What I Learned From AJ&Smart’s Full Stack Facilitator: Staying Positive & Flexible Under Pressure

Meeting the mastermind – Jonathon Courtney, the workshopper master!

What does it mean to be part of the world’s top 1% of facilitators?

I found out last week—and it was just as energising, humbling, and inspiring as you’d imagine.

I was in Palo Alto for the Full Stack Facilitator training led by the brilliant team at AJ&Smart. It was one of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had—packed with insights, layered with reflection, and surrounded by some of the most talented facilitators from around the world.

We kicked things off with some of the most creative icebreakers I’ve ever seen. It set the tone for a week full of laughter, deep learning, and honest conversations about the realities of facilitation.

Here’s a quick glimpse:

 

Staying Positive & Flexible Under Pressure

Facilitation is one of those jobs where you have to stay on your toes—mentally, emotionally, and sometimes even physically. After learning from the “Full Stack Facilitator” programme by AJ&Smart, I came away with a few key takeaways: 

• Stay optimistic
• Stay adaptable
• Don’t underestimate the power of reading the room.

This is part one of my facilitator learning series. Watch this space—two more deep dives on making workshops work better (and feel better) are coming later this week!

Meeting likeminded trainers and facilitators was the main win for me

Why Optimism Isn’t Optional (Even When Things Get Messy)

Facilitating workshops or meetings can be a roller coaster. There will always be setbacks, awkward silences, and moments of uncertainty. What matters is choosing optimism by default—even when things look a bit bleak. If I can stay positive, it helps everyone else in the room stay calm too. I’ve seen firsthand that clients and teams pick up on the vibe I bring. A “we’ve got this” attitude is contagious (in the best way), and even if I don’t always feel super chirpy, showing I believe in the group’s potential helps guide everyone through tougher moments.

Adaptability Starts With Letting Go of “Perfect Plans”

Real talk: something always goes off-script. I used to think sticking to the agenda was a sign of professionalism, but sometimes it’s actually the worst thing you can do. Now, I’m much more open to changing tack based on the group’s energy or new client insights. Ignoring the vibe just because my plan says otherwise never leads anywhere good. The best facilitators—like the ones at AJ&Smart—know when to hold onto the plan and when to toss it aside.

Reading the Room Is a Superpower

Awareness is the unsung hero of good facilitation. Noticing when people are disengaged, tired, or just plain over it matters just as much (maybe more) than sticking to the timetable. Sometimes you need to take a breather, or switch things up, to keep people engaged and the energy flowing. It’s all about supporting the group so they don’t get stuck or frustrated.

A global gathering of facilitators—from diverse industries and every corner of the world

Optimism + Adaptability = Credibility

There were times when I accidentally reinforced a client’s negativity by empathising a little too much. I thought I was helping but it actually just made things feel heavier. These days, I try to keep a realistic, unwavering optimism: listen, acknowledge, but always nudge the conversation (and the vibe) back towards solutions. When clients see you’re not thrown by chaos, it builds trust quickly.

The big picture? Facilitation isn’t just about following a process—it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, supported, and confident that progress is always possible. I’m focusing on bringing more optimism, adaptability, and awareness into every session, because that’s what leads to memorable, meaningful results.

As we always say—yes to learning, and yes to prizes!

Want to learn more about what top-class facilitation looks like, or how Future Green can help support your team to reduce circular meetings and collaborate better so decisions get made?

Book a call with us today and let’s chat.

Keep an eye out for the next posts in this series—coming soon!