The art of Hosting
Iesha has been an active contributor to SPARK for several years, attending our Leadership Conference at Leeds Trinity University, going on to motivate fellow students to understand more about poverty in our local area and collecting donations for Rainbow Junktion. Iesha shared her perspective and expertise as a panel member at a Real Living Wage event. She hosted our first Conversations of Hope in October and is an active member of several social justice groups around the city.
The Art of Hosting Training offers support to a “community of practice”, viewing meaningful conversation and connection as a pathway to systemic change. Over 100 local people have been part of this training so far and Iesha was offered the opportunity of full sponsorship through Mike Love at Together for Peace. Her thoughts about this unique experience in the beautiful Sussex countryside can be read below.
I returned recently, for an incredible three-day Art of Hosting training at Ashburnham Place.It was more than a workshop! We explored how we gather, listen, and co-create meaning together. Throughout the days, we learned not only the methods of participatory leadership but also the art of storytelling, how personal narratives can open hearts, shift perspectives, and lay the foundation for collective insight.
What stood out most was the practice of deep listening, during triads. Taking time to truly hear each person, beyond their words, created spaces of trust and understanding that transformed ordinary conversations into moments of genuine connection.
In between the deep dialogues and quiet reflections, there was also a wonderful but chaotic game of football! Full of laughter, friendly competition, and spontaneous teamwork. Somehow, amidst the shouts, missed goals, and muddy shoes, the essence of hosting showed up again: collaboration, adaptation, and the joy of co-creating something in the moment. That playful chaos felt like a mirror to the real work of facilitating; dynamic, unpredictable, but deeply human.
The people I met, from every corner of the world, brought such rich experiences and wisdom. Listening to their stories (and playing side by side!) reminded me how powerful it is when diverse voices come together with openness and care.
Feeling grateful for the community, the beauty of Ashburnham, and the shared commitment to leading with presence, empathy, and purpose. I’m looking forward to bringing these practices and a little of that football energy into my work and continuing this journey of hosting conversations that matter!
Thank you SPARK Social Justice for constantly investing in my leadership journey!