When you have something important to achieve and need people to work well together to make it happen.

I've spent decades working with teams, boards and organisations across the public and community sectors, and researched what helps people collaborate effectively, what commonly gets in the way, and when independent support makes a difference. Collaboration involves more than bringing the right people into the room. It depends on having the right foundations, a process suited to the people and context, skillful conversations, clear follow-through, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

When might this support be useful?

You may be starting something new, trying to reset work that has lost momentum, or facing an important point where people need to find a shared way forward. It may be a board or team. Or several organisations, teams or communities that need to work together. Then there are the people involved. Each brings different priorities, responsibilities, cultures or ways of working. Meetings are circling, important perspectives are not being heard, or tension is beginning to emerge. Progress has stalled. The people leading the work are too closely involved to facilitate the conversation independently. There is not enough internal time, capacity or experience to design and lead the process well.

What good collaboration makes possible

When collaboration is deliberately designed and supported, people have the time, space and process they need to understand one another, work through differences and make progress together. Relationships and trust grow through that experience. People become more willing to speak honestly, listen to different perspectives and stay engaged when things become difficult. The result is greater clarity, stronger relationships, better decisions, wider ownership, a practical path forward and more resilience when circumstances change.

Through my research and experience, I have identified five parts that need attention for collaboration to work well. They apply whether you are establishing a new collaboration, strengthening one that is already underway, or resetting work that has become difficult or lost momentum.

Foundations

Strong collaboration begins with a clear purpose, an understanding of the context and clarity about who needs to be involved.

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Design

The process needs to be deliberately designed around the people, kaupapa and context.

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Facilitate

Skillful facilitation creates the conditions for honest, inclusive and productive conversations.

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Implement

Collaboration needs to continue after people leave the room.

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Review and reflect

Regular review helps the collaboration remain useful, responsive and on track.

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How well are these elements working in your collaboration?

Complete the Collaboration Assessment

You may be confident leading the work yourselves and would like some advice, need support with particular areas, or want an independent person to take responsibility for the process. There are three ways we can work together.

I support you to lead it

This may suit you if you have the internal capacity to lead the work but want guidance, practical tools or a sounding board. We talk through the five parts, identify what needs attention and make a plan. I coach you on relevant tools and approaches and help you work through challenges as they arise. I can also suggest other types of support if something sits outside my area of expertise.

We lead it together

This may suit you if you want to retain ownership of the process but need additional support or independence at key points. We design the process together. You lead the parts that make sense internally, and I step in where independent facilitation or specialist support would help. This can be particularly useful when you need to participate fully in an important discussion rather than trying to guide the process and contribute at the same time.

I take care of the process for you

This may suit you when independence is important or you do not have the internal time, capacity or experience to lead the process. I manage the design, coordination, facilitation, agreements and documentation, while seeking your input and confirming each stage with you. I can also provide review, reflection and accountability support to help maintain progress and identify anything that needs further attention.

Why bring in an independent facilitator?

When you have a strong interest in the work or have been deeply involved, it can be difficult to guide the process impartially while also contributing your knowledge and perspective.

An independent facilitator can:

Create a safe and impartial process where people can speak openly.
Encourage different perspectives and notice who is not being heard.
Challenge assumptions respectfully without advancing a personal position.
Help people work through differences while protecting relationships and trust.
Keep the conversation focused and guide the group towards clear decisions and next steps.
Enable leaders and sponsors to participate fully in the discussion.
Provide additional capacity when internal people are already stretched.

Let's connect

Get in touch

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Get in touch

When is it worth bringing in independent support?

You may be able to lead the process yourselves. Independent support becomes particularly valuable when the work is important, the relationships or interests are sensitive, people are finding it difficult to agree, or those leading the initiative need to participate fully.
It can also provide the skills and capacity to set the work up well before problems become harder to resolve.

What does it cost?

It depends on what you need and how you decide to work with me.
I offer a free initial conversation, supported by a short pre-meeting form so I can understand your situation, what you want to achieve and what you are currently experiencing.
I listen, ask questions and develop a proposal with options and costs. You can suggest adjustments before deciding whether you want to go ahead.

What if we simply bring people together and work it out as we go?

Sometimes that works. But when the foundations and process are not clear, people can become frustrated, quieter or less powerful voices may be missed, and decisions may not lead to genuine ownership or action.
The initiative may not reach its full potential, and considerable time, energy, goodwill and trust can be lost.

Isn’t this project management?

This work complements project management.
Project management supports the detailed delivery of the work. My role is to help the people involved build shared purpose, work through differences, make decisions and agree how they will work together to deliver the outcome.

This programme is designed by women, for women so we can grow our impact together.

Women Who Follow Through

A small group, facilitated, online time management training programme for women business owners and community leaders keen for support to get to their goals.

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Thank you so much for your openness and flexibility over the last two days. The Engagement Advisor cohort was incredibly appreciative of the safe space you created for them to openly share thoughts, challenges, and experiences — including matters that may have been outside the formal scope of the workshop, but are very much part of the wider mahi.
Shoma Prasad, Principal Engagement Advisor - Local Boards, Auckland Council
I ran a two day co-design workshop with a team of local board Engagement Advisors to co-design a fit for purpose engagement strategy template, implementation plan template and measurement options.

The two days we spent together were the most valuable from a team building perspective. I have already started using the new definitions of our values – its so much easier to describe and work towards as a result.
Jensen Webber, CEO, Mahitahi Hauora PHO
I ran a two part team charter review and refresh session for the Senior Leadership Team.

This has been a highly impactful process helping our entire board to understand governance better, identify our gaps & goals and create a plan that inspires us into action. As a result, we are united as a board, clear on our roles and alive with the values of our organisation.
Hanariki Mā, Chairperson, Northland Youth Theatre.
I provided Governance coaching and mentoring through a contract with Community Governance Aotearoa

We were delighted with the work that Carolyn did with us. I Have a Dream is a genuinely unique kaupapa. Deeply committed to our mission of transforming the lives of tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa while also continuously embedding kaupapa Māori approaches into our mahi, as well as continuing our journey as an organisation operating under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Carolyn did a great job of quickly gaining an understanding of all of that and adapting and customising the strategic and operational planning processes accordingly. All of the sessions that she facilitated were very inclusive and everyone felt strongly supported by her. The end outcomes are an excellent set of roadmaps that will really help guide the direction and success of the organisation over the next 3 – 5 years.
Chris Twiss, CEO, I Have a Dream Charitable Trust.
I designed and facilitated the development of a refreshed operating model, strategic plan, operating plan and communications plan. for this youth education and empowerment trust.

Carolyn facilitated a series of workshops for two of our Conservation Boards to assist them in developing three-year strategic plans. These were highly successful, and those involved enjoyed the innovative way she went about ensuring everyone was fully engaged through the process. Instead of using electronic aids Carolyn deployed a lot of physical, hands-on methods to get very constructive contributions from our board members. Everyone came away from the process reinvigorated and engaged.
Phelan Pirrie, Statutory Manager, Department of Conservation, Northern North Island.
I designed and facilitated a working collaboratively and being honorable Tiriti partners session for the Boards and Department of Conservation regional leaders. This was followed by individual sessions with each Board to develop their respective strategic plan.

Carolyn facilitated Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust with identifying values and principles of the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project's vision and mission. Over two sessions, she guided our trustees through identifying goals, strategic initiatives, and success measures. Her facilitation helped distill our diverse perspectives into a cohesive logical structure, and we appreciated the time she allowed for important conversations and finding the commonalities in our diverse group.
Louise Saunders, CEO, Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust.
Co-governance Trust with equal iwi and community representation, working towards the restoration of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest range

Carolyn has fantastic skills in strategic thinking, impactful communication and facilitation. I’ve worked with Carolyn on a range of strategic development pathways and she has facilitated workshops for me. She is able to think how to get the best out of hui and how to communicate our work with real impact.
Lian Butcher, former Deputy Director General, Partnerships, Department of Conservation
I supported Lian with group strategy, facilitating cross agency partnerships, and communications leadership.

Carolyn pulled together a two-day (kauri ora planning wānanga) workshop incredibly quickly and it went off without a hitch. The space was set well, the sessions were productive and inclusive, and the outcomes were incredibly useful.
Alana (Lana) Webb (she / her), Acting Manager - Tiakina Kauri | Kauri Protection Biosecurity New Zealand - Tiakitanga Pūtaiao Aotearoa | Ministry for Primary Industries - Manatū Ahu Matua.
I designed and facilitated a two day wānanga on a local marae with iwi/hapū, MPI, DOC, Auckland Council reps to co-design a planning tool for kauri protection projects over a 2-day wānanga.

Carolyn's strategic planning session was nothing short of transformative. In just one day, she skillfully guided us through the process, helping us craft a 5-year vision, concise 3-year strategic goals, actionable 2-year strategic initiatives, and measurable success indicators. What sets Carolyn apart is her ability to infuse excitement and creativity into what can often be a dry and daunting task. With her guidance, strategic planning became an enjoyable journey of discovery, and the results speak for themselves. We now have a roadmap that not only charts our course for the future but also ignites our passion to achieve it. Carolyn truly puts the "fun" in strategic planning, making her an invaluable asset to any organization.
Jessie Manney, Manager, Volunteering Northland.
I designed and facilitated a strategic planning session with the Board and Manager.

As a board, we feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside Carolyn Smith from Woven Collaboration. Carolyn brought energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives that challenged us to think deeply about our purpose. Her positivity and ability to keep us focused ensured we made the most of every session. I wholeheartedly recommend Carolyn to anyone seeking governance support or facilitation. She truly is an inspiration—I wish I could bottle her enthusiasm!
Stacey Beattie, Chair, Kauri Coast Recreational Society Incorporated
I provided governance training to the board over a 4 month period.

If you are looking for a real down to earth, pragmatic and knowledgeable strategist, Carolyn is it! Carolyn very skillfully helped our community organisation governance team chart and agree a team charter, initial strategic priorities, and a work programme with actual tangible actions and timeframes! She not only understands governance and organisational strategy, she's a brilliant and engaging communicator, mobiliser (she could keep all of us on task, online!), great at using interactive online tools and flexible enough to do away with them if needed, and best of all - she delivered exactly what we had agreed, under incredible time pressure. Our new team of 14 now has a strong foundation to guide us on our journey to engage New Zealanders on the work of the United Nations. I would work with Carolyn again in a heartbeat.
Martine Udahemuka, Wellington Branch President - United Nations Association of New Zealand.
I designed and facilitated the development of a team charter and strategic plan with the Committee Directors via two online sessions.

I'm most grateful for Carolyn's inclusive approach. She created a safe space for us to wānanga and brought everyone in the room into the conversation. She allowed me to sit with any discomfort comfortably and supported me to unpack my thoughts. Her professional expertise aligned with our organisation's needs and goals and I was treated to a journey of redefine and redesign. I'm elated with the outcome reached.
Mo Matautia-Tepania, Navigator Manager, I Have a Dream Charitable Trust.
I worked with Mo and the Senior Leadership Team to redefine their operating model, develop a strategic plan, a communications plan to support the new direction, and an operational plan to implement the outcomes.

Through collaborative strategic planning, both within the organisation and with partners from businesses, to government to communities, Carolyn initiated a step change in nature conservation and the links to social development in her role. Carolyn is also a brilliant facilitator and worked to facilitate a wide range of collaborative initiatives across the motu with businesses and local government.
Angela Mayson, former Partnerships Director, Department of Conservation
I worked with Angela while developing significant partnerships and engagement stategies involving key national and regional organisations.

Carolyn was asked to lead our organisation in a discussion around our future. She provided excellent facilitation and tools to help our team and Board understand what our current situation was and then highlight focus areas for the future we agreed were important, were achievable and had a doable timeframe. Carolyn condensed this information to fit on one page which made it easy to engage our volunteers, to show our funders we have a plan and to keep us on track - invaluable for not only our Board but also our team of volunteers.
Cindy Borrie, Chair, Whangarei Citizens Advice Bureau.
I designed and facilitated a series of strategic planning sessions for the Board and staff.

Carolyn Smith

Guide

Helping purpose driven people get to the heart of what matters, build commitment, and create a clear way forward

Vicki Moselen

Associate Business Coach

Vicki and Carolyn co-facilitate the "Women Who Follow Through' accountability programme -designed as an accessible and affordable way to support women business and community leaders reach their goals.