Ep 196: How to Host Live Calls & Events That Scale Transformation and Belonging
Powered by RedCircle
How to Host Live Calls & Events That Scale Transformation and Belonging
Creating a sense of belonging isn’t just nice to have. It’s the foundation of a high-retention community.
I recently sat down with Jon Berghoff, founder of the xchange Approach, to unpack the science and art behind transformational group facilitation. Jon has trained thousands in how to design events that unlock collective wisdom, foster psychological safety, and generate real results, without relying on a single expert at the front.
Whether you're hosting virtual calls, in-person gatherings, or community summits, Jon's work reveals how to create meaningful experiences that people want to come back to.
Start with Belonging, Not Just Content
Belonging isn’t soft. It’s strategic.
As Jon shares, people don’t return because of content alone. They return because they feel seen, heard, and safe. This starts with:
Designing intentional questions
Creating space for shared storytelling
Honoring lived experiences
When people feel like they belong, they lean in, contribute more, and stay longer.
The Hidden Power of Facilitation
Facilitation isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about unlocking the answers already in the room.
Jon emphasizes:
Most virtual events are talked at, not co-created
Shifting from expert-driven to peer-driven transforms retention
When members co-create meaning, they engage at a deeper level
Stop building events around content. Start building them around connection.
3 Types of Capital in Every Gathering
Jon’s model reframes how we define value:
Intellectual Capital: Ideas and learning
Social Capital: Relationships and networking
Communal Capital: Belonging and shared purpose
Most communities only focus on #1. But #3 is what keeps people coming back.
It All Starts with the Right Questions
Want people to show up and stay present? Ask better questions.
Some examples Jon uses:
"Why are you here?"
"What change are you here to support in the world?"
"When have you experienced belonging at its best?"
Pro tip: Incorporate physical artifacts or props for people to share stories. It creates play, deepens reflection, and unlocks vulnerability fast.
Make Every Event Interactive, Even Coaching Calls
You don’t need a huge production to create engagement.
Small shifts make a big difference:
Kick off calls with breakout rooms for mini-intros
Ask attendees to reflect on a prompt before bringing in guest experts
Bookend every session with reflections: What’s your biggest takeaway?
When members speak, they invest.
Culture Starts Before the Call
If people drop off during breakouts or don’t turn on cameras, it’s not their fault. It’s a culture issue.
Jon’s framework for setting culture:
Attention: Use strong, specific invitations
Alignment: Set expectations for presence and participation
Agreement: Gain buy-in before they ever log in
Culture isn’t a reminder email. It’s everything they experience from the first touch.
Retention Is Built on Experience
Shana breaks it down with her 3 retention accelerators:
Results: Give people what they came for
Relationships: Help them build meaningful connections
Recognition: Let them be seen and valued
The facilitation methods Jon teaches touch all three.
Want to See It In Action?
Jon and the xchange team regularly host live workshops to let you experience this first-hand.
You’ll walk away with:
Tangible tools to improve your live calls and gatherings
A clear understanding of what facilitation actually looks like
Inspiration for how to create belonging in any room
Find upcoming sessions HERE.
Stay Connected with Shana Lynn
Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple or Spotify
To learn more about how I can help you, tap here
