Facilitator · Coach · Author
Conversations that go somewhere new.
I design and facilitate gatherings for groups who are solving important problems, or wanting to relate to each other differently. I also coach the people doing the work.
Facilitation
When the conversation changes, so does what a group can do.
the part I love most
Many sessions have a way of falling into old habits. People leave with what they already knew. The conversation circles back on itself. A few voices, often without meaning to, fill most of the room.
I bring creative processes, relational tools and strategic techniques to change the quality of the dialogue. What I’m after is a group that sees something new together, and knows what to do with it.
I work with pairs, teams, groups and whole divisions. Small gatherings and large ones. A single session, a series, or a full week together.
A single session
From one hour to a full day, designed around questions that matter.
A series
Repeated sessions for a group changing how it works or relates.
Offsites and longer gatherings
Designed end to end, up to a week.
What groups say
“Thank you for the strategy workshop. It was hands-on and to the point, and tied directly to our current projects. We left with a clear direction and next steps.”
Software Team Lead
“My team made a big leap forward and arrived at some breakthroughs after your session. We’re a much stronger team today than a few weeks ago.”
Head of Communication
“Good call bringing in Kirsten to facilitate this leads call. It’s one of the smoothest icebreaker sessions I’ve ever had for a new group.”
Division Lead
Groups I’ve worked with
WordPress.com · Tumblr · HSBC · Old Mutual · JUMO · AdBlock Plus · SnapScan
The book
I co-wrote a book on remote facilitation.
The Remote Facilitator’s Pocket Guide, written with Jay-Allen Morris, is published in three languages. Many of the frameworks I still use are in it.
Coaching
Meet what you’re facing with more of yourself.
I love working with the people closest to the work: engineers, designers, support folks. And with people in transition, whether you’re new to leadership, new to a role, preparing for one, or in a role that still doesn’t quite feel like home.
We usually start with what’s happening around you. Then I get curious about what’s happening within you, and how you want to meet it.
What coaching clients say
“I admire your gentle strength and inclusive nature. I learned so much from you. My current role has been transformational. Much of that is due to the intentional work we’ve done together.”
Head of Customer Support
“Not only did you help me figure out a direction, you helped to parse my thoughts and put some structure around my needs. Best 30 minutes I’ve spent in many weeks.”
Engineering Director
“Your guidance really helped me ground the next steps in empathy while also staying steady on expectations and accountability.”
Business Unit Leader
About
Hi, I’m Kirsten.
I’ve spent more than a decade facilitating groups and coaching people in technology organisations. I started in psychology, co-founded a coaching consultancy for distributed work, co-wrote a book on remote facilitation, and today co-lead Learning and Development at Automattic.
Get in touch
Interested in working together?
I occasionally take on a small number of outside projects alongside my role at Automattic. If you think I might be a fit, reach out. If I can’t help, I’ll point you to someone who can.