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

Creating Spaces for Collaboration with David Ehrlichman

Cole and David explore the art of effective gathering design and its crucial role in fostering meaningful conversations and cohesive experiences, especially in virtual settings. They discuss reimagining conferences as catalysts for ongoing learning communities. David shares insights on the benefits of time-bound "seasons" in collaborations, clear role distribution, and regular evaluation. They also touch on decentralizing power in online communities and explore strategies for facilitating spaces for change makers.
Show notes:
Learn more about Hats Protocol 
Get your copy of Impact Networks
Connect with David Erlichman on Linkedin

Collaborative Changemaker: Facilitating Change Through Collective Wisdom with Greg Van Kirk

In this episode of Facilitating Change, we sit down with Greg Van Kirk, social entrepreneur and co-founder of The New Development Solutions Group, including Community Enterprise Solutions and Social Entrepreneur Corps. Greg shares his unique journey from investment banking to the Peace Corps, and how his work in rural communities helped him transition from a leader to a facilitator. As the author of It's What You Set In Motion: A Toolbox for Collaborative Changemaker, Greg discusses the importance of facilitation in empowering others, scaling ideas, and creating lasting systemic change through the MicroConsignment Model. He also dives deep into the challenges of managing power dynamics and the importance of collective wisdom in solving complex social problems. Tune in to learn how Greg's facilitation practices have helped him empower changemakers around the world.
Learn more about Greg’s work:
Greg Van Kirk on LinkedIn: Greg's LinkedIn
Buy Greg's book on Amazon: It's What You Set In Motion
Collaborative Changemaking Website: www.collaborativechangemaking.com

Trust, Power and Emergence with Dr. Pierce Otlhogile-Gordon

In this conversation, Cole and Dr. Pierce Otlhogile-Gordon explore the multifaceted role of facilitation. Pierce shares his journey to becoming a facilitator, rooted in childhood experiences and time spent navigating academia. They discuss the challenges some face in identifying as facilitators and balancing primary objectives with community-building. Pierce emphasizes creating spaces for emergence and improvisation, likening it to jazz. They delve into the intersection of research and facilitation in driving meaningful change, examining their respective benefits and limitations. Pierce highlights the importance of understanding power dynamics in facilitation, recommending 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed' as a valuable resource. They also explore the critical role of trust in the facilitation process and how facilitators can responsibly use the trust they've earned.
Links
Check out the Equity Intuition’s new six-week social skillbuilding strategy course to see if it could benefit you and your organization
Learn about the variety of services Dr. Pierce offers globally
Connect with Dr. Pierce Otlhogile-Gordon on Linkedin

Unlocking Human Potential: The Togetherness Practice with Vipin Thekk

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Mentor Dida speaks with his first facilitator inspiration & guide, Vipin Thekk, an experienced facilitator, design consultant, and creator of the Togetherness Practice, a framework for unlocking human potential. Vipin shares his deep insights on the role of facilitators, the balance between "being" and "doing," and the importance of creating relational fields where transformative change can occur. They also discuss the art of navigating resistance, fostering adult development, and the Togetherness Practice’s research-backed approach to social and systemic change. Vipin is a seasoned social entrepreneur at Ashoka and is known globally for this powerful and transformative changemaking processes. Tune in for an exploration of what it means to facilitate from a place of presence, trust, and deep love for humanity.
Links:
Learn more about the Togetherness Practice: www.togethernesspractice.org
Connect with Vipin on LinkedIn: Vipin Thekk
Explore more about Ashoka’s Your Kids Initiative: Ashoka

Supporting curiosity: The future of knowledge sharing in communities

In this conversation Cole and Rebecca explore the art of facilitation and creating safe, connected environments. Rebecca shares her journey as a facilitator, emphasizing trust-building and the power of curiosity and playfulness in fostering deeper connections and innovation. They discuss the importance of authenticity in facilitating and designing communities that encourage learning and knowledge sharing. Rebecca also touches on AI's potential in transforming knowledge sharing, while highlighting the need for responsible development and ethical considerations in its use for human flourishing.More about Rebecca here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccakirstein/?originalSubdomain=caEnjoy! 

Facilitating Change Podcast Trailer – A Journey into transformative spaces for changemakers everywhere.

In this heartfelt trailer, co-hosts Cole Hoover and Mentor Dida introduce *Facilitating Change*, a podcast born from their shared journey through countless classrooms, trainings, and conferences that left them uninspired and drained. Together, they reflect on the need for more intentional spaces—spaces that empower changemakers, unlock collaboration, and spark meaningful transformation & innovation.  
Facilitating Change is more than just conversations. It’s a hub where facilitators and changemakers connect, learn, and grow. Each episode offers insights into best practices in facilitation, transformative leadership, and designing communities that foster engagement. Through candid conversations with inspiring leaders across the social impact space, we explore what it takes to navigate complexity, bridge differences, and create thriving environments.  
This podcast invites you to step into the art of holding space—where profound learning meets real-world impact. Whether you’re a seasoned facilitator, an aspiring changemaker, or someone curious about transformation, these episodes are crafted to spark growth and inspiration.  
💡 Interested in connecting with us or recommending a guest? 
Connect with us directly on LinkedIn:  
Mentor Dida: https://linkedin.com/in/mentordida
Cole Hoover: https://linkedin.com/in/colehoover
Ali Fraenkel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrafraenkel/Join us every two weeks for fresh perspectives from world-class facilitators. Let’s build spaces for collaboration, transformation, and sustainable change—together.Facilitating Change podcast is powered by Changemaker Allies an organization co-founded by Cole Hoover, Mentor Dida, and Ali Fraenkel, dedicated to transformative spaces for changemakers everywhere. 
 

Epic Leadership: The Power of Transformation and Conscious Leadership with Kristoffer Carter

In this episode of "Facilitating Change," Mentor Dida sit down with Kristoffer Carter (KC), founder of Epic Leadership and author of "Permission to Glow." KC dives deep into the art of conscious leadership, exploring how we can courageously embrace transformation and unlock our true potential. He shares insights on holding sacred spaces for teams, essence discovery, and how leaders can foster trust and vulnerability to create lasting change. With a career spent coaching Fortune 100 executives, KC’s wisdom is not to be missed.
Explore how to lead with authenticity, courage, and clarity in this powerful conversation.
Links:
Kristoffer Carter's Website
Kristoffer Carter on LinkedIn
Kristoffer Carter on Insight Timer
Kristoffer Carter on Instagram
Permission to Glow Book