Ayla Merino

Facilitation & Events

When meetings stall, participation is uneven or an event needs a steady hand, thoughtful facilitation makes a difference. Together, we create space for useful conversations, clear decisions and an audience that feels involved.

Ayla Merino moderating an event in front of an audience
“Ayla was our lead trainer for “developing leadership”, our programme for young scientific leaders. Her ability to engage with people and their needs quickly made her a highly valued trainer, respected by our participants. It was a pleasure to develop the programme together, both in content and organisation. Ayla has a good sense of which methods and formats work, and we are very grateful for her input.”
Leiterin der Leibniz-Akademie für Führungskräfte · Leibniz Leadership Academy

My Approach

What you're facing

Your team brings experience and ideas, but it isn't always easy to turn them into decisions. Meetings can stall, some voices go unheard and difficult conversations get put off. You need a way to move forward that gives everyone a chance to contribute.

How we work together

We start by listening. Before the session, I work with you to understand your team's needs and agree on what you want to achieve. We then design the session together. I draw on communication, Design Thinking and my experience on stage to guide the conversation, make room for different perspectives and bring warmth and humor when they help.

What we work towards

We work towards a shared understanding, clear agreements and practical next steps. The aim is for people to leave knowing what has been decided, how they can contribute and what comes next.

Curious where this method comes from and how stagecraft, strategic communication, and Design Thinking intersect?

Discover the story and journey behind my approach →

Hosting & Moderation

A well-run event gives speakers room to share their ideas and helps guests feel part of the conversation. I work with you to understand your audience and priorities, then guide the programme with warmth, thoughtful questions and attention to timing — so you can focus on your guests.

Request a proposal →

Corporate Workshops & Co-design

Facilitating with Impact

More focused meetings, clear next steps and people who feel heard.

Details
What you're facing
Meetings with colleagues or partners can lose focus or end without clear agreements.
How we work together
Using situations from your work, we practise asking useful questions, making room for different needs and bringing a discussion to a clear close.
What we work towards
More focused meetings, clear next steps and people who feel heard.

The Augmented Speaker

Better-prepared talks and sessions in less time — still unmistakably yours.

Details
What you're facing
AI tools are everywhere, but you're unsure how to use them without losing your own voice.
How we work together
Together, we explore how AI can help you research, organise and rehearse a talk while keeping your own judgment and style.
What we work towards
Better-prepared talks and sessions in less time — still unmistakably yours.

High-Impact Speaking

Greater confidence and a message that's easier to follow and remember.

Details
What you're facing
You know your subject, but nerves or the way you present can make it harder to connect with your audience.
How we work together
We practise your own presentation, working on voice, delivery and how you tell your story, with techniques from stand-up and feedback as you go.
What we work towards
Greater confidence and a message that's easier to follow and remember.

Design Thinking & Stand-Up

More confidence to share ideas and practical ways to test them.

Details
What you're facing
Your team needs new ideas, but people may hesitate to share something unfinished or try a different approach.
How we work together
We use Design Thinking and improvisation exercises to understand the people you're designing for, explore ideas together and try out simple versions of possible solutions.
What we work towards
More confidence to share ideas and practical ways to test them.

Custom Co-Designed Workshop

Some challenges need a session designed specifically for your team. We first explore your needs through conversations and listening, then agree on your priorities and design the workshop or facilitation together. The content, pace and format reflect your goals and the way your team works.

Formats

Half-day

A focused, energising session on one topic.

Full-day

Deeper practice with exercises, feedback and take-home tools.

Multi-session

A series over several weeks to build skills that stick.

What people I’ve worked with say

“Ayla was our lead trainer for “developing leadership”, our programme for young scientific leaders. Her ability to engage with people and their needs quickly made her a highly valued trainer, respected by our participants. It was a pleasure to develop the programme together, both in content and organisation. Ayla has a good sense of which methods and formats work, and we are very grateful for her input.”
Leiterin der Leibniz-Akademie für Führungskräfte · Leibniz Leadership Academy
“Ayla is a joy to work with. We designed and facilitated several successful leadership workshops together, where she helped participants feel comfortable and heard while creating space for constructive challenge. Her humor eases conflict and helps her guide difficult conversations effectively. She combines empathy with Design Thinking expertise to shape creative processes that benefit both colleagues and clients. I recommend her wholeheartedly.”
Associate Partner · Former colleague · LEAD Forward
“Having worked with Ayla for nearly two years, including six months as her manager, I especially appreciated her readiness to support in difficult situations with confidence and creativity. Her open, transparent communication and constructive approach to concerns helped us solve problems together. In a workshop with Ayla, you know you're in capable hands: she guides you through the process while making it enjoyable.”
Associate Partner · Expert at Leadership Development · Former colleague · LEAD Forward

Tell me what you're planning

Tell me about your event or team, your goals and your location. I'll get back to you with details and availability.