As a facilitator who works with Artful Inquiry and the power of creative engagement, I was delighted to open the International Women’s Day event at The Coffee Commune with an interactive session designed to build meaningful connections among attendees.
Before diving into the day’s discussions about women’s leadership and representation, we began with a storytelling exercise centred on names and the personal histories of women in business. This creative approach helped us break down initial communication barriers within a large group and create genuine connections between attendees. By setting an open, collaborative tone early on, you can encourage authentic sharing, which heightens the experience for everyone.
The response was immediate and energising – participants described the session as ‘sensational,’ demonstrating how creative facilitation can transform a room of strangers into an engaged community ready for meaningful dialogue.
The Bigger Picture
This opening activity set the stage for powerful discussions with Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb, Women’s Network Australia CEO Cheryl Gray, and successful business owner Christina Nichols. Their insights into women’s leadership across political, corporate, and grassroots spheres resonated deeply with the audience.
Key discussions focused on critical issues included:
• Access to capital for women entrepreneurs
• Structural barriers in business
• The power of collective action
• The importance of ongoing dialogue
Although Cyclone Alfred caused a temporary delay in the event, the enthusiasm and engagement shared on the day demonstrated that the desire for creative solutions to women’s leadership challenges remains strong. It is essential that these conversations continue until structural changes are firmly established in our systems.
Want to explore how creative facilitation could enhance your next event or team discussion? Let’s connect.
For more on the challenges and opportunities around access to capital for women-led businesses, check out these resources:
Coffee Commune International Women’s Day