Shane Bennett leads with authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability, creating a safe space for deep Forum sharing and connection. He became a ForumSherpa Certified Facilitator to elevate his ability to help Forum members experience transformational value throughout their Forum journey.
We caught up with Shane to discuss the personal and professional transformation that he’s experienced so far in Forum.
FS: What led you to join Forum, and what has led you to stay in Forum?
Shane Bennett: I was looking for a safe space where I could share my greatest challenges and successes free of judgement.
What has led me to stay in Forum is that the whole experience really continues to help me become better in all areas of my life. I knew it would help me as a professional, but it has also led to more personal transformations which have cascaded throughout my entire life.
FS: How do you feel that Forum has helped you evolve, both as a businessperson and as an individual?
SB: Forum has helped me face conflict head-on and deal with challenges more effectively—especially when having difficult conversations. I’ve found that it’s hard to have difficult conversations in the deepest relationships, and Forum has equipped me with the tools to hold effective and productive conversations.
FS: What are some of the most important and valuable lessons you’ve learned thanks to your Forum experience?
SB: Forum has really taught me that I have to own my contribution to a conflict. Before joining Forum, I didn’t really consider how I was contributing to challenges or conflicts in my business and personal lives.
FS: What do you love most about being a Forum Facilitator?
SB: Helping people overcome really difficult challenges in their lives is extremely fulfilling—it’s why I do this work. Everyone at some point faces tough times, and helping them navigate through it and come out on the other side is really rewarding.
FS: What is your favorite exercise or tool? Why is this your favorite?
SB: My favorite is Forum 2.0® Debate, which helps a Presenter decide between two choices.
I first experienced this as a Presenter. It was so interesting to watch my Forum members debate between the two options I was considering. It gave me a new perspective on the pros and cons of each option—and some viewpoints I hadn’t considered. Debate really helped me decide on the best path forward, and I know it can help other people in the same way.
FS: Why should Forums hire a facilitator for their retreat?
SB: There are a few potential challenges when Forums try to self-facilitate. One, they might end up not doing anything altogether. Two, the Forum member that’s facilitating is not participating, so they don’t get the benefit of the exercise. And three, it’s possible that the Forum member is not a strong facilitator.
Forums that hire a facilitator have stronger, deeper, and more meaningful experiences. Hiring a facilitator ensures the retreat has high-quality content that fosters learning, growth, transformation, and measurable outcomes.
FS: Are there any funny or interesting stories you’d like to share about a retreat, or a particularly favorite destination?
SB: Our Forum participated in a life walk exercise. The Forum members had ten notecards, and on each one, we wrote an age and something significant that had happened in our lives. It wasn’t just the past—we wrote some for the future, too: things that hadn’t happened yet and ages we hadn’t yet come to.
We walked in a line and told our story from each card as we laid it down in front of us. It was so interesting and impactful that I still have the notecards. One of my goals was to not live in a cold climate. My wife and I spent last winter in Florida!
Shane can help your Forum make the most of your next retreat. Contact us today to find out Shane’s availability!
Written by Britt Spread