FACILITATION
WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
I lead workshops, classes, action research initiatives, community engagement processes, and more.
I bring people together for thoughtful and productive exploration of complex topics. I also work with groups seeking to improve their self-knowledge, teaching, and leadership capacities.
My work draws on 15 years’ experience across the cultural and non-profit sectors — from museums, to theaters, opera companies, and universities — designing, implementing, and evaluating programs. I also bring a robust knowledge of organizational psychology, qualitative research, design thinking, adaptive leadership, and adult learning theories.
What People Are Saying
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“Jacob brings a level of curiosity and epistemic humility to his work. He earned the respect of colleagues by always seeking to ask the right questions about what we know, how we know it, and how we can improve.”
— Mindy Faber, Executive Director at Convergence Design Lab
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“Jacob has a truly brilliant mind and with it comes extreme curiosity, an unflappable problem-solving ability, and most importantly, an ability to translate concepts and approaches in ways that become immediately accessible for learners.”
— Lynne Pace Green, former Director of Teaching Artist Development at Columbia College Chicago
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“…As an educator, Jacob is creative and eclectic, often pulling ideas and resources from unexpected places, fields and disciplines to design compelling curricula for learners.”
— Flossie S. G. Chua, Principal Investigator at Project Zero, Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Select Clients and Speaking Engagements
From program participants
Testimonials
“Jacob took the stress out of thinking about implementing change. I looked forward to his sessions and was able to push myself to think beyond a status quo.”
“Jacob was fantastic! I always looked forward to his workshops knowing that I would learn so much and have take-aways to use immediately.”
“If all graduate students teaching for the first time were required to take Jacob and Anneke's workshop, we would literally change the university (and not just our university, very many universities), for decades in the future.”
“Jacob's work has been consistently incisive, often opening up novel and innovative pathways for thinking. His lively intellect and personable way of being has made him a strong model and mentor for new researchers on our team.”
“Jacob is outstanding, empathetic, wise, and flexible. I really treasured his time and advice in the moments I sought them, especially in our small groups”
“With kindness and accessibility, I saw how much I don’t know and how much there is to learn, and that humility let me see the exercises with a lens of grace. I feel like my sense of ownership and power in my venture radically shifted through the lens of this course, and I will be forever grateful.”
“I am so grateful for your presentations. I've learned so much—things that helped me immediately with my [project], and beyond! I especially enjoyed the dancing and improv-style collaborations. I admire your openness and curiosity, and I hope I will get a chance to learn from you again soon.
“Love Jacob and everything he taught us. He made us widen our minds and feel comfortable to ask questions and open up.”
“Jacob Watson demonstrated great patience and he was knowledgeable about the thought provoking information presented. Jacob kept us on task yet was available to answer questions effectively. Also his warm demeanor was appreciated!”
“Jacob is awesome. The energy and creativity he brought to our group was helpful in conveying the wealth of material.”
“The experience has been absolutely incredible, and I find myself using the tools we learned together in my work all the time. I am so grateful for the time and effort you both put in to make this experience meaningful for the cohort online and the feedback and support you provided throughout the process. Because of you, I feel more equipped to create change in the future with the community I am serving at heart.”
“Jacob was an amazing aspect of the program. He helped whenever anyone needed it and also brought the acting out of so many students.”
“Love him and his positive energy.”
From youth participants
“He was great with leadership along with everyone else. He was very great with coaching and helping anyone that needed it in an easier way.”
“He was always there and super bright".
“Jacob was a really fun instructor. I loved how he was patient and kind.”
“Best teacher 10/10 very supportive.”
Project FEATURE: Audience & Engagement Study at the Chicago Cultural Center
In collaboration with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), The Practice led the Chicago Cultural Center Audience & Engagement Project from September 2022 through March 2023. The project engaged diverse audience and community perspectives in shaping the exhibit and programming vision for the historic Chicago Cultural Center.
The initiative celebrated the Cultural Center’s existing richness while exploring new opportunities for the space to support Chicago artists and arts organizations, serve diverse audiences, and function as a dynamic creative hub and artist incubator. Through research, community engagement, and collaborative planning, the project laid a foundation for long-term goal setting, program development, and more meaningful community engagement at the Cultural Center.