Fraud Blocker
Next Cohort Deadline March 21st Apply Today
Next Cohort Deadline March 21st Apply Today
post image
Podcast | May 22, 2024

In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, Douglas Ferguson talks with Jim Kalbach, Chief Evangelist at MURAL and author, about his facilitation journey and expertise in mapping. Jim shares a pivotal experience leading a workshop at LexisNexis and how it propelled his career. He discusses the influence of room setup on collaboration, the power of visual maps for team alignment, and his interest in Wardley maps. Jim also reflects on the evolution of facilitation with technology, the shift to remote workshops, and the future of facilitation as a widespread skill. The episode emphasizes the transformative role of facilitation and visual tools in improving group collaboration.

post image
Podcast | May 10, 2024

In this podcast episode, Douglas Ferguson hosts Neallie Kani, a UX Specialist from Hogan Assessments, who shares her facilitation journey and the impact of leadership classes on her career. She discusses the importance of creating a comfortable environment for teams, inspired by Erik Skogsberg's calming facilitation approach. Neallie applies techniques like icebreakers and working agreements to enhance her meetings, emphasizing trial and error and monthly check-ins for continuous improvement. She uses visual aids like PowerPoint to align her team and stresses the significance of consistent reminders of team values.

post image
Alumni Stories | April 17, 2024

Discover how a designer's passion for collaboration evolved into a mastery of facilitation in "The Unexpected Journey." Initially focused on design, Jim’s career took a transformative turn towards facilitation during a pivotal project at LexisNexis. This experience sparked a deeper engagement with facilitation techniques, leading to significant roles at Citrix and Mural. The blog details Jim’s journey of learning and growth, culminating in a certification in facilitation, and highlights the profound impact of structured facilitation on professional development and collaborative innovation. This odyssey not only enhanced Jim's skills but also broadened their influence in the field of collaborative design and facilitation.

post image
Alumni Stories | January 26, 2024

In this alumni story, Trudy Townsend shares her transformative journey. Discover Trudy's compelling narrative from her initial role at the Wasco County Commission on Children and Families to becoming a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care and a certified facilitator. Learn how her experiences in diverse positions, including working on a Safe Schools Healthy Students federal grant and a health insurance plan's coordinated care organization, honed her skills in facilitation, strategic planning, and community collaboration. Trudy's story is a testament to the power of facilitation in driving meaningful change and building stronger, more connected communities.

post image
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.

post image
Facilitation | January 8, 2024

A fresh perspective on facilitation in today's evolving corporate landscape. Emphasizing the need to move beyond 'reading the room', it advocates for a holistic understanding of systems thinking in facilitation. The article highlights the shift from traditional, physical meetings to diverse, often virtual environments. It discusses the interconnectedness within organizations, the impact of cultural awareness, conflict resolution, and the strategic use of data, all crucial for achieving effective facilitation outcomes in both virtual and hybrid settings.