Ann Thorpe

Strategic Facilitation

For groups in decision-critical moments when expertise, incentives, and uncertainty collide and you need clarity and momentum.

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-based (London) with occasional work in the Pacific Northwest (US).

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 facilitated our workshop on Advancing Investment Aligned with the Sustainable development Goals, where participants included global asset managers, key ethical investment straegists, and leading researchers…Her facilitation created deep participation and produced concrete insights that the team is now taking forward.” Sam Balch, Director of Grand Challenges

“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

“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

Working with experts

Many of the groups I work with are navigating complex topics—emerging technologies, strategic risk, interdisciplinary programs, policy questions, or new group structures. Participants often bring deep expertise, differing perspectives, and strong incentives tied to the outcome.

Role and process
My role is to work with my clients to design and guide structured conversations that help groups make progress in these environments, moving from complex discussion toward shared priorities and practical next steps.

The same facilitation principles apply whether the room includes corporate teams, researchers, or cross-sector partners. When expertise and uncertainty are high, the conversation itself needs careful structure.

Practicalities
I’m fully insured, accustomed to working with institutional procurement processes, and comfortable adapting formats to suit the needs of the event.

I bring my experience with:

Facilitation techniques, ranging from traditional to Lego Serious Play
Policy and 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
Adaptability to pivot on the fly without losing momentum or focus

Capsule Bio: Stanford + U.C. Berkeley educated with PhD in Design and Innovation from the Open University; worked on the inside in private, public and nonprofit organizations; extensive experience supporting people navigating boundaries in new markets, partnerships, methods, and technologies. www.linkedin.com/in/annthorpe

Let’s explore how your moment benefits from strategic facilitation

Contact me:Ann@AnnThorpe.com
or find me on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/annthorpe/

MAPS from the top

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 Southwest Iowa, “Bedrock Topography of Southwest Iowa” by Robert E. Hanson, US Geological Survey 1992

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