“I trust my process, and I encourage others to trust their process.”

We are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with some of the leading facilitators in the worldwide talent development community. Our facilitators bring a wealth of experience and insight to their classrooms. We’re spotlighting their stories here.

Meet Nikki O'Keeffe!

What is your favorite motivational quote?

“Pause for your moment of joy.”

Did you find the career path, or did it find you?

My facilitation career and I met halfway. It was not my intentional plan, but upon reflection, I realize it was always what I was meant to do. To hear my whole career path journey, head to here, where I explain my story in detail.

What is something you wish you knew before becoming a facilitator?

• Something I wish I would have known before becoming a facilitator is that the nervousness before each delivery never goes away. As an introvert, I still have apprehension as I step into the facilitator role to lead a group.

• My confidence has built over the years and has my worries have lessened a bit, but it never fully goes away. The part I wish someone would have stressed more is that it is OK to still be nervous. Deep down it means you care about the learners and the learning experience.

What is your go-to facilitation tool?

My preparation processes. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I have a full-sized luggage bag of trainer tools, which includes playing cards, sticky notes, markers, buzzers, fidget toys, prizes, and props, but my preparation process takes the lead. Each facilitator has their own preparation process, and mine includes research, content exploration, note taking, technology tests, practice recording sessions, writing out questions to ask, preparing answers to potential questions, checklists upon checklists, and getting to know my learners. Having a strong preparation process allows my nerves to settle and permits for a more authentic collaboration with the learners in the room. I trust my process, and I encourage others to trust their process.

What is your favorite hobby outside of work?

#family, #kids, #outsideadventures, #fitness, #puppies, #travel, #eatingicecream

What is your best piece of advice for anyone looking to become a facilitator?

Feeling that I’ve helped someone, even in a small way. There is truly nothing better than seeing the lightbulb turn on in someone’s brain because they’ve connected dots or had a realization. Witnessing the act of learning is priceless.

Interested in learning more from Nikki? Check out her TD Magazine article on Leveraging Your Skills for a Career Shift here.