The world of facilitation is evolving, are you keeping up?

In this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca Courtney, facilitation coach at AJ&Smart to talk about what it really takes to be a great facilitator in 2025.

We dive into the essential skills facilitators need today, how to embrace your own authentic facilitation style, and why mindset matters more than methods.We also discuss how AI is changing workshop design and why the best facilitators won’t be replaced, but amplified.

In this episode:

✅ From teaching kids to facilitating teams: Rebecca’s bold career shift

✅ The #1 skill facilitators need today (hint: it’s not a method)

✅ Why “emergent facilitation” is the future

✅ How to deal with tough workshop moments & go off-script with confidence

✅ The truth about using AI in workshops — what works and what doesn’t

✅ How to find your facilitation voice

🎁 Join my free live event on Oct 23 to celebrate the launch of The Workshop Deck.

Learn my full process for designing workshops that get results and get a secret gift I usually sell for €299

Sign up here → https://facilitators-corner.com/launch

📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

00:00 – From Primary School Teacher to Facilitation Coach

05:10 – The Overlap Between Teaching and Facilitation

09:20 – Managing Tough Participants (Kids vs. Adults)

13:45 – How AI Can Support — Not Replace — Great Facilitation

20:12 – The IKEA Effect: Why Co-Creation Builds Commitment

26:30 – Emergent Facilitation: Tools, Mindset & Resilience

33:40 – The Training Gap: Why We Need More Real Practice

41:55 – Rebecca’s Authentic Style: Creative Sanctuary + Play

49:20 – The Power of Reflection to Find Your Facilitation Voice

54:05 – Advice for Facilitators Who Want to Grow in 2025

58:30 – Outro + Where to Find Rebecca

🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 & 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀

Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccacourtney

Explore AJ&Smart’s Trainings: https://facilitator.com

AJ&Smart on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AJSmart