Alum Kristi James shares how her lifelong love of bringing people together evolved into a career in catalytic facilitation, now shaping global impact at the World Health Organization. From early days leading school events to marketing innovation at DHL and immersive brand experiences, Kristi discovered the power of storytelling and intentional design to spark engagement. Her journey deepened through Voltage Control’s Facilitation Certification, where she mastered Liberating Structures like 1-2-4-All and applied them to transform WHO workshops. Today, Kristi uses facilitation to move teams from passive meetings to active collaboration, proving that a well-placed “why” can turn any gathering into meaningful change.
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.
From leading student adventures to facilitating global workshops, Chris Federer’s journey shows how facilitation is often discovered through exploration, not a straight path. In this alumni story, Chris shares how design thinking, community, and practice shaped his evolution into a professional facilitator. Discover insights on leadership, collaboration, and the winding road to a career in facilitation.
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.
Cardano’s groundbreaking shift to community-led on-chain governance shows how facilitation can power global collaboration. With workshops across 50+ countries, Voltage Control facilitators ensured every voice was heard, leading to the ratification of the Cardano Constitution. Explore how blockchain, decentralization, and facilitation intersect—and what this means for the future of Web3, governance, and beyond.
In "Holding Space, Finding Self," Voltage Control alum Tahira Bharmal shares her journey through facilitation, culture, and connection. From her early corporate days in the UAE to discovering the transformative power of holding space, Tahira reflects on mentorship, cross-cultural lessons, and how facilitation has shaped her life and work. A story of growth, purpose, and the magic of creating space for meaningful conversations.
Explore key insights from Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" for facilitators and leaders. This bestseller from the music industry icon merges discipline with creativity, providing valuable lessons for corporate innovation. Learn Rubin's approach to the creative process, the importance of embracing constraints, and the power of collaboration. Inspired by his extensive music career, Rubin's methods apply to various fields, enhancing problem-solving and innovative thinking. This summary shows how Rubin's ideas can rejuvenate facilitation and spark innovation in today's professional environments.
Discover the power of collaborative leadership. Learn about its definition, distinction from facilitation, and the five key benefits: enhanced decision-making, increased productivity, stronger relationships, greater innovation, and higher engagement. Understand the challenges, particularly in balancing autocratic and collaborative styles, and explore the five essential qualities of a successful collaborative leader: being purposed, inclusive, clear, crafted, and adaptive. Embrace this leadership style for a more engaged and effective workforce.
Workplace conflicts can drain time and morale, making conflict resolution meetings crucial. These meetings tackle disagreements affecting productivity and wellbeing, involving all parties in a comfortable setting with a neutral facilitator. Establish ground rules, encourage open dialogue and active listening, and develop an action plan with fair task assignments. Training can enhance these skills, fostering a harmonious and efficient workplace.
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