Trainers Toolbox

Mirna Smidt

Keep sharpening your skills as a trainer, facilitator, educator. Discover new tools & perspectives for creating meaningful, memorable workshops. New episodes every second Tuesday.

  1. 1d ago

    #32 – 6 Brain-Based Tips To Make Your Workshop Stickier

    As trainers, we sometimes sabotage learning without even realising it. We overwhelm our learners with too much content. We split their attention in ways we don't notice. And we miss the chance to make our most important points truly stick. The good news? Brain-based tips will save you from all these traps, and ensure that your workshops are more “sticky”. In this episode, I share 6 practical, brain-based tips that help you exactly with this so you can make your workshops (even) more engaging, impactful, and memorable. What you'll learn What are the three hidden traps that quietly sabotage learning in workshops What to use to make content more digestible and easy to remember and understand  What you need to know about visual and verbal channels (and why it matters more than you might think) Best tools to make your most important points stickier & more memorable  📄 1-page summary & notes: https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episode-6-brain-based-tips-to-make-your-workshop-stickier/ RELATED EPISODES 🎙️ Ep.14 - Designing Emotional Journeys for Deeper Learning: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-designing-emotional-journeys-for-deeper-learning/ 🎙️ Ep.13 - Metaphors in Workshops: How I Use Them and Examples I Love: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-metaphors-in-workshops-how-i-use-them-and-examples-i-love🎙️ Ep.22 - add link MAKE YOUR LEARNING STICK 🎙️ Train the Trainer, a 3-month foundations course where we work in a deeply brain-based way to help you design and deliver workshops that truly land: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer/ LET'S CONNECT Connect with Mirna's on LinkedIn (it will be great to meet you :)) https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/  Trainers Toolbox Newsletter: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/

    21 min

  2. Jun 2

    #31 - Insights from SessionLab’s State of Facilitation Report - with Deborah Rim Moiso

    In this episode, I talk with Deborah Rim Moiso from SessionLab about the State of Facilitation Report - and what it reveals not just about this year’s trends, but about how the entire field of facilitation is evolving over time.But instead of simply reviewing the report section by section, we explore the bigger questions behind it: how facilitators think about impact, why measuring workshop success is still such a challenge, and what the report can teach us about the future of facilitation.What you'll explore: What the State of Facilitation Report actually is - and why it matters for trainers and facilitatorsHow the facilitation field is evolving year over year through the report’s themes and dataWhy most facilitators reflect on workshop quality - but struggle to measure long-term impactThe difference between creating impact, measuring impact, and communicating impactWhat facilitators can learn from the world of learning transfer and L&DHow SessionLab approaches gathering insights from thousands of facilitators worldwideWhat trends, challenges, and opportunities are shaping the future of facilitation📘 Download the brief summary for main learnings & to keep reflecting: https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-...📘 Download the State of Facilitation Report:https://www.sessionlab.com/state-of-f...📘 Download SessionLab’s High Impact Facilitation Guide:https://www.sessionlab.com/blog/high-...🗣️ About Deborah Rim Moiso:Deborah Rim Moiso is a freelance facilitator and trainer specializing in environmental conflict facilitation. She also works with SessionLab, where she writes facilitation guides and leads the yearly State of Facilitation Report project.She lives in central Italy, works internationally with facilitators and trainers, and is passionate about helping the facilitation field grow through shared learning and reflection.Deborah’s links:🌐 SessionLab: https://www.sessionlab.com/💼 LinkedIn:   / deborahmozo  📰 SessionLab Facilitation Library:https://www.sessionlab.com/library/🌐 Session Lab Discount Code:  https://shorturl.at/JGjqPRelated episodes:🎙️ Ep. 2 - Seven Dimensions of Facilitation to Balance in Your Workshops: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podc... 🎙️ Ep. 14 - Designing Emotional Journeys For Deeper Learning: https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast/... 📘 What Makes Training Really Work (book recommendation mentioned in the episode):https://transferinstitute.com/books/Explore deeper:🎓 Advanced Facilitation Training - A 2-day deep dive into facilitation skills for experienced trainers:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/adva...🎓 Train the Trainer - 3-month foundations course for trainers building their practice:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trai...Let's connect:💼 LinkedIn:  / mirnasmidt  📬 Newsletter:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/news...

    59 min

  3. May 19

    #30 - The Sailboat Metaphor: A Powerful Tool to Work with Strengths

    You know your participants should focus on their strengths more than their weaknesses. You've seen the research. And yet - the moment you say "let's focus on what's working," everyone's attention goes straight to what isn't. Sound familiar? In this episode, I share a metaphor that can shift that - not just logically, but emotionally. The sailboat metaphor is one of my favourite tools for making strengths-based work click for people in a vivid, memorable way. I am sharing it first as a simple image you can use right away, but then also develop it into a full 8-element framework you can use to guide clients and groups through a deep exploration of their life, work, and wellbeing. What you'll explore: Why focusing on strengths is so hard - even when we know it's the right thing to doThe sailboat metaphor in its simplest form: hulls, holes, and sails - and what each representsThe important difference between strengths and learned skills - and why it matters for energy and sustainable performanceThe full 8-element sailboat framework: water, steering wheel, destination, leaks, sails, compass, weather, and other boatsHow to use the compass element and how it connects to emotional intelligence workHow to use the weather element to open up resilienceHow to scale this metaphor from a 5-minute warm-up image all the way to a half-day or full-day workshop DOWNLOAD FURTHER (FREE) MATERIALS 📘 Download the brief summary for main learnings & to keep reflecting: https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-the-sailboat-metaphor-a-powerful-tool-to-work-with-strengths/ When signing up for the brief summary, you will also gain access to two Miro boards: 🖌️ a Miro Board template to guide your clients or group through the full sailboat framework 🖌️a Miro Board with ~20 metaphor examples you can explore and bring into your work 🎙️ RELATED EPISODES Ep.10 - Fantastic Stories & How To Find Them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeoXcBj4lxk&list=PLbc4gIwDXChiNPte_duRDxSzUC65MkQ0q&index=11&t=1s Ep. 25 - Using the 4 Seasons Framework in Life & Workshops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfe4z6TG73M&list=PLbc4gIwDXChiNPte_duRDxSzUC65MkQ0q&index=26&t=239s Ep. 27 - How to Create a Bold Vision - with Paula Amiama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wtrS7909ZI&list=PLbc4gIwDXChiNPte_duRDxSzUC65MkQ0q&index=28 EXPLORE DEEPER ⛰️Advanced Storytelling Training - deepen how you use metaphors and stories in your work: https://trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-storytelling-course-for-trainers/ 💡 Trainers Conversations Community - a place to exchange, test, and play with tools like this all year: https://trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/ LET'S CONNECT LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/ 💌Newsletter: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/

    23 min

  4. May 5

    #29 - How to Facilitate Better Using Miro - with Carolina Poll

    You know you need a visual collaboration tool for virtual sessions. Maybe you've already been using Miro. But are you actually facilitating with it - or just putting sticky notes on a board and hoping for the best? In this episode, I talk with Carolina Poll about what it really takes to use Miro as a facilitation tool: the features every trainer and facilitator should know, the traps that trip people up, and what separates a well-designed board from digital chaos. What you'll explore: Why Miro is more than a whiteboard - and how to think about it as a facilitation toolThe key features every facilitator should master (and how to actually use them in sessions)The most common traps and mistakes facilitators make with Miro - and how to avoid themWhat a well-designed Miro board looks like for a workshop vs. one that just collects sticky notes📘 Download the brief summary for main learnings & to keep reflecting: https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-how-to-facilitate-better-using-miro/ Miro templates from this episode:🖌️ International Women's Day Team Reflection: https://miro.com/templates/international-womens-day-team-reflection/🖌️ International Women's Day Workshop: https://miro.com/templates/international-womens-day-workshop/🖌️ Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ): https://miro.com/templates/lightning-decision-jam/ Are you just starting out with Miro or want to dive deeper? Check out these articles from Trainers Toolbox Blog:📰 How to Facilitate Better with Miro: A Practical Guide for Trainers and Facilitators: https://trainers-toolbox.com/how-to-facilitate-better-with-miro-a-practical-guide-for-trainers-and-facilitators/📰 Step by Step Facilitators’ Guide to Discovering Miro: https://trainers-toolbox.com/step-by-step-facilitators-guide-to-discovering-miro/ 🗣️ About Carolina Poll:Carolina Poll is a strategic product designer and workshop facilitator with 17+ years of experience, and also a Miro Creator and Miro MVP.She has over 100 templates on Miroverse.She works with early-stage SaaS founders and product teams to design better product experiences, and she does most of that work inside Miro. Carolina's links:🌐 Website: https://www.carolpoll.design/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolpoll/📬 Newsletter: https://www.carolpoll.design/notes-by-carol 🖌️ Templates: https://miro.com/templates/profile/carolina-poll/ Related episodes:🎙️ Ep. 2 - Seven Dimensions of Facilitation to Balance in Your Workshops: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-seven-dimensions-of-facilitation-to-balance-in-your-workshop🎙️ Ep. 20 - Designing with Intentionality for Better Workshops: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-designing-with-intentionality-for-better-workshops/ Explore deeper:🎓 Advanced Facilitation Training - A 2-day deep dive into facilitation skills for experienced trainers: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-facilitation-training/🎓 Train the Trainer - 3-month foundations course for trainers building their practice: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer/ Let's connect:💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/📬 Newsletter: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/

    54 min

  5. Apr 21

    #28 - Can Introverts Be Great Trainers? (Yes - Here's How)

    Can you really thrive as a trainer if you're an introvert? If you've ever wondered whether this profession requires you to be the loudest person in the room - this one's for you. In this episode, I explore a question from a Train the Trainer participant about what "being a good trainer" actually means beyond being outgoing, how introverts can manage their energy during and after sessions, and why being an introvert might actually be your secret advantage. What you'll explore: - Why being a great trainer has nothing to do with being extroverted - and what it actually requires - How to manage your energy during and after training sessions as an introvert - Which training formats naturally suit introverted trainers (and why that matters) - The biggest misconceptions about introverts in this space - and how being one can actually be an advantage - Practical tips for getting started as a trainer if you are an introvert, dealing with nerves, and connecting with participants in your own way 📘 Download the brief summary for main learnings & to keep reflecting: https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-can-introverts-be-great-trainers/ BECOME A GREAT TRAINER 🎓 Train the Trainer - A 3-month foundations course for trainers building their practice, in a cozy group of 6: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer/ 🎓 Trainers Conversations - A year-long community of 22 trainers sharing ideas, challenges, and fresh inspiration with other trainers: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/ An amazing book to explore for power of introverts: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17204619-quiet (And if you are looking for a longer list of amazing books, definitely check out The Ultimate Booklist for Trainers & Facilitators: https://trainers-toolbox.com/ultimate-booklist-for-trainers/) LET'S CONNECT 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/ 📬 Newsletter: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/

    24 min

  6. Apr 7

    #27 - How to Create a Bold Vision - with Paula Amiama

    What does it actually take to create a bold vision — one that’s honest, authentic, and truly yours? In this episode, I sit down with creativity and embodiment coach Paula Amiama to explore how trainers and facilitators can reconnect with what they really want, clear the noise that gets in the way, and build from a place of inner clarity rather than hustle. What you’ll explore in this conversation: - Why vision is orientation, not strategy — and what that changes - How to clear the fear, shame, and limiting beliefs that block bold thinking - Why letting go (even of good things) is essential for growth- What the four seasons framework teaches about honouring where you are - Why managing your state matters more than managing the problem 📘 Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting: https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-how-to-create-a-bold-vision/ 🗣️ About the guest Paula Amiama is a creativity and embodiment coach. After a wildly non-linear career across marketing, sustainability, innovation, and L&D, she’s stepped into building her own coaching & training business, Unlearn Studios, primarily supporting artists and creatives in bringing their boldest visions to life. Paula’s links: ✉️ Free — Unlearn Letters: Paula’s free Substack newsletter where she explores common beliefs that hold back our creativity, and promotes upcoming free workshops.https://paulaamiama.substack.com/ 🎨 Paid — Artful Club Membership: The home for creative women birthing their most meaningful work. The hub of her FLOW to FORM program — embodied practices, workshops, co-working sessions, community connection, and much more in a very accessible annual membership.https://artful-club.circle.so/join-artful-club 🌐 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulaamiama/ 🎙️ Related episodes you might enjoy: Ep.19 — Self Check-In: Reset Your Focus & Energy in Under a Minute https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-self-check-in-reset-your-focus-and-energy-in-under-a-minute/ Ep.25 — Using the 4 Seasons Framework in Life & Workshops https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast/podcast-episodes-using-the-4-seasons-framework-in-life-and-workshops/ Explore it deeper with Trainers Toolbox: 🌳 Treehouse Learning Getaway — A 4-day retreat in a peaceful forest in Croatia for a small group of 8 trainers and facilitators ready to step out of routine, recharge deeply, and reconnect with their vision and creativity. https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-retreat-tree-elements/ 🗫 Trainers’ Conversations Community — A year-long collaborative network of 22 dedicated trainers and facilitators focused on mutual growth, offering a supportive space for feedback, skill development, and creative exchange. https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/ 💬 Let’s connect: Mirna Smidt — https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt Trainers Toolbox — https://www.trainers-toolbox.com 📖 Visualise by Maya Raichoora: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/219846699-visualise 📚 Looking for other great books for trainers and facilitators? Check out The Ultimate Booklist: https://trainers-toolbox.com/ultimate-booklist-for-trainers/

    55 min

  7. Mar 24

    #26 - The 4 Keys That Turn Learning Into Real Change & Results

    Most training doesn’t fail because things are missing in the content or in the learning experience itself. It fails because the change never makes it past the workshop. In this episode, I share a simple 4-key framework you can use in two ways: 1) to move your own skills-development, and business forward, and 2) to design programs that actually lead to results after the session. Explore it and take a moment to reflect which “key” could be strengthened in your own goals & workshops, strengthen it and skyrocket your results. 📘1-page summary: https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast/the-4-keys-that-turn-learning-into-real-change-and-results/ 🎙️RELATED EPISODES: • Ep. 9 (Transfer): https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast/podcast-episodes-how-to-close-your-workshop-well-and-make-learning-last/ • Ep. 23 (Trainer wellbeing): https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast/podcast-episodes-protect-your-wellbeing-as-a-trainer-7-foundations-to-keep-you-flourishing/ • Ep. 25 (4 seasons): https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast/podcast-episodes-using-the-4-seasons-framework-in-life-and-workshops/ 🧠LEARN MORE • Train the Trainer course: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer-course/ • Advanced Facilitation Training: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-facilitation-training/ • Trainers Conversations Community: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/ • Treehouse Learning Getaway (Retreat): https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-retreat-tree-elements/• Emotional Journey Design (Online): https://trainers-toolbox.com/emotional-journey-design-course/ 💬LET’S CONNECT • Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/ • Newsletter: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/

    28 min

  8. Mar 10

    #25 - Using the 4 Seasons Framework in Life & Workshops

    Facilitation work comes in waves. Some periods are full of delivery and interaction, others ask for design, reflection, refinement, or a reset. In this episode, I share a simple (and surprisingly practical) that will help you leverage those waves to support you instead of sabotaging you: the 4 Seasons framework. You’ll learn how to use it: • to design your year and obligations more intentionally, • to design workshops with better rhythm (not “always-on”), • and as a process inside a workshop (we use it at Treehouse when reflecting on your work and life). 📘1-page summary: https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast/podcast-episodes-using-the-4-seasons-framework-in-life-and-workshops 🎙️RELATED EPISODES • Ep.6 (Manage your energy): https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast/podcast-episodes-effectively-manage-your-energy-in-workshops-life-2/ • Ep.23 (Trainer wellbeing): https://trainers-toolbox.com/podcast/podcast-episodes-protect-your-wellbeing-as-a-trainer-7-foundations-to-keep-you-flourishing/ 🧠EXPLORE IT DEEPER • Treehouse retreat (we explore this + many other frameworks in practice): https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-retreat-tree-elements/ • Trainers Conversations community (we keep exchanging tools like this all year): https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/ 💬LET’S CONNECT • Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/ • Trainers Toolbox newsletter: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/

    24 min
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About

Keep sharpening your skills as a trainer, facilitator, educator. Discover new tools & perspectives for creating meaningful, memorable workshops. New episodes every second Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Mirna Smidt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mirna Smidt
  • Show Website
    Trainers Toolbox

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