Facilitating Change: How to create transformative spaces that inspire, empower & drive real change

Changemaker Allies
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Facilitating Change: How to create transformative spaces that inspire, empower & drive real change

The podcast where world-class facilitators reveal the secrets to creating transformative spaces that inspire, empower, and drive real change. Join us as we dive deep into the art and science of facilitation, unpacking how to cultivate trust, spark innovation, and lead with vulnerability. From executive boardrooms to grassroots movements, our guests share practical tools, powerful stories, and groundbreaking techniques for fostering environments where changemakers thrive. Whether you’re a facilitator, leader, or changemaker yourself, this is your go-to source for cutting-edge insights and transformative strategies. Discover how to hold space in a way that empowers others to grow, connect, and lead the change our world needs.

  1. HACE 3 H

    From Inner Work to Systems Change: Olga Shirobokova on Changemaking & Social Entrepreneurship

    What does it really mean to be a changemaker? In this rich and reflective episode, Olga from Ashoka joins Mentor Dida to explore the full arc of changemaking—from the personal to the planetary. Drawing on 13+ years at Ashoka, Olga shares how her understanding of changemaking evolved—from direct service to systems change, and ultimately, to supporting a world where everyone can step into this role. Olga has been with Ashoka for over 12 years and has held a variety of roles—from building up Ashoka’s office in the Czech Republic to accompanying social entrepreneurs around the world in refining their systems change strategies. In recent years, she has led Ashoka’s knowledge work, focusing on codifying key insights on how systems change happens. Olga has developed several online courses, case studies, and podcast episodes exploring social entrepreneurship, systems thinking, working with government, and mindset shift as a pathway to change. Today, she serves as the Academic Director of Ashoka’s executive education initiative, the Visionary Program, and is a partner in Ashoka’s Globalizer—its flagship accelerator on systems change. Beyond her global work, Olga also leads efforts to improve the waste management system in her home region. Together, Olga and Mentor unpack what it takes to create the conditions for changemaking—why exposure matters more than explanation, how inner work is foundational to outer impact, and why authentic change begins with being, not just doing. Olga introduces frameworks like the 5Rs of systems change, shares tools for facilitating mindset shift, and reflects on how building trust across sectors is central to durable impact. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, parent, or community leader, this episode offers a grounded, hopeful, and practical look at how we might design spaces that ignite changemaking—starting from the inside out. Resources Mentioned: Ashoka Systems Change Masterclass Mindset Shift Online Course Working with Government Course Ashoka Systems Change Podcast Follow Olga on LinkedIn

    1 h y 3 min

  2. 16 JUN

    Designing the Unscripted: A Masterclass in Process Facilitation with Natasha Walker

    What if the key to great facilitation isn’t just what happens in the room- but everything you do before you even walk in? In this episode, we dive in with Natasha Walker, a master facilitator who believes preparation is an act of care. With decades of experience leading complex conversations across sectors, Natasha shares why planning every minute matters-and why letting go of the plan matters just as much. From stakeholder interviews to handwritten flipcharts, Natasha takes us behind the scenes of how she builds trust, alignment, and clarity - especially in messy, high-stakes environments. If you’re working on culture change, sustainability, citizen engagement, or anything that requires people to show up and shift - this episode is full of wisdom. You’ll learn: How deep preparation creates space for real improvisation What questions help clients clarify fuzzy goals Why skeptical participants are essential - and how to engage them How Natasha uses AI, Slido, and Mural as part of her toolkit What makes transformation last after the workshop ends Whether you’re a new facilitator or a seasoned one, Natasha’s grounded approach reminds us that thoughtful process design is a quiet but powerful force for change. Links: Learn more about Natasha Walker

    1 h

  3. 9 JUN

    From PolyCrisis to PolyOpportunity: Creating Spaces for Transformative Change with Joel Fariss

    In this episode of Facilitating Change, Cole talks with Joel Fariss of Holon Institute about navigating the complexity of our current moment and creating spaces for transformative community experiences. The conversation explores the poly opportunity - a play on "polycrisis" - which represents the multiple pathways and possibilities emerging during this time of planetary transformation. Joel shares insights from hosting gatherings in Berlin, New York, Tangier, and Istanbul that bring together diverse practitioners, dreamers, and change-makers. Throughout their discussion, Joel emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the abundance of ideas to actually embodying new ways of being. He explores the tension between urgency and the slower work of cultural transformation, arguing that our culture's mythology of speed and productivity often undermines our capacity for genuine change. The conversation delves into practical approaches for creating gatherings that help people remember who they are, including mystery meetups, dedicated integration spaces, and intentionally unstructured time for emergence and connection. Their conversation concludes with reflections on scale, decentralization, and the metaphor of spreading spores - trusting that transformative communities will grow organically without centralized control.  Show notes: Learn more about the PolyOpportunity series and join the June 2025 gathering in Istanbul: polyopportunity.com Explore Holon Institute's work: holoninstitute.org

    55 min

  4. 3 JUN

    The Evolution of us a Facilitators: What We’ve Learned, Unlearned, and Are Still Figuring Out

    In this special episode of Facilitating Change, the full Changemaker Allies team - Mentor Dida, Cole Hoover, and Ali Fraenkel - comes together for a heart-to-heart conversation on their evolution as facilitators. This episode is honest, reflective, and rooted in lived experience. We explore: When we first realized we were facilitators - and why that term can be hard to claim What we’ve learned that changed how we hold space What we’ve had to unlearn (like needing all the answers or sticking too tightly to the plan) What still challenges us today - from group selection to post-session integration The embodied nature of facilitation, and how breath, presence, and movement shape the magic Whether you’re new to facilitation or have years of experience, this episode invites you to reflect on your own journey. Come for the insights - stay for the laughs, stories, and shared learning among three friends doing this work together.

    48 min

  5. 26 MAY

    Facilitating What Wants to Happen: Nicole Taylor on Deep Listening & Presencing

    What does it take to create space where real transformation happens? In this episode of Facilitating Change, we sit down with Nicole Taylor - facilitator, leadership coach, and fierce advocate for well-being - who brings a deeply integrative approach to space holding. With roots in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and somatic experiencing, Nicole shares how she blends nervous system regulation, presence, and sharp facilitation design to support deep change in individuals and groups. We explore what makes a space truly transformative - from creating the right conditions, to sensing the intelligence of the room, to navigating emergent dynamics with clarity and courage. Nicole speaks candidly about how her own healing journey fuels her fierce commitment to truth, and how facilitators can cultivate the presence needed to guide others through complexity, trauma, and breakthrough. This conversation is a rich offering for facilitators, educators, coaches, and changemakers who are hungry to go deeper - not just in theory, but in practice. Topics We Cover: The lineage and origin of Nicole’s facilitation journey Self-regulation, co-regulation, and the facilitator’s nervous system How to create conditions for depth, trust, and transformation Working with Theory U and sensing the field Naming truth with love - even when it's uncomfortable The power of silence, spaciousness, and being changed together Connect with Nicole: Website: ajoyfulpause.com LinkedIn: Nicole Taylor

    1 h y 4 min

  6. 13 MAY

    Easing the Journey of Becoming: Dustin Liu on Facilitation, Purpose, and System Sensing

    In this deep and energizing episode, Mentor Dida sits down with Dustin Liu - facilitator, educator, and the Senior Associate Director at NYU Stern’s Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing - for a conversation that spans the art, science, and spirit of facilitation. Together we explore what it means to “ease the journey of becoming,” how to create conditions for human growth, and why great facilitation starts with setting intention - not controlling outcomes. Dustin shares insights from years of guiding learning communities, designing transformative experiences, and helping organizations move toward more generous, humane ways of working. We talk about the importance of norms, naming the unspoken, the role of the ego in group dynamics, and what it means to “listen louder than you speak.” Drawing from his background in systems-change, adult development, and life design, Dustin also shares what it takes to lead in a way that’s grounded in purpose, curiosity, and joy. If you’ve ever wondered how to create truly transformative spaces, disrupt power dynamics with care, or lead from a place of humility and presence, this episode is for you. About Dustin Liu Dustin Liu is the Senior Associate Director at the NYU Stern Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing, where he helps design programs that bridge research and practice on purpose-driven leadership. A former Fulbright Scholar and educator at institutions like Stanford’s d.school and Harvard Extension School, Dustin is a certified life design facilitator, systems-change practitioner, and lifelong learner - currently diving into the world of death doulas. He’s worked with Ashoka, the University of Chicago, and schools and organizations around the world to help individuals and teams reimagine what’s possible. Links Mentioned Connect with Dustin on LinkedIn Learn more about the NYU Stern Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing Find out more about the Facilitating Change podcast at changemakerallies.com/podcast

    58 min

  7. 6 MAY

    The Soil of Leadership: Wisdom for Leaders Navigating Challenging Times with Dr. Britt Yamamoto

    In this episode of Facilitating Change, Cole talks with Dr. Britt Yamamoto about his book "The Soil of Leadership” and meaningful ways to support social impact leaders right now. A large part of the conversation centers around the core metaphor from the book about “growing soil”. Britt compares conventional farmers who focus on growing plants (short-term, visible results) versus sustainable farmers who prioritize growing soil (long-term, beneath-the-surface conditions). He applies this metaphor to leadership, arguing that effective leadership requires cultivating the deeper conditions that allow teams and organizations to thrive rather than just focusing on immediate, visible outcomes. Throughout the conversation, Britt discusses the compelling resonance of this farming metaphor across cultures, the importance of understanding organizational "seasons", including periods of rest and renewal, and the value of reflection and relationship-building as essential leadership practices. Their conversation ends with some wisdom for leaders navigating challenging times, emphasizing the importance of connection, remembering one's purpose, prioritizing wellbeing, and maintaining hope.   Show notes:    Grab a copy of the Soil of Leadership: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/leadership-and-management/the-soil-of-leadership/   Learn more about Britt's organization Perennial: https://www.perennial.org/about/

    1 h y 2 min

  8. 28 ABR

    The Art & Science of Facilitation: How to Design & Facilitate Sessions That Matter with Jenny Sauer-Klein

    In this conversation, we dive deep with Jenny Sauer-Klein - a master of designing experiences that don’t just tick a box, but truly move people. Jenny has worked with companies like Airbnb, Google, and Genentech to bring their cultures to life, and she's the founder of The Culture Conference, where leaders come together to build workplaces that actually feel human. We talk about the real difference between experience design and facilitation, and what it takes to balance structure and spontaneity when you're holding a group. Jenny shares her powerful "Primary Shift" framework, the importance of psychological safety, and how connection isn’t just nice to have - it's the foundation for real transformation. If you lead groups, design learning spaces, or just care about helping people grow - this episode is full of hard-won lessons and practical tools that can help you create something deeper. Resources Mentioned: The Primary Shift Culture Conference Facilitation Finesse Course (use code Changemaker20 for 20% off)

    1 h y 6 min
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The podcast where world-class facilitators reveal the secrets to creating transformative spaces that inspire, empower, and drive real change. Join us as we dive deep into the art and science of facilitation, unpacking how to cultivate trust, spark innovation, and lead with vulnerability. From executive boardrooms to grassroots movements, our guests share practical tools, powerful stories, and groundbreaking techniques for fostering environments where changemakers thrive. Whether you’re a facilitator, leader, or changemaker yourself, this is your go-to source for cutting-edge insights and transformative strategies. Discover how to hold space in a way that empowers others to grow, connect, and lead the change our world needs.

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