Facilitating to go beyond surface-level consensus
What’s Really Happening When Your Team Gets Stuck You know that feeling when a meeting goes in circles? When the same concerns surface repeatedly, but nothing moves forward? When tension simmers just below the surface, but everyone stays polite? Most facilitators and leaders recognize these moments. What’s harder is knowing what to do about them. With Waterline Co-op, I recently completed training in the Lewis Deep Democracy method—a conflict engagement approach that’s transforming how I support groups through their stickiest challenges. I’m now exploring how to bring these new tools to my facilitation practice. The Iceberg: What You’re Not Seeing Imagine your group meet on an iceberg. Everything visible: the stated agenda, discussed topics, official positions is above the waterline. But the depth of the team meeting lies below: hidden group dynamics, unspoken emotions, power struggles… the real reasons you’re stuck. When groups can’t make decisions or keep cycling through
Make communications a priority to deepen community connection
Why Your Communications Matter More Than You Think As an executive director, you’re juggling fundraising, programs, staff, and board relations. Communications often gets pushed to the bottom of your to-do list. But what if poor messaging is actually making all your other work harder? A recent case study shows how one nonprofit transformed their impact—not by changing their programs, but by getting their story straight. Opportunity: Great Work, Confused Community This established nonprofit was growing and evolving. Demand for its services was up, but they had a problem: their community didn’t understand what they actually did. Here’s what was happening: People didn’t know about their many programs and services Misinformation was spreading about their work Their website looked outdated and didn’t reflect their growth They couldn’t effectively tell funders about their impact Board members gave different descriptions of the organization Despite doing important work, they were struggling to get the
Transform Your Virtual Event from Forgettable to Unforgettable
You’ve likely logged into a virtual conference that felt like nothing more than a webinar series. Attendees check out with cameras off, multitask through presentations, or attempt to network in breakout rooms where everyone stares at each other in awkward silence. Disengaged conference participants forget what they learned and don’t see the return on investment. Event sponsors may be left unhappy. Are virtual conference organizers just doing it wrong? Could your next virtual event be an exception? How to Make Virtual Conferences Engaging When Seeds Consulting was tasked with designing a virtual conference that prioritized connection, learning, and fun, we didn’t just recreate an in-person event online—we reimagined the experience from start to finish. Successful virtual events aren’t about replicating in-person experiences. They’re a chance to explore digital tools and create something entirely new. Three Considerations for Memorable Virtual Events 1. Community First, Content Second Too many conferences use a
From Vision to Action: how to embed Strategic Planning into operational culture
If you’ve ever been a board director or advisor, you’ve probably helped lead a visionary strategic planning process. Once the plan has been approved and introduced at the annual general meeting, have you ever wondered about what happens next? In some organizations, strategic plans may sit on an Executive Director’s desk, outlining aspirations that never translate into meaningful change. For one enterprising nonprofit, their comprehensive 10-year strategic plan became the catalyst for real transformation—bridging the gap between vision and day-to-day operations. The Challenge: Connecting Big Picture Vision with Day-to-Day Reality This non-profit, an award-winning Indigenous cultural centre, had something many organizations would envy: a robust 10-year strategic plan developed through extensive community engagement. The document distilled months of input from community partners, staff members, board directors, and representatives from the First Nations communities they serve. It was comprehensive, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in community values. Despite this strong foundation, the
Designing events for real connection and open sharing
Meaningful events incorporate psychological safety, connection and deep sharing Tired of events where only the same voices dominate? At an in person event, do you put up your hand to share when there’s an opportunity? Or let your questions swim around in your mind instead of using your voice? Too often, when facilitators open up discussion, they either sit in uncomfortable silence or notice a group of familiar faces with their hands up. With a different approach, one that is more intentional and thoughtful, events and conferences can be designed for everyone to feel ready to step in to share. Not just to hear themselves talk, but to contribute meaningfully and connect deeply with others. The opportunity: For 30 years, the Hollyhock Leadership Institute has supported social entrepreneurs to find solutions to specific strategic challenges while maintaining their organization’s social mission. Hollyhock’s flagship event, the Social Venture Institute, is an
Design events for lasting legacies
For four days across snow and ice, veterans from around the world were guided on a symbolic journey through the First Nations territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh. This expedition through the Four Host nations land culminated at the opening ceremony for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. It’s one of the many legacies that will endure long after the closing ceremonies concluded the event. …”This journey is not about just carrying the flag. It’s about healing from past wounds… This expedition is about connection, respect, and empowerment. Together, we honour the land. We honour the journey and we honour the warriors past, present and future…” Watch the video below. It gave me goosebumps! This journey is a reminder that no path is ever walked alone. What other lasting legacies can be created and leveraged from major events hosting? In my work with tourism professionals across BC, we’ve