Episode 47 - Unlocking Human-Centered Innovation with Gitanjali Ponnappa, EY Partner in business Transformation

In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Vivian Acquah, a certified DEI advocate, trainer, and speaker, who is on a mission to create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Born and raised in Amsterdam with Ghanaian roots, Vivian brings a wealth of personal and professional experience, blending her background in financial and IT consulting with her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We delve into her unique approaches, from using food metaphors to explain DEI to leveraging virtual reality and DEI card decks for fostering empathy and courageous conversations. **Tune in to discover:** - Vivian’s journey from maternity bias to becoming a DEI advocate - The difference between diversity, equity, and inclusion and why they matter - How virtual reality can transform DEI training - The role of DEI card decks in starting impactful conversations and building strategies **Quotation:** *"Empathy is the unlocker for inclusion."* — Vivian Acquah --- 🤗 [HEY NATHY](https://forms.gle/B1XU76R8KmunizZb7): Send your comments, questions, and suggestions

In this special episode, I look back on 2024—a year of podcasting milestones, global facilitation experiences, and personal growth. From hosting **25 podcast episodes** to working with clients across continents, this year highlighted the power of connection and transformation through facilitation. I also share plans for 2025, focusing on leadership, team development, and work-life balance. **Tune in to discover:** - A review of key podcast episodes and inspiring guest contributions - Why people—not AI—are the heart of successful transformation - Reflections on balancing professional growth and personal well-being - Plans for creating impactful leadership and team development experiences in 2025 **Quotation:** *"The real priority in transformation isn't AI, it's people.”* — Nathy Ravez --- 🤗 [HEY NATHY](https://forms.gle/B1XU76R8KmunizZb7): Share your ideas, feedback, or topic suggestions for the podcast 💌 Sign up for the Workshoppeuse [Newsletter](https://laworkshoppeuse.ck.page/gazette-signup-from-podcast)

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Jenny Martin, the collaboration coach with a unique approach to helping teams connect, collaborate, and unlock their full potential. Jenny is an active voice in the Agile community, known for her expertise in team collaboration and effectiveness and frequently shares her insights at events across Europe. Recently, she completed a post-grad in 'The Psychology of Kindness and Wellbeing at Work,' adding another layer to her facilitation work. Together, we explore her methods, tools, and the role of positive psychology in creating impactful workshops. **Tune in to discover:** - Jenny’s journey to becoming a "secret weapon" for team collaboration - Key elements to foster psychological safety and trust in teams - The power of LEGO SERIOUS PLAY® for unleashing creativity - How StrongSuits® builds trust through positive psychology principles **Quotation:** *"Playfulness keeps people engaged."* — Jenny Martin --- 🤗 [HEY NATHY](https://forms.gle/B1XU76R8KmunizZb7): Send your comments, questions and suggestion 💌 Sign up for the Workshoppeuse [Newsletter](https://laworkshoppeuse.ck.page/gazette-signup-from-podcast)

*Why Every Facilitator Should Prioritize Feedback and Reflection* In this episode, I sit down with Tes Cohen, founder of Transformative Gatherings. Driven by a mission to foster curiosity and community, Tes is dedicated to creating spaces that cultivate belonging and continuous learning. Together, we dive into the essential yet often overlooked process of post-workshop debriefing. Tes shares her five foundational steps for crafting impactful gatherings and provides actionable insights on how to conduct effective debriefs that can elevate future sessions. From key debrief questions to strategies for long-term client communication, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge for facilitators aiming to maximize the impact of their workshops. **Tune in to discover:** - Tes’s unique journey into facilitation - The 5 keys to creating transformative gatherings - Why debriefing is essential and the benefits of recording workshop processes - How ongoing client communication amplifies the long-term impact of sessions - A look at Tess's Debrief Meeting process: Round Robin, Reflections, and Team Shout Outs **Quotation:** *"The magic of the debrief is to actually use it."* – Tes Cohen --- LINK TO 🔗 [Survey](https://stateoffacilitation.typeform.com/SoFSurvey2024/?utm_campaign=sof&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=Nathy) by SessionLab 🔗 [Seen on Scene](https://www.seeninscenes.butter.us) - Butter 24h Festival 🤗 [HEY NATHY](https://forms.gle/B1XU76R8KmunizZb7): Fill in the formand join the Podcast Meet & Greet

In this episode, I welcome Gwyn Wansbrough, a facilitator and trainer on a mission to help professionals design and lead exceptional online sessions that deliver better results for groups. Together, we explore the nuances of virtual facilitation, focusing on the transition from in-person to online workshops, the importance of designing engaging virtual sessions, and strategies to enhance interaction and connection among participants. **Tune in to discover:** - Gwyn’s background and her journey into virtual facilitation - Why virtual sessions require different engagement strategies than in-person workshops - The importance of the first five minutes in setting the tone for online sessions - A live movement activity to combat remote fatigue during workshops - How using prompts can deepen participant connection and engagement - A sneak peek into Gwyn’s video course “Breakthrough Facilitation” **Quotation:** *"You can't create the same kind of meaningful engagement online as you do in person."* – Gwyn Wansbrough --- **📮 Sign up for our Workshoppeuse [Newsletter](https://laworkshoppeuse.ck.page/gazette-signup-from-podcast)** 🤗 [HEY NATHY](https://forms.gle/B1XU76R8KmunizZb7): Fill out the form to ask questions or suggest future podcast topics!

In this episode, I sit down with Iwona Fluda, founder of the Ministry of Creativity, LLC. We dive deep into the world of creativity and innovation, discussing Iwona's fascinating journey from Poland to Switzerland, and her distinctive approach to facilitating workshops that prioritize co-creation and human connection. **Tune in to discover:** - Iwona's personal journey and background. - Insights into building effective creative and innovation workshops. - The golden rules for fostering creativity. - All about her upcoming "Innovate Together" unconference in Bali. - A special glimpse into her project, 'Send Your Wish to the Moon'—a global symbol of hope and unity. **Quotation:** *“Innovation doesn’t happen without creativity.”* - Iwona Fluda --- **PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE OF FACILITATION SURVEY** 🔗 [Survey](https://stateoffacilitation.typeform.com/SoFSurvey2024/?utm_campaign=sof&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=Nathy) by SessionLab **📮 Sign up for our Workshoppeuse [Newsletter](https://laworkshoppeuse.ck.page/gazette-signup-from-podcast)** 🤗 [HEY NATHY](https://forms.gle/B1XU76R8KmunizZb7): Fill in the form to ask questions or suggest future podcast topics!

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Alex Eisenchteter, an innovative facilitator and founder of Stormz, also an AI expert, founder of the AI Tinkerer community with a passion for designing and leading large group workshops. Alexandre's journey began at a sticky note manufacturer, and before he knew it, aside his engineer role, he found himself facilitating workshops on the shop floor. Over the years, his creativity has led him to develop tools and approaches that make large group workshops not only possible but highly engaging and productive. **Tune in to:** - Discover the essential skills and strategies for facilitating large group workshops. - Learn how Alex developed his tool, Stormz, to enhance participation and collaboration. - Explore the intersection of technology and facilitation and how it can elevate your workshops. - Get insights into the value of high-quality facilitation resources for aspiring facilitators. **Quotations:** *"Facilitating large groups isn't just about getting people in the room—it's about creating experiences that connect, engage, and inspire."* – Alexandre Eisenchteter ******************************************************************* PARTICIPATE TO THE STATE OF FACILITATION SURVEY 🔗 [Survey](https://stateoffacilitation.typeform.com/SoFSurvey2024/?utm_campaign=sof&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=Nathy) Sessionlab 🤗 [HEY NATHY](https://forms.gle/B1XU76R8KmunizZb7) : Fill the form to ask questions and give me great suggestions for the podcast **📮Sign up for our Workshoppeuse [Newsletter](https://laworkshoppeuse.ck.page/gazette-signup-from-podcast)**

Today, I welcome Lisa Partridge, Founder of SIXCOMMS and the beautiful mind behind the Walk and Talk community in Singapore. The community brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals looking for meaningful connections. Its purpose is to foster curiosity and connection, allowing participants to come as they are and engage in walking conversations. The community has grown to over 100 members in just 18 months, and it has led to collaborations, workshops, and podcast episodes. “Come curious, leave connected” - Lisa Partridge **Tune in to discover:** - Lisa’s amazing background and journey - The birth of Walk & Talk - How to creating Meaningful Connections through Walking Conversations - How to Building an Organic and Aligned Business ******************************************************************* 🤗 [HEY NATHY](https://forms.gle/B1XU76R8KmunizZb7) : Send me your questions, comments and suggestions **📮Sign up for our Workshoppeuse [Newsletter](https://laworkshoppeuse.ck.page/gazette-signup-from-podcast)**

Today, I welcome Daniela Ruiz, a workshop facilitator and creative coach from Argentina. We delve into how Daniela's artistic background has shaped her unique facilitation style and discuss the challenges and opportunities for facilitators around the world, particularly in regions with limited access to resources due to financial constraints. **Tune in to:** - Explore Daniela's nonlinear journey that led her to a career in facilitation. - Understand how her artistic life has deeply influenced her approach to facilitation. - Learn about the facilitation communities in Argentina. - Get aware about the limited access to facilitation courses and retreats for facilitators from regions with weaker currencies. - Reflect on what can be done to create more accessibility and equity for facilitators globally. **Quotation:** "I enjoy commanding attention and getting people on board.” - Daniela Ruiz **Email your questions to** : [email protected] **Sign up for our Newsletter** “La Workshoppeuse-Gazette” here : https://laworkshoppeuse.ck.page/gazette-signup-from-podcast

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of freelance facilitation with the inspiring Kirsty Lewis, founder of the School of Facilitation. Kirsty brings over a decade of experience and a wealth of knowledge about the facilitation field. She shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced, and the reality of leaving a corporate career to pursue a passion for facilitation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career shift to freelancing or looking to deepen their understanding of facilitation. Tune in to: - Discover the key differences between trainers and facilitators. - Understand the importance of building a network and finding support when transitioning to freelancing. - Listen to real talk about the challenging and rewarding sides of becoming a freelance facilitator. - Discover why facilitators are more needed than ever to support corporate teams in decision-making and collaboration. - Gain insights into the supportive and collaborative nature of the facilitation community. **Quotation:** *"Making the decision to quit and become a freelancer is a big step, and it's not for everyone."* – Kirsty Lewis **GUEST: | Kirsty Lewis** 🔔 Follow her on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-schooloffacilitation/) 🤗 Join the [School of facilitation](https://www.notion.so/de9787581a2d428abf3578e9d45bdc02?pvs=21) community **HOST**: **Nathy Ravez** | La Workshoppeuse ✨ [Connect with me](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathyravez) [☎ Get support on your freelance facilitator path](https://calendly.com/la-workshoppeuse/20-min-free-call) 📧 [Subscribe our Workshoppeuse Newsletter](https://laworkshoppeuse.ck.page/gazette-signup-from-podcast)