In this episode of the Leading Boldly podcast, Matt Clutterham and Jenny Jarvis introduce Rachel Davis. Join us in discovering how to create vibrant, engaging workshops that inspire creativity and collaboration. Rachel, a seasoned expert in design thinking and creative facilitation, shares her passion for fostering dynamic environments where "everything is a prototype." Whether you're facilitating in person or virtually, Rachel's insights will empower you to lead workshops that leave a lasting impact.

Key Highlights

• Crafting Joyful Workshop Environments
• Rachel's "everything is a prototype" philosophy embraces iteration and learning. She creates safe spaces where creativity flourishes, combining authenticity, flexibility, and a touch of play to energise participants.
• When and Why to Run a Workshop
• Not every meeting needs to be a workshop. Rachel explains how to define clear objectives and use workshops effectively for decision-making, collaboration, and unlocking diverse perspectives.
• Tips for Virtual Success
• Virtual workshops can rival in-person experiences with the right planning and tools. Rachel recommends platforms like Butter and highlights the power of hybrid formats and physical materials to enhance engagement.
• Facilitation Secrets
• Be yourself: Authentic facilitators foster trust and connection.
• Tap into play: Activities like Lego Serious Play bring wonder to business contexts.
• Flexibility matters: Follow the group’s energy while staying aligned with objectives.
• Building Facilitation Skills
• Start small within your organisation, join facilitation communities like Butter, and hone your ability to read the room and adapt on the fly. Shift your mindset from “trainer” to “facilitator” to maximise your impact.

Rachel’s Favourite Activities

• Tower Building with Lego: A hands-on way to encourage collaboration and communication.
• “What the Duck” Exercise: A quirky activity using Lego ducks to explore communication styles.
• Purple Cowbells: A playful yet effective tool for energising workshops and celebrating moments.

Why Listen?

This episode is packed with actionable strategies for running workshops that energise, engage, and deliver results. From pre-workshop preparation to post-workshop retrospectives, Rachel's expertise offers a roadmap for facilitators at any level. Whether you’re designing a high-stakes session or simply looking to sharpen your skills, this episode has something for everyone.

SHOW LINKS:

CONNECT WITH RACHEL ON LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachdavis/

FIND RACHEL’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION ON AMAZON

Creative Confidence

https://amzn.to/3UU81Ji

Feck Perfuction: Dangerous Ideas on the Business of Life

https://amzn.to/3ZekxWo

FIND RACHEL’S MUSIC RECOMMENDATION

https://www.brain.fm/

FIND RACHEL’S TOOL RECOMMENDATION