Meeting the Moment: Redesigning a Strategy Workshop in Times of Change

A long-standing philanthropic funder community of practice focused on gender mainstreaming had been following a clear strategic plan, until unexpected government cuts threw everything into uncertainty. With a high-stakes workshop fast approaching, the team needed to pivot. Their existing plan no longer made sense, and anxiety was running high among participants.

My Role

I was brought in to redesign the session from scratch, to meet participants where they really were, mentally and emotionally — and help them find clarity and connection in a rapidly shifting landscape.

The Approach

Instead of pressing ahead with the original agenda, we reframed the entire workshop around collective care and emergent strategy.

Together, we explored:

• What are our true objectives now?

• How are people showing up — mentally, emotionally, energetically?

• What would success feel like in this new reality?

We set the tone with soft music, warm lighting, and comfortable seating, creating an atmosphere of psychological safety. Participants reflected quietly, then shared insights in small groups using colorful, hands-on mapping frameworks.

The result was an experience that felt less like a meeting — and more like a reset.

The Outcome

Participants left feeling seen, supported, and re-energized.
They also gained:

• A clearer picture of what was shifting across their organizations

• A renewed sense of direction and shared purpose

• Tangible insights into where energy, motivation, and leverage truly existed

Key Learning

When circumstances shift, clinging to old plans can feel safe — but true leadership means meeting the moment with presence, care, and curiosity.

Strategy isn’t just analytical. It’s deeply human.

By holding space for emotion, reflection, and connection, we create the conditions for clearer, more grounded action to emerge.