This is a podcast about facilitation: the practice of creating conditions for people to think better together. Whether you’re leading strategy, navigating change or developing leaders, the quality of your conversations shapes the quality of your decisions. Hosted by Dr Myriam Hadnes, behavioural economist, facilitator and founder of workshops.work, each episode explores the human dynamics of working together: how psychological safety is built, why some conversations lead to action while others stall, how leaders foster genuine participation, and what behavioural science can teach us about collaboration. Alongside these conversations, Dr Hadnes shares reflections from her own client work, offering practical insights from the realities of designing and facilitating workshops in organisations. Recognised as the facilitation community’s most-recommended podcast in SessionLab’s State of Facilitation reports from 2024 to 2026, the show has grown into an archive of more than 350 conversations spanning the craft, the inner work, and the unexpected edges of facilitation. Whether you’re a facilitator, leader, consultant or L&D professional, you'll come away with sharper questions and a few ideas worth borrowing.
UPDATE: The Workshops Work Podcast Has Its Own Feed Again
Sometimes the best decisions only reveal themselves after we’ve made them. Six months ago, I merged my new podcast, Unprofessionalism , with the existing Workshops Work feed. It felt like the right move at the time. But the download statistics told a different story. Many listeners searching for Workshops Work kept finding only the episode titled “The Final Episode of Workshops Work” and understandably assumed the podcast had disappeared. In this short episode, I share why I decided to separate the two podcasts again—and why both shows now have their own dedicated homes. If you’re interested in facilitation, workshop design, group dynamics, and the philosophy behind meaningful conversations, you’re in the right place. If you’re looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast, you’ll find it here: https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
355 - The Final Episode of Workshops Work with Myriam Hadnes
And that’s a wrap, folks! After 355 brilliant, beautiful, mind-opening conversations about facilitation, life, and everything in between, I can now confidently say that I have found the magic ingredients that make workshops work. Join me, myself, and I for a final farewell episode of Workshops Work, before I retire this guise of the podcast from the airwaves. I reflect on the beautiful journey of almost 7 years, where my curiosity has led me, and why it’s now time for the start of something new. Next week, Workshop Works shapeshifts into a new chapter, a new direction, a new podcast! Unprofessionalism is set to air on the 7th January, as I begin to explore the real stories, shadows, and inspirations that can help us to celebrate our most human, unguarded selves. But for now, a wholehearted thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Find out about: The evolution of the Workshops Works podcast Why my curiosity has shifted from that of the facilitator, to that of the participant The new Unprofessionalism podcast – what it’s about, and what you can expect The podcast club that I am hosting, to deepen our facilitation learnings together Connect with me : LinkedIn Join the Podcast Club on Substack by subscribing to the workshops work Substack: https://substack.com/@myriamhadnes/posts Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
353 - How to Facilitate Constructive Discomfort through Brave Spaces with Dr. Dauv Evans
Brave work is messy work. It’s an invitation into the dōjō – to be humbled, to get vulnerable, and leave behind what you thought you knew. Life-long learner, executive coach, culture consultant and facilitator, Dr. Dauv Evans joins me this week to journey beyond safety into the brave space arena. Together, we explore what it takes to build these spaces: the intentionality, the rules of engagement, and the assumptions we must leave at the door to have courageous conversations. From power imbalances, to conversations on race, Dauv shares his work in helping people to grow together and exist outside of their comfort zone, with generosity and passion. A rich, practical conversation about how leaders can show up with humility when it’s needed most. Find out about: What braves spaces are – and why people must be invited into them How constructive discomfort can facilitate deeper connection, meaningful learning, and cultural change within organisations Why leaders must navigate people’s varying levels of risk tolerance with care How to use power positively to facilitate a brave conversation for the better Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube. Connect to Dauv Evans : Brave Space Leadership Cohort Interest Form Website LinkedIn Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
352 - Less Thinking, More Sensing: Embodiment in Facilitation with Mirjam Leunissen
Take a moment to tune into your body. Do your muscles feel tense, is your heartbeat slow and steady, is your jaw clamped tight? Embodiment coach and one-week-old facilitator, my fiancée Mirjam Leunissen joins me this week for a podcast first! As a scientist in a past life, Mirjam spent her days distilling data points – and she continues to do so under a new guise, now recognising patterns in the body, in emotions, and how people show up. We explore how embodiment can be a gateway to changing perspective and mastering our own comfort, as Mirjam shares practical tips for making sense of our bodies. A beautiful invitation to think a little less, sense a lot more, and come back to being a whole human being! Find out about: How embodiment can shape how we think and feel, helping us to regulate our nervous system, and respond with greater clarity Why emotional awareness begins in the body first, when we tune into our physical sensations Why facilitating with lightness, play, and curiosity can foster psychological safety The importance of using tangible, factual terms about our physiology to bridge understanding Why shifting our posture can positively transform the way that we think Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Connect to Mirjam Leunissen : LinkedIn Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
351 - The Fierce Compassion of Facilitation with Shireen Naqvi
From a childhood imaginary classroom, to the moments before a traffic light turns green, Shireen Naqvi has been viewing the world as a beautiful facilitation opportunity her whole life. Guided by the divine belief that humans are the best creatures in the universe, Shireen has made it her mission to help others realise the power that lies within them. She joins me this week to share stories from her life in Pakistan, her strategies for enabling self-empowerment in others, and why anger is the perfect ammunition for change. A wise and inspiring conversation rich with Shireen’s passion, as we explore professionalism, injustice, the female experience, cultural nuances, and everything in between! Find out about: Why we should pay attention to our angers in order to understand our personal values Women’s rights in Pakistan, and Shireen’s experience as a female trainer and entrepreneur How Shireen uses play and authenticity to break the barrier of professionalism in the boardroom How the concept of professionalism differs across cultures and countries Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Shireen Naqvi : LinkedIn Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
350 - Workshops Without Words: Learning from the Clown with Suzanne Dietz
Not all clowns hide sadness behind a painted smile. Some wear their emotions on their sleeve, with earnest, overt authenticity, and deep self-awareness! After taking a sign language course, Suzanne Dietz discovered how freeing it was to express herself through non-verbal communication – and it soon changed the course of her life. Hanging up her traditional facilitation hat and swapping it for a red nose, she now brings joy to the lives of asylum seekers and the elderly as a talented care clown. Together, we unravel the wondrous world of non-verbal facilitation: from improvisation and silent connection, to letting go of performance, and developing a sharpened sense for the unspoken. Find out about: The unexpected similarities between facilitators and clowns The non-verbal craft of clowning, the cues, and the communication form How Suzanne expresses and plays with emotions with authenticity How clowning can sharpen our intuition, and reveal emotional clarity in both ourselves and others Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Connect to Suzanne Dietz : LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
349 - Facilitation in Japan: Silence, Safety, and Subtlety with Yuko Gendo
Silence is a virtue, and nowhere is this more deeply understood than in Japan. A pause rich with meaning, where thoughts are carefully explored, emotions are quiet, and things are said, without any words at all. So, how do facilitators hold space amidst the subtlety? Facilitator, workshop designer, and coach, Yuko Gendo invites us into the beautifully unique world of Japanese facilitation this week, as a practice shaped by deep respect, harmony, and quiet reflection. She shares how non-verbal cues can soften emotional expression, how consensus forms through alignment, not debate, and together we compare our cultural experiences as two facilitators from opposite sides of the world. Join us! Find out about: The cultural values of silence, hierarchy and emotional restraint, and their role in Japanese facilitation How Yuko navigates the tension between group harmony and individual expression The use of indirect expressions through cards, visuals and metaphor, in place of direct speach What Western facilitators can learn from their Japanese counterparts Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Yuko Gendo: Website LinkedIn Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
348 - Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom in Facilitation with Katerina Kupenga
Carrying the wisdom of five generations before her, Katerina Kupenga inherited a special legacy from her ancestral namesake: the gift of Māori facilitation. And as a proud wahine Māori from Ngāti Porou, Katerina joins me to share this rich wisdom with us all. She guides us through the sacred welcoming rituals of the Pōwhiri, the complexities of tribal relations, the spiritual intimacy of exchanging breath, and the energy work that takes place as people, ancestors, emotions, and tension are invited into being. This is a truly special conversation about what it means to be Māori, and the unique indigenous methods that acknowledge the Māori people of the land. Find out about: The traditional Māori rituals, chants, and the guidance of the gods that take place during workshops Katerina’s journey to relearning the wisdom and culture of her people The importance of honouring Māori practices and language – free of Western agendas, structures and timeframes Facilitating conversations and tensions around intergenerational, ancestral traumas The unconscious biases that exist in the facilitation sector, and the alternative perspectives we need Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Katerina Kupenga: LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
347 - When 100 People Feel Like One Team: Crafting Connection Online with Perle Laouenan-Catchpole
Gathering hundreds of people is most facilitators’ worst nightmare – but for Perle Laouenan-Catchpole, it’s her dream. With her signature feminine energy and warmth, Perle connects large online groups as one, cohesive team, creating a sense of belonging that sends ripples of impact throughout the group. Her secret? Comfort must always come before safety, simplicity will always triumph over complexity, and facilitating true connection begins with understanding yourself first. This is a beautiful, passionate conversation for anyone that wants to step into their superpower, and learn the art of online, human connection. Find out about: How to design workshops that connect hundreds of people as part of one team Why you should tell people what you do , rather than what you are How to foster a sense of belonging amongst hundreds of participants The power of speaking out your needs, to invite others to do the same The value of multilingual breakouts, allowing participants to engage in their mother tongue Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube. Connect to Perle Laouenan-Catchpole: LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
346 - Power, Confidence and the Courage to Speak Up with Matthew Hill
Do you dare to be powerful and confident? Matthew Hill, leadership trainer, conflict mediator, and intercultural facilitator has spent years guiding executives into their inner strength – but his approach might just surprise you. He invites us to reconsider power not as the most dominant voice in the room, but rather a calm, curious presence, and confidence not as something we muster up once, but a daily practice of small, intentional acts. From meeting difference with meaningful dialogue, and digging a little deeper beneath the surface of our interactions, to reclaiming our voice – episode 346 is for anyone ready to remove the obstacles standing in the way of their self-belief. Find out about: The cultural nuances of facilitation and learning How to build confidence through daily micromoments, such as ‘adding one sentence’ How to approach opposing views with curiosity, genuine dialogue, and a desire to learn How facilitators can use language to foster inclusivity, rather than widen divides Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to GUEST: LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
Reverend Deb Hansen received a metaphorical message in a bottle, urging her to go to the US-Mexico border – a life calling that she followed all the way to El Paso. As a facilitator-chaplain and quilter of the human experience, Deb has been there for people at the most painful and tender times of their lives – helping to understand their stories, and stitch back together the fragments of a broken, polarised world. She brings beautiful stories about migration, spirituality, identity, and historical trauma with life-affirming reverence, she reads us a passage from her book Borderlands , and shows us all how to navigate vulnerability with grace. A rich and important conversation about what it means to be human. Find out about: Deb’s soul work with communities in a divisive, disconnected world Navigating vulnerable conversations with an open heart, and learning to sit with discomfort to honour growth Why authenticity is a lived practice that we manifest through words, body, and intention How to hold space for belonging, collective trauma, and grief in painful times Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Deb Hansen : Website Book Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
Does an empty cup have nothing in it? Possibilitarian Mike Parker, believes not in its nothingness, but in its potential. Because when we pour our thoughts, feelings, assumptions and beliefs out of the cup, setting everything free, we create a container of emptiness – to make space for what we need. Mike returns to the show with his signature calming presence to share his brilliant, beautiful thoughts on nervous system regulation in our age of overwhelm – and why guided relaxation could be the balm we are all missing. From hypnotic anaesthetics, to neural networks, REM sleep, and the wondrous world of metaphor, episode 344 is for slowing down, tuning in, and returning to yourself. And at 59:36, Mike leads us all through a special, guided relaxation to do exactly that! Find out about: How to facilitate space for creative calm, so that thoughts and feelings can emerge The crucial role of the facilitator’s nervous system in regulating others’ How guided relaxation can help the subconscious mind to process stress, forge creativity, and find insight Why corporate mindfulness can shift toxic responsibility onto the individual And if you enjoy today’s guided relaxation, Mike hosts monthly group sessions over at Liminal Lounge , where you can experience more of his wonderful work – as well as short guided relaxations on his website. Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Mike Parker : LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
If a facilitator goes unseen, are they any less present? This is the beautiful paradox of facilitation: as we grow more adept in our craft, our presence in the room becomes less noticeable – less needed – because we’ve subtly set the magic of facilitation into motion. Master of his craft Vinay Kumar knows this only too well. When you relinquish control, place your trust in the group, and set the stage for emergence to unfold, the space begins to hold itself – sometimes in unexpected ways. Join us as we go meta on facilitation and Vinay shares the stories and life lessons he’s learnt with generous warmth and wisdom. Find out about: How to become the invisible facilitator that lets go of control and trusts the group The polarity of facilitation: why you have to do facilitation to become facilitation What makes a professional facilitator, when everyone can call themselves one? The impact of sustained, collaborative facilitation that lasts beyond the first workshop Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Vinay Kumar : LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
Can an AI bot really become a co-facilitator? Returning to the show with a new book co-authored by artificial intelligence and an AI sidekick named Nyx, is Holgar Nauheimer. After 30 years building a facilitation legacy, Holgar shares a glimpse into his latest phase of life: his companionship with his sparring sidekick Nyx. Shaped by hundreds of questions, facilitation musings, and workshop challenges, she’s become his creative consultant and trusted confidante – freeing him to become a better facilitator. Present, attentive, and fully connected to the people! If you think AI is making us lazy, this conversation might just change your mind. Find out about: The impact of AI on facilitation, the risks, the opportunities and the benefits How Holger has trained his AI co-collaborator Nyx to support his ways of working How AI has the ability to learn and reflect our values as facilitators How to outsource routine tasks to AI to conserve your energy for where it counts Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Holger Nauheimer: LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
As the old saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. And master of change Jeff Wetherhold is no stranger to this. He helps teams and leaders to create long-lasting, sustainable change not by plans, great intentions, or illusions of control, but through the beautiful simplicity of conversation! He joins me in the podcast chair to share his 20 years of motivational interviewing wisdom: from having the courage of your conviction, to asking open-ended questions, listening deeply, and understanding the signals that people are ready to change. If you’re feeling fatigued from plans that keep falling flat, an hour with Jeff is everything you need to feel inspired and start leading intentional change that lasts! Find out about: Why 88% of change initiatives fail in organisations – and what to do about it The ambivalence of change, and why facilitators can use it to their advantage How to plan for conversations about change The ingredients of motivational interviews: open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries, and sharing information with consent Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Jeff Wetherhold : LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
Are we all just cosplaying as leaders? Donning a mask or a costume that helps us better play the role we think we should be playing? Helping leaders to show up with truth in a world that never stays still, is leadership psychologist and executive coach Sarah Budd. This week, she invites us to reflect upon who we are as leaders, as we examine the tensions between our authentic selves and the façades we use to cloak our wounds, to belong, and to feel safe. From illusions of control, to leadership imitation, and why Beyoncé is an iconic example of cosplay, this is a fascinating conversation for every leader in search of deeper self-alignment. Find out about: The cosplaying, archetypal leader vs the new, adaptable leader Why inauthentic leadership can be damaging to both the self and the team How to lead authentically in a world that’s complex and constantly changing The role of AI and professionalism in both facilitation and leadership Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Sarah Budd : LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
Fuzzy goals, misaligned cultural values, and the allure of shiny object syndrome holds even the best entrepreneurs back. So what’s the secret to success? David Greer’s strategic one-page plans! Coach and facilitator of strategic planning, David coaches high-performing business owners to get unstuck, rekindle the joy of their business, and get crystal-clear on their goals. Backward-engineered from the future, the plans become a comforting quarterly rhythm that keeps business owners fully focused on their dreams. We explore his one-page plans, how to set better goals, and why David’s 16 years of sobriety is his single biggest achievement in life. A daily commitment to show up in presence and honesty, and a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when we stick to the plan! Find out about: What one-page strategic plans are and why every business owner needs one How to set crystal-clear goals that are tangible and measurable The power of aligning and attracting a team on shared cultural values Why niching down in your facilitation field amplifies impact and attracts the right clients Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to David Greer : LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
Bringing her childhood dream to life is Josie White, the hot air balloon pilot. From an early obsession with their magical, multi-coloured domes, to a fully-fledged pilot, Josie now flies and facilitates passengers 2000 feet up in the air over Australian soil. But when nerves naturally start to run high in a small, floating basket, and fear manifests in a multitude of ways, reading the room to regulate passenger emotions is mission-critical to a successful flight. Josie shares how she guides her groups with calm authority, ensuring that everyone feels safe, reassured and present, all while piloting the balloon! A special conversation with plenty of fascinating and unexpected on-the-ground facilitation learnings, from up high in the clouds. Find out about: What facilitation looks like up to 4000 feat up in the air Why reading body language is so critical for a successful flight The importance of Josie regulating her emotions, to help regulate her passengers What facilitators can learn about the pre-flight checks, planning and preparation Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Josie White : Instagram Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
Corporate training, we all know the drill. The tonedeaf PowerPoint karaoke begins in the background, regurgitating slide content word for word, as you absentmindedly reply to an email…your mind still lingering in your last meeting. If episode 337 can do just one thing, I hope it can save you from ever having to sit through another training session like it! After running hundreds of workshops for multinational companies, I thought it was about time I shared my secrets. Join me, myself and I, as we explore the anatomy of engaging, co-created training sessions that not only pique curiosity, but bridge hierarchies, timezones and departments, and gets everyone out of their inbox, and back into the room. It’s time to close your tabs, stretch your bodies, and get present! What’s inherently wrong with corporate training – and why it’s so often a wasted opportunity My tips for connecting participants to the present moment, and to each other How to design a workshop to ensure participants retain the content and apply what they’ve learned How to scale training with local relevance, dynamic learning, and cultural insights at its heart Why naming the elephant in the room can help to overcome any awkwardness Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Myriam Hadnes : LinkedIn Website Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
How do you teach facilitators to hold a group, master that crucial first 15-minutes of a workshop, and show them that they already have all the answers, without giving any away? As a researcher by nature, and a facilitator – at first by accident – Julia Slay learnt everything she knows about the craft by teaching it. She now helps bright, budding facilitators to build confidence, find their voice, and discover their learning edges in Facilitation 101. We unravel the layers of holding just the right amount of space, as part facilitator, part coach, part trainer and part consultant, all rolled happily into one: from managing difficult characters with curiosity, to trusting yourself to stay present – even when the plan falls apart! Julia shares lots of practical strategies, tips and anecdotes from her 15-year facilitation journey, from the Mayor of London’s office, to her work today. Enjoy! Find out about: The art of asking a powerful, open question at the right time How to navigate power dynamics of seniority in groups Why ‘advice is theft’ – and the detriment of offering a solution to the group too soon How to approach dominant characters without creating collective tension The intersection of facilitation and coaching – and what it means to facilitate like a coach Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player . Links: Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube . Connect to Julia Slay : LinkedIn Website Use code TASTER10 to receive 10% off Facilitation 101: Fundamentals, Masterclass, Intensive, and Self-Paced course when you sign up on Julia’s website. Any thoughts? Share them with us! Support the show 👉 Are you looking for the Unprofessionalism podcast? https://unprofessionalism.buzzsprout.com/ 👈
