Navigating
Complexity &
Uncertainty
Ann Thorpe
Strategic Facilitation
For groups in decision-critical moments when expertise, incentives, and uncertainty collide.
High-stakes, often ambiguous periods, when you’re looking for results:
Alignment, momentum and high quality decisions
Risk reduction
- Partnership formation under pressure
Strategy re-sets tied to risk, regulation, or funding
Quicker clarity with fewer missteps and better shared understanding
Working across corporate, public sector, and third sector contexts, I’m UK (London) and US (West Coast) based.
Testimonials
“She did a great job preparing for and facilitating the workshop on quantum strategy.” Dr Mark Webster, Quantum Error Correction Researcher
“I recommend Ann based on my experience working with her on several projects such as an in-person away day, an online strategy session, and a funding workshop. She’s an exceptional facilitator who brings a unique and customized approach to each session.” Dr Maria Mediero, Innovation & Enterprise/Maths and Physical Sciences
“Ann demonstrated adaptability, pivoting on the fly without diluting the overall structure during a 5-hour interdisciplinary workshop.” Marko Rupčić, Research Development Manager, Built Environment
“Ann helped me design and deliver a workshop on the future of epidemic simulation in which every participant was actively involved. Planning the exercises got me thinking about what I was really trying to achieve, and whether there were groups or dynamics I hadn’t considered previously. Facilitation before, during, and after the event was a game changer. I’m hugely grateful, and can’t wait to book her again!” Dr Sarah Wise, Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College London
“She stepped in at very short notice…and it was a great success. She really got us all thinking about ways of solving problems more creatively.” Karin Alderson, Department Manager, Computer Science
“She organised a LEGO® Serious Play activity for over 100 staff members, giving them a task that not only prompted thoughtful discussion about the subject matter but also encouraged collaboration, enthusiasm, and genuine engagement across the group. The session provided valuable insights for senior management by capturing staff perspectives through their builds, while also helping participants reflect on the why and how for the future.” Deputy Department Manager, Computer Science
I bring my experience with:
- Facilitation techniques, ranging from design-led to Lego Serious Play
- Policy analysis
- Institutional navigation
- Technology transfer
- Cross-sector credibility
- Operating under ambiguity and constraint
So you have my:
- Authority to hold a room
- Calm under pressure
- Deep yet efficient preparation
- Ability to manage power dynamics
- Credibility with senior stakeholders
- Adaptability to pivot on the fly without losing momentum or focus
Capsule Bio: Stanford + U.C. Berkeley educated; worked on the inside in private, public and nonprofit organizations; demonstrated experience supporting people navigating boundaries in new markets, partnerships, methods, and technologies.
Let’s explore how your moment benefits from strategic facilitation
Contact me:
+44 (0) 74 4756 1030
Maps
Map of Colorado, “Geologic Map of the De Beque Quadrangle, Garfiled and Mesa Counties, Colorado” by John R. Donnell, Warren E. Yeend, Leonard J. Schmitt, and Marjorie C. Smith; US Geological Survey, 1992
Map of southwest Finland, published by Societatis pro Fauna et Flora Fennica, 1910s
Map of the Southern Canada Border: section from page 20 of “A new universal atlas of the world : on an improved plan ; consisting of thirty maps, carefully prepared from the latest authorities ; with complete alphabetical indexes,” 1825
Map of St David’s Island, Bermuda from: North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda Islands from Admiralty Surveys to 1959
Map of Yosemite Valley, California, selection from image on page 156 of “Topographic surveying; including geographic, exploratory, and military mapping, with hints on camping, emergency surgery, and photography,” 1905