Dear Reader,

I’m writing this from Melbourne airport, about to return home to Amsterdam after two months away. This was my third time escaping the Dutch winter - not just for the sunshine, but to slow down, gain clarity, and create the geographic distance needed to reflect on my daily routines.

Last year, I failed miserably at slowing down. It became one of the hardest years I’ve had. This time, something shifted. I’m returning home as an updated version of myself - one I didn’t even realise I was searching for.

New me, who?

Maybe I was hoping for a shift, but I didn’t have a clear picture of what I was looking for. I knew I wanted to slow down, set priorities, write my book, and enjoy Australia’s beauty. But beyond that? I had no idea what I was waiting to discover—or how I would find it.

Now, as I head home, I feel the difference. I feel grounded in integrity, living my guiding principles of care & courage. And interestingly, I sense that others can feel it, too - especially in how I communicate. I set boundaries with clarity and ease. I express my needs and vision unapologetically, yet still with care.

Why? Because for the first time, I have an unshakable sense of purpose and priorities:

1. Serving more clients through my agency to help companies develop collaborative cultures with unusually connecting corporate training.
2. Writing my book to inspire courage in those who feel trapped in cultures and expectations that pull them away from their most authentic selves.
3. Trusting my intuition; not fearing my emotions but using them as a guide in decision-making.

How did I get here, you wonder?

By slowing down enough to hear myself. Slowing down enough to truly listen to others, connect deeper, and reflect on what I’ve experienced and how it shapes my reality.

Journaling became my anchoring practice. In the morning, I wrote gratitude and intentions for what would make the day great. Over lunch, I let my thoughts flow onto paper, unfiltered. In the evening, I reflected on what I had learned (and what I would do differently).

I also practiced saying No more often - to protect my priorities and reduce screen time. And I said Yes more often - to unexpected experiences. My girlfriend even challenged me to do one thing I had never done before every day. And I did. Some were big, some small. Each stretched me. I return home not just clearer, but also more courageous (and richer in experiences).

And now… what?

To be honest, I feel a little scared. Afraid of returning to old habits, of external pressures creeping in, of expectations - mine and others’ - pulling me away from what I’ve created.

As facilitators, we know that the real challenge isn’t just transformation. It’s keeping it. Let’s see how I do.

🎙 Meanwhile, on the podcast… A topic that is very close to my heart!

It’s an art form, but it’s not rocket science. It’s courageous, but it’s not cushy or comforting. And it’s saying no in meaningful ways, rather than saying yes to everything.

Psychological safety is as much about what it’s not, as what it is. It’s a phenomenon that’s nuanced, ephemeral and often misconceived, asking all of us - facilitator and participant - to hold out our arms to discomfort, take risks, make mistakes and dance in our humanness.

But to achieve it, and then keep it alive for everyone, takes great self-awareness, emotional regulation - and for us facilitators to feel safe first. Join me for a special solo episode - an hour dedicated entirely to the art of psychological safety!

Find out about:

• My 4 practical tips for leaders to create psychological safety around you
• And 4 ways leaders can build psychological safety for themselves
• Beyond the buzzword, what does it really mean to achieve psychological safety?
• Why small mistakes can evolve into bigger risks when safety is absent
• Making every voice count, and feel safe, with the power of using “Yes, and ___”
• The importance of cultivating your own emotional literacy and setting boundaries

🎧 Click here to listen to the interview

📥 Check out my 1-page summary

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👀 Watch my 'stream of consciousness' on Youtube​

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📌 Find podcast episodes that match your needs

Did you know? You can search all episodes by keyword on our Buzzsprout page to find exactly what you need.

​Click here to find the episodes by keyword.

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🔖 Inspiration at Your Fingertips: Get the Podcast Summary eBooks

Are you looking for inspiration for your next workshop or guidance on which podcast episode to explore next? Discover the eBooks compiling summaries of all 300 “Workshops Work” podcast episodes—a rich collection of facilitation insights and practical tips. These digital coffee table books are perfect for sparking new ideas or delving deeper into workshop best practices.

​Click here to get your copies.

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🎓 Live Learning Opportunities

Join me on Friday, 21 March, at the Feast of Facilitators, where alongside other great facilitators, I’ll be sharing my insights on the art (and audacity) of facilitation. This festival isn’t just about best practices – it’s about challenging norms, sparking meaningful conversations, and embracing the beautifully unpolished nature of collaboration.

Expect fresh perspectives, interactive dialogue, and a chance to explore how facilitation can lead change in ways both subtle and radical. If you believe the future of work is about daring to be human, this is your space.

​Register now to save your seat!

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That’s it from my side! I hope these reflections and stories spark inspiration for you. I wish you a week filled with reflection, connection, and growth - see you next week!

Myriam

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