How The Rainbow Pony Led Me to Facilitate Sheffield

Last January, I made a commitment to connect with others who share my passion for facilitation. This led me to book into an event with Facilitate Sheffield, a local in person meet up. What followed was a fun experience that continues to shape my professional and personal growth.

When I arrived at the local coffee shop, I was running late (classic time blindness thank you Neurospicy brain), and I was a little nervous over imagining a room full of seasoned facilitators with decades of expertise, which left me feeling like a complete newbie, even though I am not. My brain was telling me this constantly on the walk to the venue. I gladly abandoned my assumptions the moment I walked in.

I received a warm greeting from Jane and Hannah, the session leaders. On the table were a few random items, one of which caught my eye, 'My Little Pony' toy with a rainbow mane. It was part of an icebreaker exercise, where we each selected an item and introduced ourselves. Holding that little toy sparked an unexpected moment of childhood joy for me—truth be told, I'd secretly always wanted one as a kid. Right from the start, the atmosphere was open, fun, and inviting, which eased me in an instant.

A Space to Learn, Share, and Grow

The room held a diverse group of people—coaches, facilitators, and others—all united by an interest in the art of facilitation. To my surprise, some had been in the field for decades, while others were just beginning to explore it. It was inspiring to hear about the vast diversity in everyone’s work. From outdoor facilitators fostering connections with nature to digital transformation experts, leadership coaches, and charity-driven focus, the diversity of expertise in the room was so varied.

This diversity highlighted something important about facilitation—it’s a profession in its own right. I had discovered facilitation and workshops as part of the design work I had been doing and loving. 

What struck me most was how inclusive and encouraging everyone was. Facilitation professionals, almost by nature, are superb listeners and know how to create safe, supportive spaces where people can flourish, support, experiment and grow. That day, I realised I had found my people—a community of peers who weren’t just colleagues, but friends.

From Participant, to co founder

This spirit of community encouraged me to get involved further. I continued to attend sessions where we shared tools, techniques, and methods around facilitation. These mini-workshops not only provided valuable learning opportunities, but also offered a platform to share my own emerging skills.

They invited me to facilitate a session defining our community of practice. Getting feedback from such a supportive group was wonderful and it gave me the confidence to experiment, be imperfect, and refine my approach. The positive vibes and encouragement for my visuals and ideas left me energised and motivated to keep improving.

Eventually, I opted to join the core team that organised and hosted Facilitate Sheffield sessions. The more I got involved, the more doors opened for me. One highlight was being invited to join the IAF (International Association of Facilitators) leadership team for England and Wales. Even though I wasn’t initially an official member, this opportunity allowed me to connect with even more incredible professionals in the field.

Lessons from Facilitate Sheffield

Looking back on this experience, I can honestly say it has been very impactful and moving me towards a path I am embracing and loving.

Here are some of the important points I want to share with anyone curious about joining a professional community:

• Seek a community. No matter how daunting it feels, taking that first step towards finding people who share your passion is always worth it. You don’t need to be an expert—just showing up is enough. Bonus if you nerd over sticky notes and stationary as much as I do.
• Stay open-minded. Sometimes, the smallest things can bring unexpected joy. For me, it was the 'My Little Pony' toy that helped me break the ice and feel at ease.
• Value diversity. The beauty of a professional community lies in its diversity—everyone brings unique experiences, perspectives, and expertise to the table. There’s so much to learn from others. It broadens up your world view so much more.
• Commit to continuous growth. Opportunities for growth often come when you step up, even if it feels outside your comfort zone. Facilitate Sheffield helped me experiment, refine my skills, and build confidence as a facilitator.
• Listen and connect. Being genuinely curious and open to others’ ideas fosters meaningful relationships. Building connections is as much about listening as it is about sharing.

My Ongoing Journey with Facilitate Sheffield

Today, I’m proud to say I’m not just a participant but a co-founder of Facilitate Sheffield. This group has grown into so much more than a professional network—it’s a community of passionate, highly experienced individuals who genuinely care for and support one another. Together, we share methods, tackle challenges, and continuously create a safe, collaborative space for learning and growth. The camaraderie and sense of community has been invaluable to my development, both professionally and personally. It’s incredibly rewarding to take an active interest in each other’s work, offering support by attending events hosted by fellow facilitators and celebrating our shared progress.

Joining this vibrant group inspired me to take the next step and officially become a member of the IAF, deepening my commitment to growing as a facilitator. I am profoundly grateful for the friendships I’ve formed, the knowledge I’ve gained, and the opportunities this incredible community has unlocked for me.

If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or facilitator looking for a supportive network of like-minded professionals, I highly recommend seeking similar groups in your area. And if you’re in Sheffield, come join us—we’d love to have you! Who knows? You might discover a wonderful connection, too. Just follow #FacilitateSheffield and #IAF to follow what our amazing community offers.

Thank you so much for the big welcome at my first event and the continued support.