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Podcast | April 1, 2024

In this episode, Douglas Ferguson and JJ Rogers delve into the nuances of crafting engaging, delightful, and efficient meetings and workshops. They explore JJ's journey in product design and facilitation, emphasizing the importance of joy and surprise in creating delightful experiences. The discussion highlights strategies for engaging participants, especially in virtual settings, by introducing novel experiences and emphasizing user feedback. Key takeaways include the significance of preparation in facilitation, the power of celebrating achievements to foster team cohesion, and innovative ways to incorporate user stories and feedback into design processes. This podcast is a treasure trove for facilitators, designers, and anyone interested in enhancing collaboration and user experiences. Tune in to gain actionable insights on transforming routine meetings into memorable, impactful gatherings that prioritize user delight and effective collaboration.

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Podcast | January 9, 2024

Host Douglas Ferguson interviews Dr. Rebecca Sutherns, a 27-year facilitation veteran and author of "Elastic Stretch Without Snapping or Snapping Back." She discusses her initial discomfort with group work, its impact on her career, and the significance of effective group processes. The episode covers group dynamics across life stages and how structured interactions improve efficiency and minimize awkwardness.

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Podcast | December 12, 2023

In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson interviews Eddie Jjemba from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center. Eddie discusses his work in making African cities resilient to climate change and his journey into environmental education. He shares his experiences in facilitation, including the importance of adapting to diverse cultures and contexts. Eddie also talks about the financial barriers to facilitation training in Africa and how the Red Cross is addressing this issue. The conversation also covers the use of games in facilitation, the process of designing meeting agendas, and the future of facilitation in the context of climate change.

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Podcast | November 28, 2023

In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson talks with Roselle, Global Head of Quality Training and Optimization for Concur Expense Audit and Capture Services at SAP. They discuss the importance of facilitation in the workplace, with Roselle sharing her journey and experiences in leading diverse teams. She emphasizes the value of connecting people, understanding multicultural dynamics, and having a growth mindset. Roselle also shares her approach to meetings and the importance of debriefing. She expresses her passion for creating safe, inclusive spaces and her plans to build a facilitation community within her team.

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Podcast | November 14, 2023

On the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson interviews Dom Michalec, a product coach at Pathfinder Product. Dom delves into his facilitation journey, underscoring effective team collaboration. He shares how implementing liberating structures from "Liberating Structures" enhanced his meetings, boosting idea generation and decision-making. Dom stresses refining facilitation skills over just acquiring tools. The discussion also covers his role at Pathfinder Product, crafting impactful one-hour workshops, and the idea of coaching upwards, presenting insights for facilitators and team leaders.

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Podcast | October 17, 2023

In the Facilitation Lab podcast, Douglas Ferguson interviews Phil Canning, head of the Human Centered Design Studio at Ally Financial. They explore Phil's path to facilitation and the pivotal role of design thinking in evolving Ally's operations. Phil highlights his workshop experiences, stressing the creation of a secure, inclusive space. The conversation delves into cross-industry learning's significance and facilitation's transformative impact. The episode ends by inspiring listeners to discover facilitation's potential in their own professional settings.

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Podcast | October 3, 2023

In the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson chats with Reshma Aziz Khan, CEO of Kenzo Consulting Limited. They delve into Reshma's nonprofit journey and her fascination with facilitation, sparked by an enlightening experience in Zimbabwe. Reshma discusses her unique workshop facilitation methods, including Whole Brain Dominance and creative seating, emphasizing connection among participants. Her transition to facilitation and the value of networking are explored. They highlight the power of silence and confidence-building through practice and learning.

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Podcast | September 15, 2023

Douglas Ferguson hosts Sandra Molinari, a workplace violence prevention expert, on the Facilitation Lab podcast. They explore Sandra's facilitation journey and her commitment to fostering inclusive, safe environments. Sandra discusses working with varied groups, being aware of cultural nuances, and the importance of recognizing participants' emotions. She stresses the crucial role of planning for effective facilitation and involving participants in design. Sandra also highlights the balance between maintaining structure and being responsive during facilitation sessions.

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Podcast | August 29, 2023

In this podcast, Douglas Ferguson chats with Eli Wood about facilitation's crucial role in interdisciplinary teams and product development. They explore how facilitation extends beyond design sprints, aiding any collaborative scenario. Key topics include facilitation's impact in product management, where balancing varied requirements and perspectives is essential.