Creative
facilitation
When you make space for smart, kind, creative people - they show up.
From workshops and away days, to longer co-creative projects I facilitate sessions that get to the heart of the matter, bring forward fresh thinking, and help people move forward as one.
I've worked with AstraZeneca, Shell, Imperial College London and smaller companies and charities so I'll quickly tune in to your needs and opportunities.
Just get in touch
to discuss your project or event.
Changing meetings
from
Tired and
uninspiring
Predictable and
restricting
Ineffective
waste of time
to
Engaging and
alive
Surprising and
liberating
Productive
use of time
"Alex was a delight to work with and provided a rare mix of insight, creativity and humour, whilst guiding the team through some quite complex discussions.
"The result was a stronger sense of team identity, purpose and core values and the sessions were challenging and fun in equal measure which helped us shift up a gear."
Julian Munson
Head of Enterprise Zones & Innovation, New Anglia
It's in an arts hub near Ipswich, Suffolk
and can comfortably host 8 people.
I'll work closely with you to understand your objectives, people and context before designing a session to meet your needs.
With 20+ years experience in communications and 10+ in facilitation I'm skilled at helping teams and organisations get clear on what they stand for (purpose, vision, values) and develop compelling stories that capture the imagination.
Recent projects have included sustainability narrative and sales pitches for global teams in AstraZeneca, Shell and New Anglia.
In addition to process facilitation, and creative approaches to problem solving, I often use activities inspired by
applied improvisation to bring more aliveness, trust and immediacy to the work.
I love co-creative processes and I use a variety of techniques and methods ranging from Liberating Structures, Open Space, World Cafe and Solutions Focus through to visual innovation tools like Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Design, User Story Maps, and LEGO along with methods like design thinking,
design sprints and decision-making tools.
I'm obsessed with helping teams take a more creative and practical approach to strategy that involves insight, imagination and improvisation as well as planning.
Of course it's logical to start with data but at some point we have to imagine what we want our future to look like so that we can build a bridge towards it.
When I work on strategy it takes shape in two stages. The first is about creating a shared platform for change that incorporates data, different points of view, and insights. It takes trust, time and great conversations but it's surprising what can happen when you don't rush.
In the second stage, the focus shifts to imagining possibilities, exploring business models and exploring vivid metaphors to find the kernel of your approach, and then working out the guiding principles that will see you through the inevitable twists and turns of execution.
If you'd like to see how I could help your team or organisation drop me a line.
The ability to use story to influence, inspire and create deeper connection is not just a nice-to-have for teams and organisations. A story is the basic unit of human understanding - it's how we make meaning, understand new ideas, and connect those ideas with the things we are passionate about.
Story is the priceless currency of ideas. Sharing a compelling narrative for your team or organisation is essential for sharing knowledge sharing, inspiring action and building culture.
With 20+ years working in communications for creative agencies, household names, local charities and punchy small businesses, I can help you say what you stand for and why people should care.
Your story is most likely hiding in plain sight. I'll take you through some challenging work, mixing creative insight with rigour to get to your motivating purpose, and craft a memorable story that will capture imaginations.
"Alex is an original thinker and change agent and one heck of a facilitator. He works magic on difficult meetings and helps with complex change. He is a true partner who is worth every penny!"
"Alex was extremely collaborative, energetic and inclusive; his approach made sure we had impact from the outset and that cultural change was integral to what he delivered for us."
"Alex has helped me run a number of projects to find innovative solutions to social issues, and each time I have been blown away with a fun, creative process and incredible ideas we could implement"
Remote working has its upsides but it makes it harder to share those lighthearted, funny, touching moments that make working in a team enjoyable and worthwhile.
Sometimes it's time to step away from the goals, plans, strategies and busy-ness, so I facilitate virtual team-building sessions with improvisation-inspired activities.
These sessions are seriously playful, surprising, tender, touching and funny - and a great way to connect with your colleagues beyond the day-to-day work.
To find out more see virtual team-building sessions or for bookings drop me a line.
Over the years I’ve got around a bit. Here are some of the clients who have helped me learn my craft as a trainer, facilitator and consultant.
Neil Prem | Executive Director
Dave Hampton | Co-founder
Simon Biggs | CEO
Liz Barnard | Service Manager
James Cretney | CEO
Sally Butcher | CEO
Steve Roche | Director
Julian Munson | Head of Enterprise & Innovation
Suzanne Hawkes | Theatre Director
Sound interesting?
Drop me a line to see how I could support your meeting, workshop or away day.
It's about being half a shade braver and making human connections at work.
Comes out every few months.
Thank you!
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