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

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.comLinkedIn: Nicole Taylor

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 LiuDustin 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

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/

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)

Letting Life Work Through You: Inner Leadership and Holding Space with Sarah-Marie Hopf

In this soulful conversation, Sarah-Marie Hopf, joins us to explore the deeper art of facilitation - one that doesn’t just solve problems, but awakens possibility.
Sarah-Marie is an executive coach, spaceholder, and facilitator who brings rare presence and clarity into the room. In this episode, we explore:
How she first discovered facilitation as a pathway to deeper connection
What it means to truly listen - to life, to self, to others
How shared agreements create safety, even in complexity
The role of trust, presence, and inner resourcing in designing transformative experiences
Why sometimes the agenda needs to be set aside in service of what wants to happen
What it means to let life work through you in service to the whole
This episode is a masterclass in deep facilitation. You’ll walk away grounded, inspired, and reminded of the quiet intelligence that lives beneath the noise.
Links🔗 Learn more about Sarah-Marie’s work: https://www.sarahmariehopf.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmariehopf/

Connection Orientation: What Facilitators Can Learn from Professional Coaching with Kori Linn

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Cole sits down with Kori Linn, a professional coach who works with high achievers and individuals navigating complex relationships. Kori shares her insights on creating spaces where healthy conflict can thrive and how facilitation can benefit from coaching methodologies. She explores the concept of "connection orientation" - an approach that centers our desire for connection even during disagreements. Kori opens up about the importance of practicing curiosity when holding discomfort and offers practical advice for ensuring repair after rupture. This episode delves deep into how different coaching mindsets can enhance facilitation, leadership, and community building. Cole and Kori discuss experiences working with high achievers, the challenges of perfectionism, and how small steps taken consistently lead to meaningful change. Whether you're a facilitator, community leader, or someone interested in better communication approaches, this conversation will inspire you to create more intentional spaces where both individual goals and collective priorities can be honored.

The Power of Silence and Presence: Vipul Shaha’s Approach to Facilitation

In this episode of Facilitating Change, we sit down with Vipul Shaha, creator of 'Mindful Being' and a global facilitator passionate about holistic education, mindfulness, and transformation. Vipul shares his journey from teaching in under-resourced classrooms to integrating mindfulness, nature, and body awareness into his facilitation practice. He opens up about the power of silence, the importance of daily mindfulness practices, and how we can break free from limiting stories that hold us back. This episode delves deep into how mindfulness can enhance facilitation, leadership, and our overall well-being. Vipul discusses his experiences in nature-based therapy, working with youth, and the profound impact of embodiment on transformation. Whether you're a facilitator, changemaker, or someone passionate about mindful living, this conversation will leave you inspired to deepen your practice and create more intentional, transformative spaces.
Learn more about Vipul Shaha:
LinkedIn: Vipul Shaha LinkedIn
Mindful Being Website: Mindful Being
Just Being Center: Just Being Center
Global Citizen Year: Global Citizen Year
Vipassana Meditation: Vipassana Meditation

Everyday Habits, Extraordinary Change: A Conversation with Adam Kahane

In this conversation, Cole Hoover and Adam Kahane of Reos Partners explore the art of systems transformation through stories from Adam's remarkable career. They discuss how everyday habits create lasting change and why transformation must inherently be a collective activity. Adam shares insights from his forthcoming book, highlighting the value of collaboration, self-reflection, and making space for diverse perspectives. The dialogue explores how humility and vulnerability strengthen leadership and how skilled facilitation removes obstacles to allow natural emergence. The discussion also covers power dynamics in designing gathering and how inner transformation drives external change. Adam ultimately advocates for "radical engagement", an approach grounded in curiosity that addresses root causes and builds the long-term relationships necessary for sustainable transformation.
Shownotes:
Order a copy of Adam's new book:
https://reospartners.com/everyday-habits-for-transforming-systems 
Learn more about Adam's work:
www.adamkahane.com 
www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kahane

Designing Transformative Learning: A Deep Dive into Learning Experience Design with Maria Galaykova

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Mentor Dida sits down with Maria Galaykova, a learning experience designer who is passionate about creating transformative experiences through human-centered design and constructivist psychology. Maria discusses her journey from a certification manager and workplace consultant to discovering the missing link between change and learning, which led her to the field of learning experience design. Together, they explore how people construct meaning from their experiences, the role of vulnerability in learning, and the importance of balancing stress and comfort zones for transformative growth. Maria also shares insights on how facilitators can create spaces that encourage meaningful change by designing for both safety and exploration.
 
Learn more about Maria’s work by visiting her Medium blog and checking out the article she referenced on "Bildung" here.
Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-galaykova/

Playing for Real: Unlocking Team Potential through the Power of Play with Peter Williamson

In this insightful episode of Facilitating Change, Mentor Dida sits down with Peter Williamson, co-founder of Barometer XP, to explore how play can powerfully transform team dynamics and organizational culture. Peter shares his journey from professional athlete to expert facilitator, revealing how play became central to his approach to building strong teams, enhancing empathy, and sparking innovation.
Together, they unpack why incorporating play into retreats and meetings can deeply impact organizational outcomes—from increased trust and empathy to uncovering hidden talents. Peter emphasizes that the magic isn't just in the game itself, but in how we set up and reflect on these playful moments.
This conversation dives into practical tips on introducing play into any workspace, navigating skepticism, and creating meaningful, reflective experiences. Peter’s unique approach, drawn from his own journey as an athlete and co-founder of Barometer XP, provides a blueprint for leaders and facilitators looking to leverage play as a transformative tool.
Join Mentor and Peter as they explore how play can become your team’s secret weapon for learning, connecting, and thriving together.
Learn More about Peter and Barometer XP:
Barometer XP Website
Connect with Peter Williamson on LinkedIn