Leah Litman, the youngest certified facilitator with the International Facilitators Organization (IFO), is on a mission to transform the college experience through structured peer forums. In this thought-provoking conversation with host Mo Fatalbab, Leah reveals how her psychology background at Tulane University intersects perfectly with her passion for creating authentic connection among students.

The digital generation faces a unique paradox – constantly connected yet profoundly isolated. As Leah observes, "Everyone's communicated and connected online, but not necessarily in real life." This disconnection has left many students feeling lost, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Drawing on neuroscience insights, she explains how the college years represent a critical developmental window when the prefrontal cortex is still forming. The leadership and vulnerability skills taught in forum groups can literally shape students' brain development during this formative period.

What makes Leah's vision so compelling is its practicality. She identifies the gap between theoretical classroom learning and real-world application, noting that while universities provide counselors for classes and study abroad, students "aren't told what comes next." Forum groups fill this void, creating not just community but developing the exact skills employers seek. As she prepares to launch at Tulane with interactive demonstrations, Leah's pioneering approach could revolutionize campus support systems nationwide – providing what so many students desperately need: a safe space to be vulnerable, practice leadership, and form meaningful connections that extend far beyond graduation.

Have you experienced the power of peer groups in your own development? Leave a review sharing your thoughts, and visit internationalfacilitatorsorganization.com to learn more about bringing forums to your organization.

Please visit www.internationalfacilitatorsorganization.com to learn more about Mo Fathelbab and International Facilitators Organization (IFO), a leading provider of facilitators and related group facilitation services, providing training, certification, marketing services, education, and community for peer group facilitators at all stages of their career.

Yuval Yeret has been "tweaking systems" his entire life. From modifying computer operating systems as a teenager to optimizing organizational structures as a leadership coach, his journey reveals the powerful parallels between technological and human systems.

In this deeply insightful conversation, Yuval shares how his early exposure to psychology (through typing his mother's academic papers) subtly prepared him for understanding human dynamics in organizational settings. His pivotal moment came while listening to Patrick Lencioni's "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" during a vacation on the French Riviera—a book he couldn't put down because it crystallized what was missing in his struggling leadership team: vulnerability-based trust.

The heart of Yuval's approach centers on creating environments where genuine connection can flourish. His practical wisdom shines through in simple yet profound guidance like "do food"—emphasizing how breaking bread together creates essential human connections that virtual environments cannot replicate. Even more transformative is his distinction between giving advice versus sharing experiences. When we tell others what they "should" do, we strip away their agency and autonomy. By contrast, sharing our experiences leaves space for others to make their own choices while still benefiting from our perspective.

Yuval's metaphor of shifting from rigid roadmaps to flexible "trail maps" perfectly captures how effective facilitation works—providing options and context without dictating the exact path forward. As he looks toward integrating peer group methodologies into his organizational work, he envisions creating spaces where leaders can share experiences and navigate complex changes together, from agile transformations to adapting to AI integration.

Whether you're a leader, facilitator, or simply someone interested in more meaningful conversations, this episode offers practical insights on building trust, preserving agency, and creating the conditions for human systems to thrive. How might your conversations change if you focused more on sharing experiences rather than giving advice?

Please visit www.internationalfacilitatorsorganization.com to learn more about Mo Fathelbab and International Facilitators Organization (IFO), a leading provider of facilitators and related group facilitation services, providing training, certification, marketing services, education, and community for peer group facilitators at all stages of their career.

Unlock the transformative power of peer groups in leadership development with Leo Bottary in our latest episode. Explore how collaborative environments foster growth, curiosity, and psychological safety, providing leaders with the support they crave amidst today’s fast-paced challenges. Leo shares his journey into peer facilitation, highlighting the invaluable lessons he learned at Seton Hall University.

Throughout the conversation, we address how peer groups help leaders gain fresh perspectives, solve core issues, and create deeper connections with fellow executives—all crucial elements for effective decision-making and strategy formulation. The power of peer learning becomes evident as Leo recounts success stories that demonstrate tangible benefits for organizations that embrace this collaborative approach.

We invite you to consider how implementing peer groups in your workplace can enhance team dynamics and individual performance. Join us for this insightful exploration, and don’t miss the opportunity to reflect on your own experiences with collaboration—what lessons have you learned from your peer connections?

Please visit www.internationalfacilitatorsorganization.com to learn more about Mo Fathelbab and International Facilitators Organization (IFO), a leading provider of facilitators and related group facilitation services, providing training, certification, marketing services, education, and community for peer group facilitators at all stages of their career.