Facilitation & Consultation
I design and facilitate workshops, trainings, and retreats for businesses, research institutions, organizations, and universities to better understand where they’ve been, where they are are, what their vision is, and how to meet short- and long-term goals.
As a long-time poet and writer, and a facilitator with over 40 years of experience leading meetings, workshops, retreats, and teams, my superpower is holding generative spaces where people can access more of their wisdom, clarity, and courage. My tailored-to-the-group sessions, while modeling effective ways to work together, help individuals and teams communicate, build community, and plan more effectively.
I specialize in sessions that inspire creativity, a sense of belonging, innovative thinking, and deep listening so that groups can better access their inherent collective wisdom and vision. With a focus on using the power of words — such as small group discussions, short writing prompts, poems and prose excerpts, and brainstorming and mind-mapping excursions — we can better understand our assets and challenges and we can better access breakthrough thinking. Topics I facilitate include:
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Revisiting or creating a shared vision and mission.
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Effective SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and beyond-SWOT analyses.
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Inclusive, vibrant, effective, and even fun meetings in-person and on Zoom.
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Short-term, mid-term, and long-term planning.
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Turning plans into realistic action and sequencing that action for success.
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Self-care and a community ethic of creativity and care in the workplace.
Recent examples include leading an all-day SWOT analysis retreat for the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of Kansas and a workshop on navigating pandemic-related isolation through community writing activities for the Google Tech Team.
I hope for the chance to talk with you about how this group experience can impact your company or organization. Please contact me here to find out more.
Recommendations
“Caryn is uniquely gifted to give keynotes, workshops, and seminars for businesses and groups that seek to enhance the creative potential of members to build a work environment where people can be more innovative, cooperative, productive and creative. Her warm, authentic, empowering, inspiring, and joyful presence is something I have rarely observed in other leaders.” — Harriet Lerner, PhD, author of the bestselling The Dance of Anger and Why Won't You Apologize?
“I can attest to the beautiful skills of inspiration, insight and compassion Caryn brings to the Great Work of living a passion and creative life.” ~ Gregg Levoy, consultant, author, Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life
"Caryn not only has boundless creativity, but she sets goals and knows how to get things done. If you need help with a creative project or if you want a dynamic group facilitator, she’s the one to call!” ~ Deborah Altus, chair, Human Services Department, Washburn University
