Faculty Spotlight: Meet Jacob Eastham from the Certificate in Facilitation Program
Jacob Eastham is a certified Creative Problem Solving facilitator who enjoys helping groups think more divergently about their challenges. For 15 years, he has worked in-house in government settings and entrepreneurially with organizations like the Aspen Institute and World Bank Group using creative thinking, design strategy, and visualization to help them solve problems. In addition, he teaches creative thinking, influence, and personal leadership workshops.
He’s rarely without a marker and Post-its and has taught audiences at South by Southwest, the White House, and his living room. His communities include the International Forum of Visual Practitioners, NOVA Scribes, and the Mid-Atlantic Facilitators’ Network. His favorite modalities are Clifton Strengths, LEGO Serious Play®, and FourSight innovation tool.
He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Syracuse University with degrees in design and public policy but, more importantly, he has blue ribbons from the Arlington County Fair for homemade jam. He enjoys exploring the world with his family, watching competition TV, and crafting custom playlists.
Q: What is the Certificate in Facilitation?
A: The best way to quickly elevate your gathering game. Whether it’s meetings, retreats, workshops, or even parties—this learning experience will elevate the way you bring people together. We will take you through the 3 Ds to help you discover your gathering goals, develop an effective plan, and deliver with powerful presence.
Q: Tell us about yourself and why you are a part of this program?
A: Before facilitation, my professional roots were in graphic design and instructional design. In that work, I discovered a passion for design thinking—specifically, the art of bringing a bespoke problem-solving approach to every challenge.
Now, I consider myself a gathering designer. I’m part of this program because I want to demystify this process and empower you with the agency and mindset to become a gathering designer yourself. I want every learner to graduate with the confidence that they can architect and execute a gathering for any objective set before them.
Q: What makes this program stand out?
A: What sets us apart is our focus on real-world application. You won’t just study theory; you will actively design and deliver facilitations through our four practica in both in-person and virtual environments.
Equally unique is our community! You will learn alongside a deeply-invested cohort of peers and then gain access to a vibrant, global network of more then 350 program alumni who are ready to support, connect, and collaborate with you.
Q: Why is facilitation so important?
A: While AI processes data at lightning speed, it cannot replicate the raw, creative energy that ignites when human beings gather in a shared space. As technology handles the routine, the world needs facilitators who can steward human connection as multiple brains play together. We will help you hone the skills to guide and mobilize groups in the messy, magical intersections of human emotion and collective problem solving.
Q: What can learners expect from this program?
A: Expect to be immersed in facilitation from day one! You will participate in diverse experiential exercises and dive into theory covering facilitation design, presence, and creative problem-solving. You will complete three distinct practica, co-facilitate a mini-practicum with the whole group, and reflect on your learnings in writing. Along the way, you’ll gain practical experience experimenting with analog and digital technologies while fostering community within your cohort. Get ready to learn by doing!
Q: Who is the ideal learner?
A: This program is built for professionals ready to integrate new theory, fresh activities, and smart collaborators into their existing practice. If you want to bolster your gathering design skills, expand your collaborative network, and become deeply mindful of your presence while leading a room, you belong here. We are looking for learners ready to transition from passive meeting hosts to intentional, impactful facilitators. If you’re ready, we’re here to help you make this step!
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from past cohorts?
A: Before I was on faculty, I was a student in Cohort 6. The favorite part of my cohort (and honestly, all the cohorts I’ve been a part of) was meeting other facilitation nerds. It’s very rewarding to connect with your crew; people who love sticky notes, crafting the perfect discussion question, and arguing passionately about the best timer. I enjoyed discussions on the benefits of pipe cleaners, the best snack that fits in your bag, and creative themes for a gathering. (Ask me about my gnome-themed workshop.) All of these discussions and more made me realize that I hadn’t just found a certificate program—I’d found my people.
About the Certificate in Facilitation Program
The Certificate in Facilitation (non-credit) is a cohort-based program for professionals who lead meetings, retreats, and multi-stakeholder conversations. Across three months, participants blend immersive, in person learning with focused virtual labs—building practical skills to design meaningful gatherings, guide courageous dialogue, and move groups to decisions and action.