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Designing & Leading Life-Changing Workshops: Creating the Conditions for Transformation in Your Groups, Trainings, and Retreats
Become a transformational teacher! If you lead, or aspire to lead, workshops, trainings, or retreats, Designing & Leading Life-Changing Workshops is your blueprint for helping your students and participants learn, change, heal, and grow.Drawing on real-life stories, new science, and ancient wisdom, you'll learn the skills and gain the confidence you need
design and use interactive techniques that open the heart and inspire self-discoveryshow up as your authentic self and discover the power of your presencebuild trust as the foundation for safe inquiry and honest dialogueignite original thinking, group wisdom, and learning that lastsWith ready-to-use exercises, templates, worksheets, and checklists, you'll create and fine-tune your workshops, trainings, and retreats. Designing & Leading Life-Changing Workshops will help you get clear about your calling and give you the right tools to empower others. You'll learn how to create the conditions for real creativity, optimal learning, extraordinary outcomes, and fun!
design and use interactive techniques that open the heart and inspire self-discoveryshow up as your authentic self and discover the power of your presencebuild trust as the foundation for safe inquiry and honest dialogueignite original thinking, group wisdom, and learning that lastsWith ready-to-use exercises, templates, worksheets, and checklists, you'll create and fine-tune your workshops, trainings, and retreats. Designing & Leading Life-Changing Workshops will help you get clear about your calling and give you the right tools to empower others. You'll learn how to create the conditions for real creativity, optimal learning, extraordinary outcomes, and fun!
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2020
1113 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 8, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book! I feel like many of the techniques, processes, and strategies shared will help me improve the trainings I plan and facilitate.
March 1, 2025
If you are creating seminars, workshops, or, like me, a public class, this book is good. Very good. It really does pay attention to inclusive details and design and tactics on how to meet people where they are at, not just lecture "top down" to them.
Not just a book to read once. More like a reference to keep going back to. The check lists in the back are good.
Not just a book to read once. More like a reference to keep going back to. The check lists in the back are good.
December 12, 2023
The Missing Puzzle Piece
I picked this book up last week and gobbled it up - and it was such an enjoyable and informative read (Kindle) that I ordered the paperback and will be reading it again, soon. The authors bring a people-centric, purpose-driven framework for designing and delivering transformational workshops that speak to the whole person. The mind-body connection and activities put language and meaning to the types of workshops and experiences I want to design and deliver for the people I serve. It outlines an arc and a way of holding the spirit of workshops, the people in them, and me as a co-leader that I felt but want to explicitly and intentionally include in my designs. Finally, this book spoke to me and who I strive to be as a leader, teacher, and facilitator. I’ll be rethinking and re-swizzling my workshop designs in the coming months to be truly transformational.
I picked this book up last week and gobbled it up - and it was such an enjoyable and informative read (Kindle) that I ordered the paperback and will be reading it again, soon. The authors bring a people-centric, purpose-driven framework for designing and delivering transformational workshops that speak to the whole person. The mind-body connection and activities put language and meaning to the types of workshops and experiences I want to design and deliver for the people I serve. It outlines an arc and a way of holding the spirit of workshops, the people in them, and me as a co-leader that I felt but want to explicitly and intentionally include in my designs. Finally, this book spoke to me and who I strive to be as a leader, teacher, and facilitator. I’ll be rethinking and re-swizzling my workshop designs in the coming months to be truly transformational.
November 29, 2020
I had the great luck to participate in Ken Nelson and Lesli Lang’s course at Kripalu a number of years ago so when I heard about this book I was delighted. I was also deeply curious.
Why delighted? Their course was so informative, comprehensive and high quality I wanted people who could not make the trip to the Berkshires to nonetheless have the benefit of their experience. In that regard, this book is a winner.
Why deeply curious? I wondered whether they could translate such skill and depth of heart onto the printed page. ‘Modeling’ the best way to lead a workshop, in person during a workshop, is one thing; could they ‘show up’ on the printed page as well? In fact, they did. This book ‘transmits.’ Though not in the same room, you’ll meet these authors as the authentic, honest, wise people they are. Just like those of us in the workshops knew we were in good hands, as you read, you’ll sense that, too.
Even better, unlike a weekend workshop, reading this book is like having a private tutorial with people who are the masters of their craft for as long as you care to keep at it and as often as you’d care to come back to it.
As one who’s taken their workshop, I’m deeply grateful they chose to write this book. It is far more comprehensive than any weekend could offer. In addition, they’ve improved a set of materials we received at the workshop. Those materials are now far more comprehensive and provide any workshop leader with a running head start on every phase of planning and execution.
I’ll never lead a workshop as well as they do. In fact, given the current pandemic state of the world, it will be a long time before I ever lead a workshop again.
In the meantime, this book has given me a framework for thinking about how to improve other types of interactions with people in my work. Whether it’s an email, a Zoom meeting or a phone call, these authors have provided me with an approach to leadership that is transferable to those encounters, too. With luck, if I’ve learned their lessons well enough, even a Zoom meeting might well be transformational.
Why delighted? Their course was so informative, comprehensive and high quality I wanted people who could not make the trip to the Berkshires to nonetheless have the benefit of their experience. In that regard, this book is a winner.
Why deeply curious? I wondered whether they could translate such skill and depth of heart onto the printed page. ‘Modeling’ the best way to lead a workshop, in person during a workshop, is one thing; could they ‘show up’ on the printed page as well? In fact, they did. This book ‘transmits.’ Though not in the same room, you’ll meet these authors as the authentic, honest, wise people they are. Just like those of us in the workshops knew we were in good hands, as you read, you’ll sense that, too.
Even better, unlike a weekend workshop, reading this book is like having a private tutorial with people who are the masters of their craft for as long as you care to keep at it and as often as you’d care to come back to it.
As one who’s taken their workshop, I’m deeply grateful they chose to write this book. It is far more comprehensive than any weekend could offer. In addition, they’ve improved a set of materials we received at the workshop. Those materials are now far more comprehensive and provide any workshop leader with a running head start on every phase of planning and execution.
I’ll never lead a workshop as well as they do. In fact, given the current pandemic state of the world, it will be a long time before I ever lead a workshop again.
In the meantime, this book has given me a framework for thinking about how to improve other types of interactions with people in my work. Whether it’s an email, a Zoom meeting or a phone call, these authors have provided me with an approach to leadership that is transferable to those encounters, too. With luck, if I’ve learned their lessons well enough, even a Zoom meeting might well be transformational.
July 16, 2022
I was thrilled to hear that Ken Nelson and co-authors had written a book! I was so inspired by the 5-day workshop I took with them years ago, and it dramatically improved the way I have thought about and facilitated yoga workshops and Training sessions. The book is an incredible resource and takes the reader on a real journey right from discovering where the "juice" is for you, and what workshop topics may emerge when you really look at your life's experiences and passion. Designing and Leading Life-changing Workshops also offers unique ways of looking at the full array of experiential activities to engage all participants. Experiential activities can range from personal-reflective to active-relational and can be used skillfully as the group bonds. In my years as an adult educator, I have not yet seen a book so thorough and effective in how to design, describe, and lead transformational workshops in a way that prioritizes the group experience above the content and that has the great potential to touch people and foster insight. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who teaches adults or leads groups of any kind.
March 2, 2025
In Designing & Leading Life-Changing Workshops, the authors provide a masterclass in transformational facilitation, blending psychology, neuroscience, and experiential learning to create meaningful group experiences. The book emphasizes that who you are as a leader matters more than what you teach, urging facilitators to be present, not perfect, and to cultivate trust through authenticity.
It explores how intentional group dynamics foster deep learning, offering tools for mindfulness, structured inquiry, and participatory engagement. Key frameworks include The Hero’s Journey for workshop design, layered facilitation techniques, and strategies to harness neuroplasticity for lasting impact.
The book also provides practical exercises for handling group dynamics, promoting empowering vs. disempowering questions, and encouraging “challenge responses” over stress reactions. A solid resource for facilitators, trainers, and educators, this book offers a roadmap for crafting workshops that inspire, and leave a lasting imprint on participants.
It explores how intentional group dynamics foster deep learning, offering tools for mindfulness, structured inquiry, and participatory engagement. Key frameworks include The Hero’s Journey for workshop design, layered facilitation techniques, and strategies to harness neuroplasticity for lasting impact.
The book also provides practical exercises for handling group dynamics, promoting empowering vs. disempowering questions, and encouraging “challenge responses” over stress reactions. A solid resource for facilitators, trainers, and educators, this book offers a roadmap for crafting workshops that inspire, and leave a lasting imprint on participants.
November 29, 2020
Nelson et al.’s new book, Life Changing Workshops, is the resource for workshop leaders that you always wanted, but it didn’t exist. A seasoned workshop leader will find fresh ways of looking at the task of creating transformational workshops, and someone just starting in the role of transformational leader will find a guide to every aspect of the process. I was surprised at how easy it was to use the authors’ “mind-mapping” technique to generate ideas for a Yoga and Voice workshop for writers. The appendix is full of resources, such as: Logistics Checklists, Working (Behavior) Contract for group members, What to Do in a Crisis…if you have learned a few of these pitfalls through experience, you can appreciate how useful it is to have them outlined for you by a group of thought leaders. I made copies of the whole appendix to mark up. Very highly recommend.
November 29, 2020
Over five years ago, right before I was going to lead a retreat, I attended a workshop on leading transformational workshops taught by three of these authors. So when I heard this book was becoming available, I was excited. I thought I'd finally have a compilation of my long lost handouts. Instead, I found a comprehensive look at definitions, theory, best practices, and dealing with the inevitable mine fields encountered within groups. There are a few suggested exercises, but the main focus is how to claim the mindset and presence of an effective leader or group mentor. I think it would be a valuable resource for anyone doing group work.
June 13, 2023
I wanted to love this book but it rubbed me the wrong way in so many places.
This is for frilly sensitive "intentional community" workshops.
It had some good points and graphics, but overall I hated it, and most of all I hated the vaguely condescending tone that talks down to you in this glossy "conform to our loosely culty kumbaya vocabulary" kind of way.
No wonder too - it's based at Kripalu, which is an area I'm very familiar with, and pretty much everyone there is elitist in this special brand of "look how conscious community I am, I'm going to talk down to you with my highly intentional vocabulary" snobbery.
This is for frilly sensitive "intentional community" workshops.
It had some good points and graphics, but overall I hated it, and most of all I hated the vaguely condescending tone that talks down to you in this glossy "conform to our loosely culty kumbaya vocabulary" kind of way.
No wonder too - it's based at Kripalu, which is an area I'm very familiar with, and pretty much everyone there is elitist in this special brand of "look how conscious community I am, I'm going to talk down to you with my highly intentional vocabulary" snobbery.
November 28, 2020
The best workshop experience I’ve had was with the creators of this book. And now I know why! It’s in the details. It’s in the heart and mindset. As I prepared to do my first Zoom teaching, this toolkit was invaluable. Who do I want to reach? How about fine tuned content, goals, email lists, times, refunds, CEU’s, creating safe & sacred space, honoring students and myself? The checklist of possible scenarios is here for you. Save your energy for teaching and use the logistical layout found in these pages. Thank you for this thorough and thoughtful work.
April 2, 2023
As someone who has done two yoga teacher trainings and taught school for a long time, I feel like this book should have been much more of a review than it was. I learned so much about mind, body experiences and reflection and low risk versus high risk activities. I really enjoyed the reading, and I've been using it constantly. It kind of reminds me of the strategies for struggling readers book I read when I was teaching high school that I've been using ever since. Very useful. Very readable. Will be on my desk for reference for a long time now that I'm doing so much programming!
November 7, 2023
The core concepts in this book are good. Actionable advice that can provide a much needed shift in perspective. It pulled me out of a rut and spurned me into action.
Before the actual actionable activities begin there are a LOT of stories of other folks, that was a little boring to get through. I’ve seen that a lot of self help books do this. They give a lot of example stories hoping that at least one resonates with the reader. I guess this is a necessarily evil? I wish they would release abridged versions with just the advice and edit out the stories.
Before the actual actionable activities begin there are a LOT of stories of other folks, that was a little boring to get through. I’ve seen that a lot of self help books do this. They give a lot of example stories hoping that at least one resonates with the reader. I guess this is a necessarily evil? I wish they would release abridged versions with just the advice and edit out the stories.
May 1, 2022
I highly recommend this book for new and seasoned teachers. It provides practical tools and resources to create and deliver immersive and impactful workshops. The book is easy to follow, organized, researched, and accessible. After reading this book, you'll have a deeper understanding of all the components that go into delivering a powerful workshop and you'll return to it again and again for insights.
March 5, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this detailed, yet easy-to-read book about designing and leading workshops. I purchased the book while already leading an online women's group and found the list of various mind-body experiences helpful in figuring out how to vary the group activities (storytelling, journaling, breakout groups, etc.). I also found the section on integrating workshop experiences useful. I now keep this book nearby as a reference when planning workshops and events.
July 22, 2022
I thought it was a little woo woo at first, but it won me over. Really practical tips for leading powerful workshops. I even used it to do a little nonprofit pitch building training. It was very cool seeing a bunch of board members doing a mind-body experience and then coming up with these great pitches!
July 31, 2022
Not sure what I was expecting but this book was not it. I'm not sure who could benefit from this book - maybe someone designing a meditation or yoga workshop.
I made it about half way and decided to move on. I did not find it very valuable for my workshop which was a work event focused on driving life-long learning, continuous improvement and people development in a work environment.
I made it about half way and decided to move on. I did not find it very valuable for my workshop which was a work event focused on driving life-long learning, continuous improvement and people development in a work environment.
July 11, 2023
For mindful leaders and soulful entrepreneurs - this shows us a new way to facilitate that allows you to discover how you can show up with the most authenticity and with ease. The book contains many tools and teachings to deepen your creative process as you create experiences that change the way people see themselves, each other and the world.
June 24, 2024
This book is the go-to resource for those looking to design impactful workshops. It provides clear, practical strategies that will help you to create game-changing sessions that engage and inspire participants. Perfect for educators, trainers, and facilitators who want to elevate their workshop experiences to the next level.
April 19, 2023
transformational
This book is power packed! It’s a manual to creating exceptional training and workshops. I have so many ideas and tools from this book that I will be implementing.
This book is power packed! It’s a manual to creating exceptional training and workshops. I have so many ideas and tools from this book that I will be implementing.
November 28, 2023
I bought and read this book after doing a workshop with the authors. For anyone facilitating groups, this is a must read in my opinion. It makes it very easy to understand what you need to do as a facilitator and teacher to design and lead workshop that truly change people.
June 10, 2022
As a seasoned workshop designer and facilitator, I found this book to be so helpful and enriching.
May 15, 2023
So many valuable insights and takeaways that will inform how I structure and facilitate workshops.
October 5, 2023
I expected a little bit more from the book. There's a lot here that are common sense and not necessary to read a book to know and practice it.
January 1, 2025
I really found this helpful and the email videos to go along with it. It helped me find a framework for my workshop.
June 7, 2025
not what I thought it would be. good info, just not what was recommended to me for, guess my friend misunderstood what I waneltex.
December 1, 2020
This is truly a heart-centered guide and blueprint on how to create and facilitate transformational workshops. Each chapter illuminates the elements needed to insure that a workshop or retreat will be enriching to the participants while being offered in a safe atmosphere… and that’s where the magic of transformation begins.
October 15, 2023
I thoroughly tagged pages in this book with post-it notes.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews