August 2025 Seventeen years ago, when I launched Barefoot Facilitation Inc., one of my very first rituals at the start of any session or speaking engagement was simple: I’d kick off my shoes. It wasn’t just for comfort, it was intentional. A way to “get into character,” yes, but also to model the kind of […]
17 Years Later and Still Barefoot(ish) Read More »
June 2025 Want to speak up with confidence – without shutting others down? Here’s a powerful 3-step communication technique I’ve created to help you do just that. At Barefoot Facilitation Inc., we call it the Acknowledge/Assert Technique, and it’s designed to help you communicate with clarity, presence, and respect – even in high-stakes moments. Let’s
The Three-Step Technique You Need to Navigate Tough Conversations Read More »
May 2025 Stepping into the role of Board Chair is both an honour and a responsibility. You set the tone, guide the discussion, and help ensure that your Board remains focused, strategic, and effective. But if you’re new to facilitation, leading meetings can feel overwhelming – especially when trying to engage a diverse group
5 Practical Tips for New Board Chairs to Engage Members in Meetings Read More »
April 2025 This month marks 17 years since I took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship and launched Barefoot Facilitation Inc. Seventeen years of building something from the ground up. Of saying yes before I knew exactly how, and figuring it out through grit, humility, and a deep belief in the power of good process and meaningful conversation.
From Kitchen Tables to Conference Stages: Celebrating 17 Years of Barefoot Facilitation Read More »
February 2025 After 18 years of informally supporting my business, I am beyond excited to announce that my wife, Susan Murphy, has joined me as the new part-time Business Manager at Barefoot Facilitation Inc.! With four decades of experience in administrative and legal support roles, Susan has honed her expertise in office management, client relations, and operational efficiency. Her
Welcome Susan Murphy: New Business Manager Read More »
January 2025 This month I had an injection. And it was a complete honour! No, not THAT type of injection. Rather, a small “dose” or reminder of the power of actively, engaged community members in helping to shape the health of communities across Nova Scotia! Congratulations to the Community Health Board volunteers across our province
December 2024 On October 29, 2024, nearly 200 construction industry professionals gathered in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to build support systems and inspire the next generation of leaders at the Construction Association of Nova Scotia’s inaugural Stanhope Simpson Insurance Women inConstruction Forum. The theme was Connect. Support. Inspire. The program created a space for forging new
My Powerful Question: Women in Construction Networking Activity Read More »
Bali: a land of sprawling beaches, lush rice fields, and a spirituality that seems to hum in the air. For three weeks, I had the immense privilege to wander throughout this island paradise, soaking in its beauty and culture. But beyond its stunning landscapes, Bali offered me something far more valuable—a humbling lesson in kindness
Barefoot in Bali – A Lesson in Kindness and Perspective Read More »
October 2024 I facilitate a lot of conversations about what contributes to effective interpersonal communication. We always discuss the impact your body language has on your conversations, and eye contact is one of our most powerful tools. Eye contact helps to establish trust, convey confidence, and demonstrate attentiveness. It allows us to connect with others
Unlocking Better Conversations Through Eye Contact Read More »
Sharing feedback, especially criticism, can be tough. Delivered incorrectly and you can drain people’s energy and motivation, while vague praise does not help either. Using a feedback planner can help you organize your thoughts before your meeting and is a useful tool for giving clear feedback. Like any new skill, it takes practice to
