Client Story (Facilitation)

Developing Internal Facilitators for a Corporate University

The Challenge

A leading corporate university faced a unique challenge. It had a pool of experienced senior leadership coaches, all seasoned business leaders with coaching certifications and years of guiding individuals and teams. However, coaching and teaching require different skills. Coaching often involves one-on-one or small-group interactions, while teaching demands engaging large audiences, sometimes exceeding 100 learners, in either classroom or online settings.

Recognising this gap, the corporate university set out to build internal facilitation capabilities. While these leaders were subject matter experts, teaching required advanced facilitation skills to create environments where learners could reflect deeply, think critically, and apply insights to real-world business outcomes. Most of these coaches had little to no teaching experience and were uncertain about taking on the role of a facilitator.

The Solution

To address this, we designed a tailored programme—Executive Education in a Nutshell—that condensed the essentials of teaching into an accessible and practical framework. This wasn’t a quick fix but a structured journey, combining knowledge, practice, and reflection over time.

The programme introduced the principles of adult learning, session design, and facilitation techniques to encourage deep thinking and tie learning to business outcomes. It was a hands-on approach where participants started small. They began by assisting in my sessions, observing group dynamics, and contributing as group facilitators. Gradually, they assumed larger roles, taking on sections of the programme and refining their approach through regular feedback and support. The cycle of learning, practice, and review was repeated monthly, providing participants the opportunity to build confidence and mastery incrementally.

This process wasn’t just about delivering content; it was about cultivating the mindset and skills required to inspire and engage large groups. We worked collaboratively to develop and review session designs, ensuring they were effective and learner-centred.

Celebrating a Facilitator’s Journey

Among the participants, one senior leader’s journey stood out. Initially hesitant and unsure, he immersed himself in the process, carefully observing facilitation techniques and group interactions. He started with small group activities, progressed to leading discussions, and eventually delivered entire sessions independently.

Over time, he developed a unique facilitation style that blended empathy, storytelling, and practical insights. By the end of the programme, he wasn’t just confident—he was excelling. His ability to connect with learners, inspire reflection, and facilitate meaningful discussions set a new benchmark. Remarkably, he outperformed veteran facilitators in both learner engagement and feedback scores.

For him, the transformation was profound. Facilitation became more than a skill—it was a mission. He took pride in his ability to guide others, found purpose in his role, and became a role model for peers. His success inspired others in the programme and elevated the overall standards of facilitation within the corporate university.

The Impact

Over two years, the programme transformed the corporate university’s facilitation capabilities. While some participants discovered facilitation wasn’t their calling, others flourished, becoming confident, skilled facilitators who could engage large audiences with ease. The programme instilled a sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride, enabling facilitators to take charge of their development and contribute meaningfully to the organisation.

These internal facilitators reduced the reliance on external providers and ensured that programmes were delivered by individuals who deeply understood the organisation’s context and values. The initiative also strengthened the university’s ability to deliver high-quality, impactful learning experiences tailored to its unique needs.

Teaching: A Lifelong Evolution

This experience reinforced an important truth: teaching is a continuous journey. It evolves with changing learner needs, business demands, and new delivery methods. What feels perfected today may need adjustment tomorrow. Facilitators who thrive are those who embrace this evolution, continually seeking to grow and adapt.

The corporate university’s investment in building internal facilitators was not just about skills; it was about fostering a culture of learning, growth, and collaboration. It celebrated the power of facilitation to inspire others and create meaningful impact, proving that with the right guidance and dedication, anyone can become a transformative teacher.