact of shifting from militarized to magical language in the workplace. The episode highlights the value of human-centered, memorable learning experiences.
Innovation
In this episode of the Facilitation Lab Podcast, host Douglas Ferguson interviews Lori Boozer, a narrative strategist and wellness visionary. Lori shares her journey from law to facilitation, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive spaces for genuine participation and healing. The conversation explores group dynamics, the power of storytelling, and removing hierarchical barriers to foster authentic connection. Lori reflects on her experiences in Thailand and the need for “reparative engagement” in communities. Together, they discuss how facilitation can drive collective transformation, especially in workplaces and a world increasingly shaped by technology.
Web3, blockchain, and cryptocurrency organizations thrive on collaboration, but without effective meeting facilitation, they risk falling into unproductive patterns. Skilled facilitation transforms meeting culture by improving decision-making, boosting transparency, and increasing community engagement—critical for decentralized governance and global participation. Case in point: Cardano’s Constitutional Convention, facilitated by Voltage Control, brought together over 1,400 participants across 50 countries to ratify a groundbreaking on-chain constitution. From hybrid workshops to large-scale global events, expert facilitation enables blockchain networks and crypto companies to maximize efficiency, harness diverse perspectives, and drive sustainable collaboration at scale.
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) thrive on active participation, yet sustaining engagement remains a challenge. This article explores how DAOs and blockchain communities like Cardano successfully foster long-term member involvement through facilitation, transparency, and effective tokenomics. From addressing voter apathy and the “free rider problem” to implementing fair token distribution, incentives, and alternative governance models, the post outlines strategies that strengthen decentralized decision-making. Highlighting real-world examples like the Cardano Constitutional Convention, it shows how dedicated facilitation can transform governance into an inclusive, collaborative process.
As summer shifts into fall, we often feel pulled back into “serious mode.” But play isn’t the opposite of work—it’s the fuel for it. In this blog, we explore how facilitators and leaders can integrate playful practices into meetings to spark creativity, lower resistance, and unlock momentum for deeper collaboration. From Squiggle Birds to remixing classics like Altitude, playful micro-moves open space for discovery, clarity, and shared meaning. Whether you’re exploring new rituals, navigating change, or building team trust, purposeful play transforms how groups connect, experiment, and achieve serious outcomes together.
Discover how to plan and facilitate a successful blockchain conference with insights from Voltage Control’s work on the historic Cardano Constitutional Convention. Over two years and 63 workshops in 50 countries, facilitators guided the Cardano community through drafting and ratifying its groundbreaking constitution—culminating in global events in Nairobi, Buenos Aires, and online. This case study reveals strategies for building agendas, selecting facilitators, fostering networking, and creating inclusive environments for blockchain, crypto, and Web3 events. Learn practical tips for planning summits, workshops, and conferences that inspire collaboration, drive innovation, and strengthen decentralized communities in 2025 and beyond.
In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson speaks with facilitation experts Tammy Shubat and Robin Cory, both Voltage Control certification alumni. Tammy shares her journey from leadership to facilitation, focusing on relationship-building and creating safe spaces for bold participation. Robin discusses her facilitation approach, inspired by Tammy, and emphasizes thoughtful session design to foster engagement and creativity. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration, purposeful gatherings, and centering relationships to drive meaningful change within mission-driven organizations.
In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson engages with Charles Hoskinson, CEO of Input I Output and Co-Founder of Cardano. They delve into themes of facilitation, collaboration, and governance, particularly focusing on Charles's work in developing a decentralized governance model for Cardano. Charles shares insights from facilitating workshops across 50 countries to draft Cardano's constitution, emphasizing the importance of communication, trust, and consensus-building. The conversation also explores the impact of historical governance models and modern organizational design on decentralized systems, offering valuable lessons for fostering innovation and collaboration in diverse groups.
In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson interviews Emilia Åström, facilitator at Howspace and co-creator of "Perspectives." Emilia shares her journey from competitive advertising to collaborative facilitation, inspired by her experience at Hyper Island. They discuss the transformative power of facilitation in fostering inclusive, innovative group dynamics and how structured methods like design thinking enhance leadership and learning. Emilia also highlights the impact of digital tools and AI in large-scale facilitation and emphasizes facilitation as a mindset that enriches both professional and personal growth.
Explore the power of edges in facilitation and leadership. This blog introduces Troika Consulting and five transformative prompts—Explore the Unknown, Disrupt Patterns, Generate Dialogue, Embrace Tension, and Steward Emergence—designed to help you navigate thresholds in your work. Discover how edges spark growth, challenge assumptions, and unlock new ways of thinking.