Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major benefits of hiring an outside speaker and facilitator?

Preparation – A well-run, effective workshop or facilitated discussion requires hours and hours of planning and preparation. Busy executives often do not have the time to commit to that level of preparation before the event, so hiring a professional facilitator ensures proper preparation and ultimately a better outcome.
Experience – Professional facilitators are experienced in constructing efficient and effective agendas that provide the proper flow and structure to the discussion. They make the most of the time available, ensuring your group achieves its objectives.
Independent Perspective – An outside facilitator brings an independent perspective as well as outside knowledge, experience, and wisdom to the discussion. This helps in many ways, including bringing productive resolutions to conflict or differing viewpoints, and keeping the meeting focused and on track.

What are the major benefits of a workshop?

Encourages dialogue and participation.
Brings fresh perspectives and helps develop new ideas.
Deepens engagement and renews inspiration and commitment.

What are the major benefits of a facilitated discussion?

Allows plenty of time for questions, reflection, and the exploration of new ideas.
Promotes healthy dialogue and communication.
Manages the time and balances the voices heard in the room, ensuring everyone has a chance to offer insights and no one dominates the conversation.
Allows for immediate input and feedback from leaders, colleagues, and direct reports alike.

What are the major benefits of a keynote?

Uplifting and inspiring session for group of any size.
Can be a standalone event or a key component of a larger event.
Offers something fresh and new your group can both enjoy and learn from.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of people who can participate in a workshop, facilitated discussion, or keynote?

I do not put a limit on the number of participants for any of my sessions. However, to maximize engagement and effectiveness, I do recommend keeping workshops and facilitated discussions under 200 people if possible. Keynotes can easily be delivered to groups of any size.

What topics can I choose from for a keynote, workshop, or facilitated discussion?

What do you mean by “Engage, Inspire, Empower?”

While there is no magic formula for effective inspirational leadership, research shows that the habits of actively and intentionally engaging, inspiring, and empowering others pays huge dividends toward your personal, professional, and organizational success—as well as the success of those you lead! Here is how we define these three critical habits:

To ENGAGE those you lead is to…
Create genuine connection, participation, and commitment to your organization’s mission and purpose. Leaders engage people by cultivating authentic relationships, investing their time, attention, and resources, and providing opportunities for people to use their unique skillsets to achieve greater success for themselves and their organization.
To INSPIRE those you lead is to…
Create lasting enthusiasm, passion and commitment for what your organization is doing and what it is striving to do. Leaders inspire people by creating a clear vision toward which to work, demonstrating (not just articulating) strong core values, and continually nurturing excitement for their team’s work and mission.
To EMPOWER those you lead is to…
Equip and enable them to do their work with excellence, growing in both ability and confidence. Leaders empower people by facilitating their growth, equipping them beyond the essentials, and encouraging their leadership by extending trust and granting appropriate authority and autonomy.

Will you tailor a workshop, facilitated discussion, or keynote to meet the needs of my group?

Absolutely! My desire is to serve you and your group in the best way possible. Your input and suggestions are not only appreciated, but crucial for the success of your event.

How long does a workshop last?

Typically a half-day workshop lasts 3-4 hours with two breaks, and a full-day workshop lasts 6-8 hours, with several breaks and lunch. The breaks will be creatively used to enhance further engagement, learning, and relationship building. While this is a typical schedule, I will work to fit your timeframe and preferred schedule.

How are the workshops structured?

Expect your workshop to be a highly interactive and participative event. There will be a variety of individual and group exercises, with specially designed activities and methods to keep everyone stimulated and involved. Questions, comments, and discussion are invited throughout the session. I encourage (but do not force) dialogue and participation from everyone. Regular breaks are scheduled so participants can move around, enjoy refreshments, use the restroom, make phone calls, etc.

How long does a facilitated discussion last?

This is one of the most adaptable sessions I offer. Typically a facilitated discussion can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours (breaks included), but I will work within your desired timeframe. I do recommend a minimum of 90 minutes for smaller groups (less than 30 participants) and a minimum of 2 hours for groups greater than 30.

Is the keynote length adjustable?

Ideal length is 50–70 minutes, but I will adjust based on your desires and your schedule.

Will you answer audience questions after your keynote?

The short answer is yes. If you desire time for questions, we should allow a little more time for the keynote and questions. If time allows, I am more than happy to answer questions, sign books, and mingle with the participants before and after the keynote. I am particularly gifted in engaging individuals and small groups of participants before and after a keynote.

What kind of follow-up will you do after the conclusion of a workshop?

I am always committed to and enjoy follow-up after any presentation, whether workshop, facilitated discussion, or keynote. I am delighted to work with event planners or decision-makers to create follow-up materials specifically designed to add significant short and long-term value to the event and experience.

What materials or resources are provided?

Depending on the topic and your desires for the event, I often prepare resources for specific sessions. I can also set up a private webpage where participants can access all relevant content from the session, such as slides, quotes, concepts, strategies, tactics, and links to suggested resources.
Please note, I will not copy or duplicate material or content copyrighted by others. However, I will gladly provide the necessary information for participants to find or access such content on their own.

How do I learn more about your availability and fee schedule?

Contact me today by clicking here and I or a member of my team will respond via phone or email within 1-2 business days. I would love to tailor an event to meet your needs!