Leadership

As leaders, it’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming others will naturally understand and meet our unspoken or vague expectations. When those expectations go unmet, frustration follows, and we might respond by either disengaging or taking on the task ourselves. “Expectations are like fine pottery. The harder you hold them, the more likely they are to crack.” – Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings True leadership means co-creating clear agreements that foster a culture of mutual respect and shared goals, rather than just issuing expectations. Turning expectations into agreements is a game-changer. This has been one of the most powerful distinctions I’ve learned from Steve Chandler. My clients often share that applying this single concept makes a profound difference in all their relationships—business or personal. If you’ve ever felt the gap between what’s expected and what’s executed, maybe it’s time to choose a more creative way to lead. ​Are you ready to elevate your leadership toolkit? Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. So, if you’ve found a piece of your journey in these words and you want to know more about my journey, I invite you to join me further. Let’s continue the conversation. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

‘Get in communities and environments that inspire you to achieve greater!’ As we are preparing for THE most iconic event in the world of facilitation – Facilitation Impact Awards, I am feeling grateful and blessed being a part of this incredible community. International Association of Facilitators has been an incredible gift to me. The memories are precious – of growth, belonging, friendships, collaboration, contribution, achievement and impact. Here are 5 ways to experience the power of being a part of the IAF. 1. Be an Active Member: I have learned so much since I became an active member of the community since 2011. Slowly, the community became my home – a home that embodies generosity, creativity, learning without boundaries, and creating long lasting friendships. 2. Participate & Volunteer: It was in 2011 that I first attended the IAF Asia Conference and after that there was no turning back. Laura Hsu, CPF Master, your session ‘Questioning Laboratory’ was the turning point when I started to explore deeper. Excited to attend the next one in December in India. When you experience the magic of facilitation and collaboration, it is inevitable that you rise up to create these experiences for others. A special one was the IAF Asia Conference in Taiwan 2016 when I co-facilitated with 2 colleagues and amazing facilitators – Vinay Kumar and Rhonda Sparks-Tranks – Master Facilitator (CPFM). 3. Commit to Higher Standards: I unearthed a treasure that has been a beacon in my journey as a facilitator. I received a gold pin in recognition of being certified as one of the 600+ global IAF Certified Professional Facilitators (CPF) in 2015. The pin is a constant reminder of why I love facilitation and how I serve my clients. 4. Serving on the Board: I served as the Regional Director Asia with a vision of shaping the future & promote the power of facilitation globally, especially in Asia. Working with a diverse Board for 3 years was an incredible learning experience. Our first IAF Global Board meeting was in Uruguay in 2019. Thank you, Trevor Durnford, for hosting us. Truly epic! 5. Facilitation Impact Awards: All things point to IAF when we get down to celebrate the incredible results and impact of facilitation worldwide. I am honoured and excited to co-host the Facilitation Impact Awards on 2nd November 2023, with the master curator Jeffer London – Leadership Facilitator and other amazing colleagues from across the globe. You can register here. I know that there are so many people and experiences that have made this remarkable community special. I hope you see yourself in my share. What is your story of inspiration in IAF? Do you believe communities inspire you to reach higher? If you’ve found a piece of your journey in these words and you want to know what facilitative leadership means, I invite you to join me further. Let’s continue the conversation. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

If you have ever had this thought or said it out loud – I know what it feels like, I see you and I hear you. ​ I said this when I first started talking about courage… and sometimes this voice whispers back when I begin working with new clients. ​ So you’re 100% not alone. ​ If you find yourself wondering why you have not been able to achieve what you set out to achieve, how to get off the hamster wheel, how to make time for what you truly want, wondering how to get more clarity or confidence to be you, wondering why you don’t have any clients, and so on. ​ Please remember… ​ This is normal. You are not alone. ​ And if you need to shift your mindset or create a new strategy, please find support. ​ My mentor once asked me what gives me the right to coach people and be a … . ​ ~ and on this adventure of life I have experienced fear, uncertainty, failure, sadness, disappointment, disappointment ​ ~ Every time I choose to speak my heart, to step outside my comfort zone, to set boundaries in relationships, to reframe my thinking, to take action despite fear… I choose to reimagine my life and inspire others to act courageously. ​ ~ . – and be a single parent, start my business and seek support. ​ ~ – Though it was terrifying, my life was a rollercoaster, it was looking uncertain, yet I chose to keep my head held high and rise up strong. My dream was to find myself and come back to who I am after years of losing myself. I had a mantra – Just show up and look ahead. ​ ~ – in personal and professional life. Dared to dream and lead in all aspects of life I chose not to be in a hostage mindset but to live a life of possibilities. ​ ~ and I have lived the courage work of Brene Brown and done the work on myself. ​ Was it easy? No. But it is possible, yesss! ​ What about you? What inspires you to do what you do? Do share to inspire us! ​ ​ And if there is a coach or mentor or a friend who you think you can turn to, I encourage you to take action and reframe the question to… “Who are you NOT to do this?” ​ Have a courageous week! Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com