Innovation driver’s

Building a new area comes with its challenges. Defining a clear purpose and themes is crucial to engage people, provide meaning, and focus on what truly matters. This was exactly what the new leader of the area was seeking when we began this project.

To support this vision, our teams collaborated to design and execute a structured online workshop with senior management and C-level executives. The goal was to identify key themes that would serve as the team’s guiding north star for future projects.

Role and contribution

I collaborated with the innovation leader and two designers from my team to co-create the workshop. I took the lead on designing all visual materials and also served as one of the facilitators during the event.

SKILS: strategic thinking . organization . facilitation . creativity

challenge

The workshop’s primary goal was to define the key themes for future projects in the innovation area.

For me, the real challenge was tackling this question:

How can we meaningfully and productively engage C-level executives and senior management, especially as first-time participants in this type of workshop?

Aproach and process

Understand

Comprehend the project’s purpose and primary goal, define the desired outcomes, and begin brainstorming activities to achieve them.

Research

Assisted with desk research on trends, identified relevant sources, and developed various activities to incorporate into the workshop.

Interviews

Partnered with a team member to conduct interviews with senior management, gathering insights into their current perspectives and future outlooks.

Structure

I co-designed the event framework, including activities, participant groupings, materials, and a special guest to set the tone and create a lasting impact.

Visuals

Created a cohesive visual concept and applied it consistently across all materials, including cards, presentations, invitations, and the Miro board.

Pilot

The team conducted a pilot with a small group, gathered feedback, and iterated to refine the experience based on the results.

Ready to Go

Finalized all materials (Miro board, presentations) and coordinated participant logistics, including delivering curated food packages to their homes.

Event

Facilitated as part of the event team and later compiled a summary of results for the innovation team, delivered as a presentation.

Solution

We created an interactive Miro board, a polished presentation, and a set of visually engaging deliverables for post-event use. These materials enhanced communication and ensured alignment around the defined themes.

impact

The workshop achieved full attendance, with 15 senior managers and C-level executives actively participating. Their engagement and feedback highlighted the event’s success in fostering alignment, generating insights, and encouraging collaboration.

Feedback Highlights:

“I like the organization, structure, and format of the event.”

“The facilitation was focused and effective.”

“I valued the openness to new ideas and insights.”

“The curated food package added a personal touch.”

Learning and reflections

Throughout this process, I observed the challenges faced by the leader in building a new area and establishing the team’s credibility. Demonstrating a team’s capabilities is often essential to earning trust, securing budgets, and opening up new opportunities. Limited resources, while challenging, can foster greater creativity, and in these moments, it’s inspiring to see incredible people willing to step in and support the effort.

Facilitating and managing high-stakes events is both challenging and highly fulfilling. Engaging senior management and C-level executives might feel daunting, but with preparation, trust in the process, and confidence in your abilities, it’s entirely achievable. The key is to stay open, embrace the moment, and enjoy the journey.

Finally, reflection is invaluable. Taking time to gather feedback and consider diverse perspectives consistently uncovers meaningful insights that inspire new ideas and guide improvements for future endeavors.