Stay Grounded – Leading when things get difficult
Experience Photo
Program Overview
Organizational / Employer Benefits
Benefits
Participants develop greater awareness of their automatic responses to pressure, resistance and emotionally charged interactions.
They learn to recognise patterns such as controlling, pleasing, defending, withdrawing or over-functioning before those patterns take over the conversation.
Through experiential practice, participants develop greater capacity to:
• remain present during difficult conversations
• distinguish influence from control
• respond rather than react under pressure
• tolerate uncertainty without immediately trying to solve it
• stay open when someone disagrees or becomes emotional
• recognise their own triggers and habitual responses
• combine clear boundaries with genuine connection
• create greater trust and psychological safety in challenging interactions
The result is not simply better communication technique. It is greater freedom in the moment: the ability to notice what is happening, stay connected and choose how to respond.
Structure & Delivery
Delivery Format
Hosted by Lisa Wade
About the Host
Lisa Wade is a British-Dutch television presenter, journalist, programme maker, writer, director and facilitator with more than twenty years of experience in media, storytelling, education and live events. She became widely known in the Netherlands as a presenter of the iconic children’s television programme Het Klokhuis. She later presented Vroege Vogels on national radio and television and co-created and presented the award-winning historical series 13 in de Oorlog, which was nominated for an International Emmy Award. She holds a Master’s degree in Theatre Studies and Dramaturgy from the University of Amsterdam, where she graduated cum laude. Throughout her career, Lisa has worked at the intersection of storytelling, communication, education and human connection. Whether she is interviewing someone, presenting to an audience, directing, teaching a workshop or facilitating a conversation, she is interested in the same fundamental question: what allows people to become present enough to genuinely meet one another? She has worked with children, young people, media professionals, musicians and professionals from many different fields, helping them communicate with greater confidence, authenticity and connection. Her approach combines more than two decades of experience in front of the camera and on stage with her background in dramaturgy, journalism and directing. As a British-Dutch professional, Lisa works fluently in both Dutch and English and brings a naturally international perspective to her work. Her workshop Presenting Me grew out of the observation that people often become less convincing when they start trying to “present”. Instead of teaching participants to perform a polished version of themselves, Lisa helps them discover what happens when they stop performing and start connecting. Through practical exercises in presence, curiosity, listening, storytelling andnd interaction, participants develop a way of communicating that feels both more natural and more powerful.
Travel Locations
Worldwide. Based in the Netherlands and happy to travel internationally. Travel and accommodation costs are additional and depend on location.
Certifications & Credentials
MA in Theatre Studies/Dramaturgy, University of Amsterdam, graduated cum laude. More than 20 years of professional experience in television, presenting, journalism, directing, facilitation and education. Extensive experience delivering presentation, communication and storytelling workshops to young people and professionals. No specific professional certification is required for the workshops offered.
Client Requirements
A quiet, private room with enough space for participants to move around and work in pairs or small groups. Chairs that can easily be moved. For larger groups, a wireless or headset microphone. A screen/projector with HDMI connection can be useful but is not essential.
Past Clients
Anne Frank Stichting (International Youth Conference), Movies that Matter, Cinekid, War Child, Missing Chapter Foundation, NTR, VPRO, BNNVARA, Netherlands Film Festival, National Committee for 4 and 5 May, Dutch War Graves Foundation, Nederland Monumentenland and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences.
Focus Areas
Location
Culemborg, Netherlands
Languages
English, Dutch
Corporate Experience
Significant
Session Types Offered
Interactive & Passive
Past Experience Doing Sessions
Yes - Performing
Photo Gallery
Programs › Creative & Team Building › Stay Grounded – Leading when things get difficult