The work of skilled facilitators has never been more necessary or important. Opening up the space for dialogue for all is needed now, more than ever. Holding Space: A Guide to Mindful Facilitation is a starting point, intended to make it easier for coaches, facilitators, and leaders to step forward with confidence. Authors Kate Ebner, CEO of The Nebo Company and her colleague Izzy Martens, a certified facilitator, writer and yoga teacher, share stories, lessons, strategies for facilitating important conversations and gatherings. In this book, you will find stories, lessons, tips and practices for facilitating important conversations and gatherings. Within the pages, you’ll discover tools, checklists and new ideas to keep in mind as you think about planning your facilitated events. Learn what it means to “hold space” from a variety of perspectives and insights about how to ensure a welcoming, inclusive and culturally attuned experience. - Read about the concept of mindfulness and how mindfulness is not only relevant, but necessary to facilitation. - Discover your authentic presence and see what it “looks like” when you bring yourself fully to your facilitation work. - Read about what happens when a facilitation doesn’t go well and how to “pivot” in order to get things back on track. - Gain well-tested pointers that can turn a virtual event into a thoughtfully designed, heartfelt, and engaging experience. Holding Space begins with the insight that becoming a great facilitator requires a willingness to look within, including an examination of one’s own beliefs and biases, presence, unique traits and trigger points. Discover what it takes to “hold space” for others and create extraordinary–even transformational–experiences and outcomes. " Holding Space is a beautiful and smart blend of engaging storytelling and tangible practices. It covers both the inner and outer landscape of what it takes to be a facilitator of change while intentionally and inclusively convening conversations that inspire it." - Kelly Lewis, author of Navigating Polarities: Using Both/And Thinking to Lead Transformation " Holding Space: A Guide to Mindful Facilitation starts where all great facilitation does, with you—with your capacity to resonate courageous, loving, authentic, mindful presence. You cohere the field of transformative space. But that's not all. This book goes on to be a very helpful and pragmatic guide for all that it takes to facilitate great gatherings. Even for experienced facilitators, there is much to learn here. Reading this book will enhance your practice." - Bob Anderson, creator of the Leadership Circle Profile, co-author of Mastering Leadership and Scaling Leadership "This book is an outstanding resource for facilitators leading during complex and turbulent times. As teams are more disjointed and conversations are becoming increasingly polarized, it's never been more important to hone the skill of convening important, inclusive conversations. This book provides a call-to-action for facilitators who want to convene conversations that inspire change." - Rae Ringel, Director, Certificate in Facilitation Program at Georgetown University's Institute for Transformational Leadership " Holding Space is a useful, engaging, and heartwarming guide. This book instructs you on how to take the skill of facilitation and turn it into an art. In an age of divisive conversations, Holding Space is a must-read for anyone who convenes groups." -Emma Pass, author of The Hybrid Teacher "Ebner and Martens' approach is a welcome mix of practicality and personality in a business-driven field." -Kirkus Reviews Kate Ebner describes her life purpose as "helping others to find and live their highest potential." As a leadership coach, facilitator and leader, she views her contributions as a way of being in service to others. Kate is known for her calm, balanced style, powerful storytelling, expertise on visioning processes and her deep commitment to her clients. Kate is the founder of The Nebo Company, a leadership coaching and facilitation firm based in Washington, D.C.. She is also the founding director of Georgetown University's Institute for Transformational Leadership, where she has served on the faculty of many programs. She loves the natural world, cooking, writing and other forms of creativity and being with her family. Izzy Martens believes that a mindful approach to living has the power to change the world. Izzy currently works as Instructional Designer and Facilitator at The Nebo Company. Izzy designs and facilitates leadership development and mindfulness trainings for clients across the country. Izzy holds a certificate in facilitation from Georgetown University's Institute for Transformational Leadership. She is a certified yoga instructor, teaching yoga classes based on being present, moving mindfully and finding peace within. Izzy has a background in creative writing and media studies. Sh