Episode Details

Most people don’t need more advice. They need a place where they can tell the truth. On this episode of Heart of Business, Nancy Koleda, Vice President of the International Facilitators Organization (IFO), joins us to explore how forum peer groups create that space. Drawing on her experience helping grow EO in Europe, Nancy shares why confidentiality, structure, and a shared commitment to showing up honestly can build connection across cultures.

Nancy explains what happens inside a forum group and the practices that help people feel safe: no competitors, no advice giving, and speaking from personal experience. We discuss how vulnerability is modeled over time, why emotional check-ins can reveal that “I’m not the only one,” and how that sense of belonging carries into leadership, work, and life at home.

We also look at practical ways to put the model to work. Nancy describes how “stir fry” sessions can renew established groups, how associations can use forum to deepen member connections, and how companies can break down silos by training internal facilitators. For anyone considering facilitator certification, she explains why the skills can be useful far beyond the meeting room.

Please visit www.internationalfacilitatorsorganization.com to learn more about Mo Fathelbab and International Facilitators Organization (IFO), a leading provider of facilitators and related group facilitation services, providing training, certification, marketing services, education, and community for peer group facilitators at all stages of their career.