Maketa Wilborn

What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

I worked at Islandwood as a member of the education team. I learned to be an educator. The key thing I learned was how to take an inquiry-based approach—how to lead with questions and use questions to deepen learning and engagement. Rather than “let me tell you what I know,” it starts from the angle of inquiry.

What have you learned to do differently as you’ve advanced in your career?

Less prep, more presence. I put in the prep time, but I’m even more focused on how I show up in the room, knowing it’s never going to go exactly as I planned. I’ve gained more skills and confidence in being present and responsive to what’s emerging.

Who has had a big influence on your career?

David Sibbet, the founder of Grove Consultants International. He was the first person to introduce me to and invite me into graphic facilitation. I’m a creative, and as I moved further into my profession, I needed to get out of PowerPoint mode. Now, being a visual practitioner is a key differentiator. It keeps my work creative and continues to inspire me. 

When did you start thinking about using your skills to effect social change?

My father-in-law, Gary Howard, challenged me to bring my creative voice to equity and inclusion in education. This focus was part of my identity development. 

What strategies do you employ to manage through difficulty?

It comes back to inquiry as a key strategy. It’s about finding the right questions to unlock the possibilities to move through a difficult space. 

What’s the best career decision you ever made? 

Deciding to stop working with a business partner I had been working with for a decade. We had developed a robust practice. I decided to walk away because I could feel we were no longer aligned. I wanted to preserve the personal relationship, so I left the business relationship. Knowing when a partnership is done is critical, but centering relationships is paramount. 

How do you organize your time?

My morning practice is from 6:30–9 a.m., give or take, and that includes stretching, workout, meditation. From 9-10 a.m. I check email and get grounded in the day — I don’t take meetings. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.-ish is work — my most productive time of the day. Then I wrap up with a walk or something active outside. I’m very deliberate about this.

What’s a good outcome for you, professionally, in the year ahead?

Continued success with organizational partners and consulting collaborations. My professional success stems from this, and I know that good work creates more work. This is my approach to a sustainable consulting practice.  

Finish this sentence: People would be surprised that I…

…love tea, tea culture, and tea ceremony. I have a mobile teahouse called the SynchroniciTEA House that I took around to music festivals for a decade.