Another Day, Another Workshop !

Mehdi En-Naizi

This podcast is for facilitators, leaders, and anyone who works with people and wants to take collaboration to the next level. I share practical tips, creative ideas, and real stories from my own journey, covering everything from attracting clients and designing workshops to leading sessions that truly make an impact. You’ll also hear inspiring conversations with guests who are reimagining how we work, learn, and connect. Tune in to explore the art of facilitation, grow your confidence, and create experiences that spark real change.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    How to Be a Great Facilitator in 2025: Skills, Mindset & Trend ft. Rebecca Courtney | #ADAW Ep. 14

    The world of facilitation is evolving, are you keeping up? In this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca Courtney, facilitation coach at AJ&Smart to talk about what it really takes to be a great facilitator in 2025. We dive into the essential skills facilitators need today, how to embrace your own authentic facilitation style, and why mindset matters more than methods.We also discuss how AI is changing workshop design and why the best facilitators won’t be replaced, but amplified. In this episode: ✅ From teaching kids to facilitating teams: Rebecca’s bold career shift ✅ The #1 skill facilitators need today (hint: it’s not a method) ✅ Why “emergent facilitation” is the future ✅ How to deal with tough workshop moments & go off-script with confidence ✅ The truth about using AI in workshops — what works and what doesn’t ✅ How to find your facilitation voice 🎁 Join my free live event on Oct 23 to celebrate the launch of The Workshop Deck. Learn my full process for designing workshops that get results and get a secret gift I usually sell for €299 Sign up here → https://facilitators-corner.com/launch 📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 00:00 – From Primary School Teacher to Facilitation Coach 05:10 – The Overlap Between Teaching and Facilitation 09:20 – Managing Tough Participants (Kids vs. Adults) 13:45 – How AI Can Support — Not Replace — Great Facilitation 20:12 – The IKEA Effect: Why Co-Creation Builds Commitment 26:30 – Emergent Facilitation: Tools, Mindset & Resilience 33:40 – The Training Gap: Why We Need More Real Practice 41:55 – Rebecca’s Authentic Style: Creative Sanctuary + Play 49:20 – The Power of Reflection to Find Your Facilitation Voice 54:05 – Advice for Facilitators Who Want to Grow in 2025 58:30 – Outro + Where to Find Rebecca 🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 & 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccacourtney Explore AJ&Smart’s Trainings: https://facilitator.com AJ&Smart on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AJSmart

    52 min

  2. 1 OCT

    How to Sell Your Workshops (Without Feeling Salesy) ft. Pedram Parasmand | #ADAW Ep. 13

    “Facilitation is sales, the good kind.”In this ADAW episode, Pedram Parasmand, program design coach and facilitator who has worked with Netflix, Amazon, and Mural, shares how the very skills that make you a great facilitator can also make you a great seller — without ever feeling “salesy.”We dive into:✅ Ped’s journey from teaching physics to designing programs for global brands✅ Why being “good in the room” isn’t enough to build a business✅ The feast or famine trap — and how to escape it✅ The surprising overlap between facilitation and sales✅ Authentic outreach that doesn’t feel pushy✅ Why niching down creates more opportunities, not less✅ And why facilitation can’t just be a hobby if you want to thriveWhether you’re freelancing, building a facilitation business, or simply curious about how to sell your skills with integrity, Ped’s story will help you shift your mindset, sharpen your approach, and design a career that lasts. Quick heads-up: I’m launching The Workshop Deck — 52 cards to help you design better workshops in less time. Join the free live event on Oct 23 to see how it works. [Sign up here → https://luma.com/go6tr960 ]⸻🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 & 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀• Subscribe to Ped’s Newsletter: https://leverageaccelerator.co• Connect with Ped on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedramparasmand/

    1h 7m

  3. 18 SEPT

    How to Ask Questions That Build Trust ft. Chad Littlefield | #ADAW Ep. 12

    "Powerful questions don’t take power, they give it.”In this ADAW episode, Chad Littlefield, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and co-founder of We and Me, shares how the right question, asked with the right intent, can completely transform the impact of your workshop.Quick heads-up: I’m launching The Workshop Deck : 52 cards to help you design better workshops in less time. Join the free live event on Oct 23 to see how it works. [Sign up here → https://luma.com/go6tr960 ]We dive into:✅ Why “icebreakers” should be renamed with connection before content✅ How to ask questions that create psychological safety and trust✅ What makes a question truly powerful — and how it can edit someone’s future✅ How intent and curiosity shape group dynamics✅ Why nailing your delivery is the best marketing✅ And the trap of becoming an “airport speaker” 🤐Whether you’re leading your first session or designing advanced offsites, Chad’s insights will help you ask better questions, build stronger connection, and run more meaningful experiences.⸻📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀00:00 - Meet Chad Littlefield: Connection Expert & Creator of We! Connect Cards06:40 - From Teenagers to Tech Teams: How the Cards Were Born10:05 - What Makes a Question “Powerful”?12:08 - The Problem with Icebreakers (and What to Say Instead)16:30 - The Phrase That Shifts Group Energy Instantly20:15 - Stop Asking “Why?” (And What to Ask Instead)26:10 - Presence Over Process: What Really Matters in Facilitation30:00 - The Marketing Power of a Truly Great Workshop35:30 - Thinking, Selling, Delivering — At the Same Time42:50 - Editing the Future with One Simple Question50:12 - The One Question Every Facilitator Should Ask54:00 - How to End Meetings That Actually Drive Action56:45 - Behind the Scenes: The Connector Summit + Priya Parker Keynote01:00:35 - Chad’s Thought Process: Purpose as a Shortcut to Depth01:05:10 - Boring Is the Enemy of Great Facilitation01:07:40 - Final Thoughts: Questions That Spark Real Change01:10:05 - Outro + Where to Find Chad⸻🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 & 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀• Register for the Connector Summit (Dec 10–12): https://weand.me/connectors-summit/• Chad’s Website: https://weand.me• Ask Powerful Questions (Book): [Insert Link]https://shop.weand.me/products/ask-powerful-questions• Register for the Connector Summit (Dec 10–12): https://weand.me/connectors-summit/• Follow Chad on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadlittlefield/• Chad’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chad.littlefield

    58 min

  4. 2 SEPT

    How to Run High-Impact Workshops That Actually Work ft. Tim Leake | #ADAW Ep. 11

    “Think of your team like the sun and you, the facilitator, as the magnifying glass.” In this ADAW episode, Tim Leake, TEDx speaker, creative strategist, and world-class facilitator shares his step-by-step approach to designing high-ROI workshops for executive teams. We dive into: ✅ The MVC (Most Valuable Challenge) and why it must come first ✅ How to handle executive skepticism and define value in dollars ✅ The dangers of overthinking vs. underthinking ✅ Why alignment beats action plans (and how to make real follow-through happen) ✅ How to sell facilitation more effectively by proving its business valueWhether you’re new to facilitation or have been doing it for years, this episode is full of helpful tips, stories, and clear ways to make your workshops better. 📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 00:00 - Meet Tim Leake: From Ad Exec to Facilitator 04:57 - Facilitating Leadership Teams: The Real Challenge 06:42 - Why Most Workshops Fail to Deliver Real Impact 09:06 - MVC: The Most Valuable Challenge Explained 13:56 - Estimating ROI with Executive Teams 16:18 - Why Leaders Must Define the MVC Themselves 24:32 - Optimal Thinking: Avoid Overthinking and Underthinking 32:47 - Storytime: The 12-Issue Executive Offsite That Failed 38:15 - Using Lenses and Filters to Prioritize Ideas 42:56 - Creativity, Exercise, and Capturing Aha Moments 46:12 - Facilitation = Stand-Up + Improv 48:20 - 3 Keys to High-ROI Workshops Recap 49:52 - Action Plan vs. Alignment Plan 54:45 - Building Real Follow-Through Into the Workshop 59:10 - Marketing the MVC Internally and Externally 01:01:04 - Why 5 Days? And How to Use the Time 01:05:10 - Executing During the Workshop: Real Outputs 01:07:02 - Pricing and the ROI Argument for Facilitators 01:09:27 - Saying No to the Wrong Clients 01:12:31 - Complex Challenges Need Creative Simplicity 01:23:06 - Wrap-Up: Why Facilitation is a Creative Superpower 01:24:41 - Where to Find Tim Leake & Outro 🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 & 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 • Tim’s Website: https://letslightbulb.com • High ROI Workshops: https://highroiworkshops.com • Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timleake/ 📬 Subscribe for weekly episodes on better facilitation and impactful workshop design.

    1h 25m

  5. 19 AUG

    Why Your Workshops Aren’t Selling (And How to Fix It) | #ADAW Ep. 10

    Struggling to sell your workshops? Learn 5 sales mistakes that kill facilitation businesses and the tactics to fix them so you can book more clients and build a sustainable facilitation career. You’ll discover how to: ✅ Make workshops easy to understand (and relevant to client problems) ✅ Shift the conversation from your offer to their needs ✅ Use niching and packaging to stand out ✅ Keep your sales pipeline full year-round ✅ Turn one-off clients into long-term partners Whether you’re new to facilitation or already experienced, mastering sales is the key to getting better clients, better projects, and more consistent income. 💡 If you liked this episode: • Subscribe for more facilitation & workshop design strategies • Share this with a fellow facilitator who struggles with sales 📩 Want to design and run better workshops?Join Mehdi’s free newsletter for weekly facilitation tips, workshop design tools, and real-life strategies to help you run sessions that deliver results and get booked to do more of them: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.com/ Or connect with Mehdi on LinkedIn for daily ideas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116/ Timestamps: 00:00 Why selling workshops is so tricky 02:19 The first challenge: explaining what a workshop is 04:37 Mistake #1: Nobody cares about workshops except you 09:22 Mistake #2: Not niching or packaging your workshops 14:07 Mistake #3: Relying on social media for instant sales 16:33 Mistake #4: Only selling when you have no projects 21:18 Mistake #5: Not leveraging networking & after-workshop moments 28:26 Action steps & wrap-up

    30 min

  6. 29 JUL

    How to Design World-Class Workshops ft. Dee Scarano | #ADAW Ep. 09

    𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹?Join Dee’s advanced program and community called ‘The Elite Facilitator’:👉 https://www.deescarano.com/elite-facilitator-courseIn this conversation, Dee Scarano, an expert facilitator, shares her insights on effective workshop design, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding stakeholders, and creating a psychologically safe environment. With experience running workshops for Google, LEGO, and Microsoft, she discusses common mistakes facilitators make, the role of neuroscience in decision-making, and the significance of asking the right questions. Dee also introduces her course, 'The Elite Facilitator,' aimed at helping facilitators elevate their skills and deliver impactful workshops.🎓 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝗲?Watch her free training: 3 Key Secrets of Expert-Level Facilitation👉 https://elite-facilitator.kit.com/free-training-signup⸻📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀00:00 Preparing for Effective Workshops01:53 Understanding Stakeholders and Their Needs06:20 The Role of Psychological Safety in Workshops12:34 Navigating Trade-offs in Workshop Design16:11 Navigating Workshop Time Constraints17:41 Essential Questions for Effective Workshops24:40 Understanding Participant Dynamics28:53 The Neuroscience of Creativity and Decision-Making39:39 Balancing Workshop Activities44:24 Creating a Psychologically Safe Space52:28 The Importance of Psychological Safety in Workshops54:58 Google’s Research on Team Performance58:29 Positioning Workshops for Business Impact01:00:47 Designing Effective Workshops: A Structured Approach01:11:49 The Role of Expertise in Facilitation01:16:45 Introducing the Elite Facilitator Course⸻🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 & 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀👉 Connect with Dee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deescarano/👉 Dee’s website: https://www.deescarano.com/🧠 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 • https://rework.withgoogle.com/en/guides/understanding-team-effectiveness#introduction • https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/magazine/what-google-learned-from-its-quest-to-build-the-perfect-team.html# • https://psychsafety.com/about-psychological-safety/

    1h 17m

  7. 15 JUL

    How to Run a Brainstorming Session That Actually Works | #ADAW Ep. 08

    🎥 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:In this solo episode, I’m sharing my go-to strategies for running effective brainstorming sessions that actually lead to creative, actionable ideas, not just sticky-note chaos.We’ll dive into why structure matters, how to frame the right problem before jumping into ideation, and how to create an environment where everyone feels safe to contribute. Whether you’re leading a workshop, a team offsite, or just trying to get fresh ideas flowing, these techniques will help you get better results with less frustration.I’ll also walk you through some of the principles I use in my own facilitation practice , from time-boxing and anonymized input to the power of quantity over quality. Plus, you’ll learn how small design choices like breaks, space setup, and energizers can have a big impact on creativity.📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:00:00 – Unlocking Creative Brainstorming03:03 – Understanding the Creative Process05:58 – Overcoming Obstacles to Creativity08:55 – Principles for Effective Ideation11:59 – Creating a Supportive Environment15:05 – Maximizing Idea Generation Techniques18:07 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:• Why brainstorming needs structure to succeed• The importance of exploring the problem space first• How creativity is like a muscle, and how to build it• Why small steps increase confidence and output• How anonymized input reduces fear of judgment• Why focusing on quantity over quality sparks better ideas• How time-boxing boosts focus and flow• The role of breaks in unlocking new insights• Why the physical setup of your space matters• How icebreakers and energizers can dramatically improve results🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:I’m a workshop facilitator and designer working with NGOs, startups, and global brands to make collaboration more creative and productive. From strategy sprints to big-team events, I bring energy, clarity, and a touch of unexpected magic to every session.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to my newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow me on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh👍 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!Was this helpful? Hit like, drop your favorite brainstorming tip in the comments, and subscribe for more insights on facilitation, creativity, and collaboration.

    24 min

  8. 3 JUL

    From Icebreakers to Ice Melters: Build Real Connection in Workshops ft. Jan Keck | #ADAW Ep. 07

    🎥 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:In this episode, I sit down with Jan Keck, facilitator, TEDx speaker, and creator of Ask Deep Questions, to explore how to design workshops that go beyond small talk and build real connection.Jan shares his journey from “recovering shy guy” to becoming a leading voice on creating safe, meaningful group experiences. We dive into why he prefers the term ice melters over icebreakers, how to use connection activities to read the room from the very start, and why the right activity for the right group matters more than checking a box.You’ll learn how to create environments where people feel safe to take risks — whether it’s a group of strangers or a room full of C-suite execs. Expect Jan’s favorite activities, thoughtful metaphors (they make everything easy to visualize and remember), and actionable tips you can bring into your next workshop.📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Why You Should Melt the Ice, not Break It06:30 – Making connection safe, not awkward10:55 – Picking the right activity for the right group14:48 – Spark Activities: Starting strong before the “official” start18:50 – Warm-up examples for virtual & in-person22:50 – Jan’s go-to 3-round connection activity28:50 – Improv, “yes and,” and co-creation31:00 – The power of optionality in engagement33:59 – Should deep questions come early?35:08 – How to prep when you don’t know the group39:03 – Tools Jan uses before the session even begins43:00 – Why Two Truths & A Lie might be doing more harm than good47:16 – High-stakes facilitation: Practicing for real tension49:18 – Trojan horses & connecting with execs51:13 – Why the best facilitators improvise53:04 – Holding yourself accountable (yes, Jan’s book is coming!)✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:• Why you should melt the ice, not break it.• The campfire metaphor for building trust gradually• How to design activities for different risk levels• What to do before a session even begins to build connection• When (and how) to adapt your plan in real time• Tips for engaging C-level leaders and skeptics• Ways to turn your session into a safe space for real sharing🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:👉 Connect with Jan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116/👉 Jan's website: https://www.jankeck.com/👉 Jan’s Ice Melters Book Newsletter: https://www.jankeck.com/book/👉 Jan’s Card Deck: https://www.askdeepquestions.com/🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:I’m a workshop facilitator and designer working with NGOs, startups, and global brands to make collaboration more creative and productive. From strategy sprints to big-team events, I bring energy, clarity, and a touch of unexpected magic to every session.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to my newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow me on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh👍 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!Enjoyed the conversation? Hit like, drop a comment with your favorite metaphor or moment, and don’t forget to subscribe for more content on facilitation, connection, and workshop design.

    55 min
See All (14)

About

This podcast is for facilitators, leaders, and anyone who works with people and wants to take collaboration to the next level. I share practical tips, creative ideas, and real stories from my own journey, covering everything from attracting clients and designing workshops to leading sessions that truly make an impact. You’ll also hear inspiring conversations with guests who are reimagining how we work, learn, and connect. Tune in to explore the art of facilitation, grow your confidence, and create experiences that spark real change.

Information

You Might Also Like