what we do
At Myco, we know relationships. Connection. Care. Curiosity. We apply relationship science to help people do together better.
"Deb expertly designed and facilitated a thoughtful conversation among our local grantmakers, guiding us to explore how funder collaborations could amplify our collective impact in the community. Her expertise and skilled facilitation ensured the discussion was both meaningful and actionable, leaving us inspired and equipped to work together in new ways."
- Marcy Minton, President & CEO
The Community Foundation
of Muncie and Delaware County
A few of our amazing client collaborators
overview
Few people seek out collaboration for collaboration’s sake. Rather, you rightly see collaboration as an essential vehicle for achieving valued ends.
You may seek to:
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Design multi-stakeholder initiatives for success
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Realize big impacts easier and faster
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Drive unexpected solutions to tough problems
Yet, it’s easy to underestimate the complexity of collaboration. It’s easy to assume you can just DIY your way through it. Heck, we’ve all seen DIY work just fine for small, short-term projects.
But, when you’re dealing with multiple stakeholders, working in nuanced spaces, and investing loads of resources (i.e., time, money, people power), there are a lot of ways collaboration can go wrong. If you’ve been around the block a time or two, I bet you know exactly what I’m talking about – tense relationships, shattered timelines, lackluster outcomes, insignificant impact, etc.
Sure, sometimes DIY is the way to go. And, sometimes it isn’t. For the collaborations that matter most, it helps to bring in the pros to envision, construct, and facilitate the project.
Yes, your collaboration is complex. But, with dedicated expertise in intentional collaboration design, that complexity is absolutely navigable. You don’t have to suffer the avoidable pain of DIY.
how we can help
If realizing your big vision relies on the talents, resources, or support of others, reach out to learn about my collaboration advising, design, and facilitation services. We can – we must – do together better.
“I was feeling stuck. You have this ability to clear things up for me when we talk. You are really good at narrowing down the issue in a logical, thoughtful way, yet with empathy.”
- Advisting Client
advising
Just because we may want people to collaborate doesn’t mean they’ll be well-equipped or motivated to do so. The truth is, effective collaboration requires capacity: leaders need the skills, organizations need the structures, and networks need the trust to make collaboration work. Without these elements, even the most well-intentioned efforts fall short. Want some advice on how best to create collaborative capacity among the organizations you support? I can help.
“Deb has totally revolutionized my nonprofit’s strategy.”
- Casey Given, Executive Director, Young Voices
“Deb’s deep familiarity with the…challenges of inter-institutional collaboration enabled her to quickly and accurately diagnose our needs, build rapport with stakeholders, and offer concrete solutions that supported our mission.”
Higher Ed Consortium Leader
design and facilitation
For situations where multiple stakeholders want to come together to build something new and want to create the conditions for amazing collaboration at the outset, we can help.
The process of deciding what to do and how to do it often benefits from the involvement of an external facilitator--someone who is at once committed to your shared success and unbiased in their outlook about how to achieve those ends.
“Debra Mashek would be my absolute first choice for any complex project involving collaboration or facilitation. One of the smartest and most thoughtful people out there!”
- Alison Taylor, Clinical Professor at NYU Stern School of Business
“I honestly could not imagine working with a more skilled retreat facilitator. Throughout the process, I felt as if she was a member of our department for years; that is how well she understood our history and needs.”
- University Department Chair
“This was hands down one of the most useful and practical sessions I've attended in a long time. No one ever talks about HOW to collaborate WELL!... I only wish all of my colleagues had attended the session.”
- OhioLINK Workshop Participant
keynotes & workshops
As an award-winning teacher celebrated for her wit, presence, and clarity, Deb's unusual blend of humility and insight engages keynote and workshop audiences, encourages openness, and motivates action.
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Participants admire her clear presentations and ability to facilitate productive and stimulating activities and discussions among people who see the world differently (sometimes very differently).
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Reach out to inquire about Deb’s professional development offerings, all designed to help people build and sustain healthy and productive collaborations.
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Whether you’re looking for theoretical frameworks or concrete tools and tips to quickly level up your collaboration game: Deb can help.
“She also has the rare skill to present and speak in a captivating way while making it look effortless.”
- Dr. Brian Harman,
Leadership Professor, UC Berkeley