Doodling in Facilitation: Unlocking Creativity and Connection
Pardeep (aka Paddy) Dhanda
?? Human Skills Edutainer ?? I help Product Teams boost Creativity, Communication and Collaboration
?? Are you concerned about AI taking your job? ???? But what if you could future-proof your tech career??? Each week I share insights from experts to help you build a growth mindset and master the human skills (soft skills) that AI can't replicate (yet).
Karen Light is an artist, illustrator, and multi-passionate creative who helps people tap into their inner doodler. She believes that doodling isn’t just a fun pastime—it’s a powerful tool for learning, self-expression, and deepening connections. In our conversation, we discussed:
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Some takeaways:
Doodling isn’t just for kids—it’s a superpower for engagement. Many assume that doodling is a distraction, but research shows that it actually enhances attention and memory retention. Whether you’re in a workshop or a meeting, allowing yourself to doodle can help you stay engaged, process ideas more deeply, and make unexpected connections.
Facilitators should harness the power of doodles. If you want participants to open up and think creatively, give them permission to doodle. A simple warm-up exercise—like making slow spirals or scribbling freely—can set the tone for a more engaging and psychologically safe session.
Your environment impacts your creativity. Most corporate offices are lifeless, drab, and uninspiring. But the spaces we work in influence how we think. Karen suggests adding more color, visual elements, and even doodles to office walls to encourage creativity and connection.
A simple way to get started: If you’re new to doodling, start with repetitive shapes you naturally enjoy drawing—circles, dots, squiggles, or anything that feels fun. Over time, these little marks can evolve into meaningful visuals that help you express ideas in new ways.
The bottom line? Doodling isn’t about being an artist. It’s about thinking visually, playing with ideas, and making connections. If you want to be a better facilitator, communicator, or creative thinker, grab a pen and start doodling.
More from Karen: Check out her work at howdoodle.com and subscribe to her Substack at doodlediary.substack.com.
If you are curious to take your doodling skills to the next level, then join Grant Wright and I at International Sketchnote Camp 2025 in Birmingham between 4th - 6th July.
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?? In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.
Host: Paddy Dhanda
Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.
Contact Paddy: [email protected]
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Well this episode sounds right up my street! I look forward to hearing what Karen has to say. And what a great opportunity to mention International Sketchnote Camp 2025 for those who want to learn more about how to harness the power of the doodle ?? ??