Imagine meetings that inspire honest, transformative conversations at both personal and organizational levels—where every voice is genuinely valued, leading to deeper, more meaningful interactions. This isn't a pipe dream; I've facilitated hundreds of such sessions, with participants experiencing eye-opening breakthroughs.
As a facilitator, I guide groups through sometimes challenging discussions to achieve specific outcomes and actionable steps toward agreed-upon goals. My role is to create a safe, encouraging environment, drawing out individuals' best ideas and solutions to move issues forward, even if it means adjusting the agenda on the fly to stay focused on what truly matters.
As a facilitator, I guide groups through sometimes challenging discussions to achieve specific outcomes and actionable steps toward agreed-upon goals. My role is to create a safe, encouraging environment, drawing out individuals' best ideas and solutions to move issues forward, even if it means adjusting the agenda on the fly to stay focused on what truly matters.
In today's world, where the impact of COVID-19 has been profound, effective facilitation is crucial. From small group sessions to large-scale programs, in-person or online, I foster an atmosphere where everyone, regardless of their position, feels comfortable speaking their truth because honesty drives change. I listen not only to what's said but also to the subtext, crafting follow-up questions in real time to generate valuable feedback while maintaining meeting focus.
My commitment to your meeting's success begins with pre-program consultation, including interviews with relevant participants to understand dynamics and issues. Together, we develop a meeting strategy for maximum value. I'm present throughout the meeting and afterward, assessing key takeaways that can inform your next steps.
With over 40 years of experience, I've worked with clients in Canada, the U.S., Europe, and South America, facilitating sessions on strategic planning, leadership development, team building, change management, creativity, innovative problem-solving, and values and work culture--always helping them discover fresh perspectives to help them grow!
One thing I know for sure is that engaging bodies as well as minds makes learning fun, and increases the likelihood the insights gained will stick. Here are two examples from a recent strategic planning program.
With over 40 years of experience, I've worked with clients in Canada, the U.S., Europe, and South America, facilitating sessions on strategic planning, leadership development, team building, change management, creativity, innovative problem-solving, and values and work culture--always helping them discover fresh perspectives to help them grow!
One thing I know for sure is that engaging bodies as well as minds makes learning fun, and increases the likelihood the insights gained will stick. Here are two examples from a recent strategic planning program.
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Adrian Legin
CEO, Coastal Community Credit Union
"David has a great ability to help us explore delicate matters in an environment that allows participants to avoid the defensive behaviour that often accompanies tough meetings. His flexibility and appropriate use of humour keeps us on task and fully engaged."
CEO, Coastal Community Credit Union
"David has a great ability to help us explore delicate matters in an environment that allows participants to avoid the defensive behaviour that often accompanies tough meetings. His flexibility and appropriate use of humour keeps us on task and fully engaged."
Peter Leitch
Chair, Motion Picture Production Industry Association and President, North Shore Studios & Mammoth Studios
"David facilitated a meeting with over 200 participants from diverse backgrounds and interests, and managed to keep people engaged, interested and confident that action would result from their efforts."
Chair, Motion Picture Production Industry Association and President, North Shore Studios & Mammoth Studios
"David facilitated a meeting with over 200 participants from diverse backgrounds and interests, and managed to keep people engaged, interested and confident that action would result from their efforts."
Bruce Howell, CPA, CGA
CEO, Prospera Credit Union, Retired
"David does not know what the right answers are. We had previously used a well-known credit union facilitator who it turned out had very strongly held views as to what the right answers for us were. Those meetings were not very productive. David, on the other hand, saw his role as helping us figure out what the right questions were and then helping us to clearly map out the steps to determine the answers. Finally, knowing where we wanted to go, he helped us figure out how to get there. For Prospera, it turned out several times that the right thing to do to take us forward was to unwind an action of the previous management team which the Board had approved. I doubt we’d have had the difficult discussions we needed without David’s involvement. Based on my years of experience dealing with professionals I’ve found that some are just more engaged, interested and helpful than most. David Gouthro consistently demonstrated those qualities and is one of those rare gems."
CEO, Prospera Credit Union, Retired
"David does not know what the right answers are. We had previously used a well-known credit union facilitator who it turned out had very strongly held views as to what the right answers for us were. Those meetings were not very productive. David, on the other hand, saw his role as helping us figure out what the right questions were and then helping us to clearly map out the steps to determine the answers. Finally, knowing where we wanted to go, he helped us figure out how to get there. For Prospera, it turned out several times that the right thing to do to take us forward was to unwind an action of the previous management team which the Board had approved. I doubt we’d have had the difficult discussions we needed without David’s involvement. Based on my years of experience dealing with professionals I’ve found that some are just more engaged, interested and helpful than most. David Gouthro consistently demonstrated those qualities and is one of those rare gems."
Ruth Malli
City Manager, Town of Ladysmith
"David has consistently exceeded expectations, moving us forward much faster than we would have anticipated. His facilitations have resulted in us being able to move forward with significant changes. David makes the discussion safe and encourages even the most reluctant participants to fully engage. His creative approaches surprise and delight, but it's not entertainment, it's about results."
City Manager, Town of Ladysmith
"David has consistently exceeded expectations, moving us forward much faster than we would have anticipated. His facilitations have resulted in us being able to move forward with significant changes. David makes the discussion safe and encourages even the most reluctant participants to fully engage. His creative approaches surprise and delight, but it's not entertainment, it's about results."
