Another Day, Another Workshop !

Mehdi En-Naizi
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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. 2d ago

    5 Icebreakers That Aren't Cringe (For Meetings and Workshops) | #ADAW Ep. 33

    Icebreakers don't have to be cringe. After running hundreds of workshops, I figured out why some warm-ups make people roll their eyes, and why others create real connection in minutes. In this video I share my 5 go-to icebreakers for meetings and workshops, two that are purely about connection, and three that quietly do part of your job as a facilitator.The last one is my favorite, so stick around for that.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Icebreakers don't have to be cringe00:45 The first trick: don't say the word01:38 Why I changed my mind (the COVID story)02:30 Connection, not competition03:47 Why warm-ups make groups more creative05:20 Activity 1: Time Traveler08:00 Activity 2: Curiosity Exchange11:00 Free PDF with all 5 activities11:30 Activity 3: Why It Matters14:20 Activity 4: Hopes & Fears19:50 Activity 5: Zombie Apocalypse24:30 Recap26:00 Where these activities come from📄 FREE DOWNLOADAll 5 activities with written instructions and Miro templates: https://facilitators-corner.com/icebreakers🃏 THE WORKSHOP DECKThese activities come from the Workshop Deck, 52 cards to help you design better workshops. A new activity on the blog every week: https://theworkshopdeck.com/🙏 CREDITSTime Traveler, from my friend Ruben.Curiosity Exchange, shared with me by Jan Keck.🔔 If this helped, subscribe.Another day, another workshop.

  2. Sep 15

    Every Way I Use AI in a Workshop, From First Call to Final Deck | #ADAW Ep. 32

    AI cut the time I spend on a workshop engagement in half. I used to need a team for that: facilitators, designers, analysts, all helping me at different points of a project. Today, with AI, I can do much more of that work myself. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I use AI across an entire workshop engagement — from the first discovery call to the final deck the client receives. No theory. Real prompts, real examples, and one client case followed all the way through. If you design workshops, run offsites, or facilitate sessions for clients, I cover the parts people rarely show you: how to brief AI so it stops inventing things, how to handle client data responsibly, how to pressure-test your workshop before you run it, and how to turn a wall of sticky notes into a client-ready deliverable. I’m using Claude throughout the episode, although almost everything I show can also be done with ChatGPT or other AI tools. There are also two stages where I deliberately DON’T use AI: designing the workshop itself and facilitating in the room. That’s intentional. Because AI can help you think, challenge your work and accelerate execution — but there are parts of facilitation where I believe the human needs to stay firmly in control. In this episode, we cover: → How to set up an AI project that understands your client, your style and your templates→ How I use discovery-call transcripts to capture insights and write recap emails→ Why I still design workshop sessions myself→ How to pressure-test an activity by asking AI to play the participant→ The prompt I use to review an agenda and identify where the timing could break→ How to create examples that inspire participants without giving them the answer→ The 3 rules I follow when working with client data→ Why AI stays out of the room when I facilitate→ How I turn photos of sticky notes into a structured deliverable→ How I trained an AI project on my best workshop decks→ How I generate a first version of a PowerPoint deliverable→ The AI tools I actually use→ 4 simple principles that consistently improve my AI outputs The big idea behind all of this isn’t to automate facilitation. It’s to remove the hours of work around facilitation that don’t require you to be human — so you can spend more time on the parts that do. AI gets me to roughly 80%. I still own the last 20%. And that 20% matters. 🛠️ RESOURCES 📄 Every prompt from this episode, in one PDF:https://facilitators-corner.com/aiplaybook 🃏 The Workshop Deck — 52 cards to design better sessions:https://facilitators-corner.com/workshopdeck 📱 The Workshop Deck App — design your session step by step:https://theworkshopdeck.com/ 💻 Connect with me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116/ Tools mentioned: Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Wispr Flow, OpenArt and Miro. #workshopfacilitation #aiforfacilitators #workshopdesign

  3. Sep 1

    8 Months Building a Facilitation Business: What I Got Wrong | #ADAW Ep. 31

    Eight months ago I left my job to build a facilitation business full-time. This episode is the honest version: what's actually hard, what I got wrong, and the parts nobody posts about.I talk about the deal that collapsed when one of my clientwas fired, the three prospects in a row who told me I was too expensive, and what that does to your confidence when you start doubting your own pricing. I break one of my own rules on camera too: I took on a client who wanted to see every detail of the agenda, exactly the kind of engagement I tell people to avoid, and I explain why I did it anyway and how I protected myself.There's also the thing that surprised me most. I quit to facilitate, and most of my days now are writing, selling, and building systems. Very little facilitating.And two things that are genuinely working: video outreach instead of text messages, and following up more times than feels comfortable.If you're thinking about making the jump, this is the version I wish someone had told me.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Eight months in01:42 The fantasy vs the reality03:46 Why I made less than last year05:53 Starting to doubt my prices10:33 Three "too expensive" in a row13:10 The client who wanted to control everything19:17 Protecting yourself when you break your own rules20:41 Content creation is a long game23:17 The four ways to get leads28:08 When it's okay to stop being consistent31:38 What this is costing me35:51 What's working: video outreach38:33 Follow up more than you think📚 MENTIONED$100M Offers, $100M Leads, and $100M Money Models by Alex HormoziMy six-question workshop design framework: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IffzcCKbGvY The Workshop Deck: www.workshopdeck.com

  4. Jun 23

    How To Design A Workshop People Actually Remember ft. Brittni Bowering | #ADAW Ep. 30

    You can run the agenda yourself. But you can’t always create the experience. Brittni Bowering has facilitated workshops for LEGO, Google, and Microsoft. In this episode, she breaks down why outside facilitators create a different kind of room than internal ones, why “too much energy” almost never exists when it’s genuine, and how she designs for emotion instead of just outcomes. In this episode, we explore: → Why external facilitators create a different kind of room than internal ones→ How to design a workshop for emotion, not just outcomes→ What to actually do before and after a break — most people get this backwards→ The parking lot mistake almost nobody talks about→ What stand-up comedy taught her about reading a room→ Her signature opener: Plot Twist 🛠️ Resources & Links 🃏 The Workshop Deck — The tool to design better sessions in minutes:https://theworkshopdeck.com/Use code FC15 for 15% off 🔗 Brittni on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/brittnibowering 💌 Coaching inquiries:brittni@hibrittni.com 💻 Connect with me on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116 📌 Chapters 00:00 — Why workshop experience matters more in the AI era07:28 — Where Mehdi draws the line on AI in his own sessions10:37 — The case for bringing in an external facilitator12:15 — The “guest star” effect — and why it changes the room15:15 — Why Brittni crashes for four days after every workshop22:04 — What looks easy is actually hard: the stand-up comedy parallel26:12 — How to design a workshop for emotion, not outcomes30:02 — The two-step system: activities first, emotion second31:18 — What to actually do before and after a break38:00 — Reading the room vs. sticking to the plan42:00 — The parking lot mistake — and how to fix it48:40 — When “too much” energy is actually too much51:38 — The stand-up comedy lesson on authenticity58:48 — Small moments are greater than big moments: designing for memory1:06:09 — The Plot Twist activity, explained1:12:52 — Where to find Brittni + her new coaching offer

  5. Jun 9

    Why Your Icebreakers Aren't Working (And What to Do Instead) ft. Jan Keck | #ADAW Ep. 29

    Most icebreakers do the opposite of what they’re supposed to do. Instead of helping people open up, they put them on the spot—and the people who need connection most often shut down the fastest. In this episode, Jan Keck shares the Campfire Method, a step-by-step approach to building genuine connection in any group without forcing it. We also explore two of Jan’s signature activities that you can bring into your next workshop, meeting, or team session. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why the classic “fun fact” icebreaker often backfires on introverts• How to design opening moments that build trust gradually• The Curiosity Exchange: a simple twist that changes everything• The Room Spectrum: how to read a group without asking anyone to speak• The Group Readiness Matrix: two questions to ask before choosing an activity• How to check in with your group—and recognize when it’s time to scrap your plan Resources and links 🧩 Explore the Miro board with the activities and resources from this episode: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVHI260AE=/?share_link_id=243566323988📕 Limited-edition hardcover of The Campfire Method: https://www.jankeck.com/book/🔗 Jan Keck’s website: https://jankek.com🔗 Connect with Jan on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jankeck🃏 The Workshop Deck—52 cards to design better sessions: https://theworkshopdeck.com💻 Connect with Mehdi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116/

  6. May 26

    How to run a strategy session that delivers results | #ADAW Ep. 28

    Most strategy workshops end with a nice slide deck and goals you’ll never reach. That’s not a people problem. It’s a design problem. In this episode, I share the Strategy Arc — the 6-question framework I use with Volvo, Toyota and Novartis to run strategy sessions that actually get implemented. We cover: → Why bold vision statements are killing your strategy→ How to do a proper diagnosis before defining goals→ The obstacle brainstorm most facilitators skip→ How to prioritize actions without overwhelming your team→ How to create ownership so the strategy actually gets implemented This one is based on one of the best books on strategy I’ve ever read: Richard Rumelt’s Good Strategy Bad Strategy. Two questions in the framework are ones most teams never ask. Those two are the ones that change everything. 🛠️ Resources & Links 🃏 The Workshop Deck — 52 cards to design better sessions:https://facilitators-corner.com/workshopdeck 📱 The Workshop Deck App — design your session step by step:https://theworkshopdeck.com/ 💻 Connect with me on LinkedIn for daily ideas:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116/

  7. May 5

    Stop Using Fun Facts as Icebreakers (Do This Instead) ft. Ruben Gazki | #ADAW Ep. 27

    Most icebreakers stress people out.Fun facts make people anxious. Creative prompts create pressure.And everyone's wondering: is my answer good enough?In this episode of Another Day, Another Workshop, keynote speaker andfacilitator Ruben Gazki shares his go-to opening activity — the Time Traveler —and why it creates real connection without making anyone uncomfortable.Plus: Ruben spent 20 years as an entertainer (yes, including riding a motorbikeon a tightrope 40 meters above the ground). We dig into the psychology trickshe learned on stage and how he uses them to run better workshops today.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ How the Time Traveler activity works and why it lands every single time✅ Why deciding for people what to share makes it easier (not harder)✅ The psychology of nostalgia and why good feelings = better workshops✅ How to sell any activity with confidence — even the ones you're unsure about✅ The "go first" principle and why your energy sets the room✅ How to introduce activities step by step so people don't overthink it✅ Why fake confidence becomes real confidence (and how to use it)✅ The magnet experiment — and what it reveals about the power of imagination🛠️ Resources & Links🃏 The Time Traveler is now inside the Workshop Deck appGet it here → https://theworkshopdeck.com/Use code FC15 for 15% off📥 Download the free Time Traveler template → https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVHY9Sidg=/?share_link_id=708169364228🔗 Connect with Ruben Gazki on LinkedIn → [Ruben's LinkedIn URL]🎓 Mee

  8. Apr 21

    How To Make Everyone Contribute In Your Workshop | #ADAW Ep. 26

    Workshop Deck Anniversary: Get 30% off with the code FC  👉https://theworkshopdeck.com/ Ever finished a workshop and realized only 2 or 3 people actually spoke? That's not a people problem. It's a design problem.In this episode I share the framework I use to make sure everyone in the room contributes,not just the loudest voices.We cover: → The real reason most participants stay silent → Why good intentions are not enough to design for everyone → The one thing you should always do before any group activity → How to close a workshop so people actually leave with clarity → The trade-off every facilitator needs to make in real client conditions This one starts with a mistake I made during a team retreat. Someone checked out emotionally because of an activity I designed without thinking. That moment changed how I facilitate. 🛠️ Resources & Links 🃏 Grab the Inclusive Facilitation Deck for Free: https://facilitators-corner.com/inclusivefacilitation Connect with me on LinkedIn for daily ideas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116/📌 Chapters: 00:00 — You lost the room 00:35 — Why intention alone is not enough 02:00 — The CCI Framework explained 03:30 — Conditions: the What-Why-How formula 06:00 — Conditions: absorbing complexity 08:00 — Contributions: individual thinking first 10:30 — Contributions: anonymous input 13:00 — Contributions: multiple ways to participate 16:00 — Impact: making decisions with clarity 20:00 — Impact: the power of reflection 23:00 — Impact: closing with clarity and next steps 27:00 — The trade-off every facilitator has to make 30:00 — One thing to change in your next workshop

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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.

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