About me

With over 15 years of experience designing and leading strategic workshops, I help teams cut through the noise and turn meetings into moments that matter. Whether it’s a high-stakes planning session, an innovation sprint, or a virtual offsite, I create experiences that spark ideas, drive alignment, and get real work done.

My journey into facilitation started in the most unexpected place—on stage, co-MCing a school talent show. From there, I honed my skills as an NBA game host, a virtual event emcee, and a trusted consultant for Fortune 500 executives. Along the way, I’ve worked with top consulting firms like Capgemini, Oliver Wyman, and PwC, helping business leaders and teams navigate complex challenges with energy, clarity, and creativity.

At the core of my approach is a unique facilitation methodology, rooted in 30 years of design thinking and adapted for the modern workplace. Combining agile collaboration, digital tools, and human-centered design, I guide teams through structured conversations that lead to real decisions—and fewer follow-up meetings.

My Skills

MEETING DESIGN & STRATEGY

I design meetings that drive results—whether it’s a high-stakes strategy session, an innovation sprint, or a leadership retreat. Every session is structured to keep teams engaged, conversations focused, and decisions actionable.

LIVE FACILITATION & ENGAGEMENT

I lead meetings with clarity, energy, and adaptability, ensuring every voice is heard while keeping discussions productive. My facilitation style balances structure with flexibility, helping teams navigate complexity and reach clear decisions.

COLLABORATION TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS

I help teams integrate and optimize tools like Miro, MURAL, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams to enhance engagement, streamline communication, and improve remote collaboration

AI & FUTURE OF WORK

I understand how AI is built and how it enhances teamwork. I help businesses leverage AI to improve decision-making, automate workflows, and create smarter collaboration experiences.

Corporate Experience

CEO & LEAD FACILITATOR

John Ballesteros LLC / Oct 2017 - Present

Designed and led workshops for Fortune 500, military, startups, and nonprofits. Created custom agendas using human-centered design to align leaders, clarify priorities, and drive action. Specialized in virtual, and hybrid collaboration.

PRODUCT IMPLEMENTATION FACILITATOR

Collaboration.AI / Mar 2024 - Oct 2024

Ran AI-driven workshops to test collaboration tools and gather user feedback. Designed and marketed sessions to connect users with AI solutions, influencing product development.

INNOVATION CONSULTING ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Tata Consulting Services / Oct 2022 - Dec 2023

Worked with senior executives to define innovation strategies and align teams. Developed an innovation playbook to help clients solve business challenges with structured frameworks.

DIGITAL EXPERIENCE PRODUCT OWNER

Capgemini / Jan 2015 - Oct 2017

Led digital product rollouts, ensuring alignment with business goals. Gathered user feedback, prioritized features, and developed training programs for adoption.

BUSINESS ANALYTICS CONSULTANT

Capgemini / Jan 2013 - Jan 2015

Translated business needs into technical requirements. Worked with client teams on enterprise data strategies and led internal innovation initiatives.

Education & Certificates

DESIGNING & BUILDING AI PRODUCTS & SERVICES

MITxPro / 2024

PROFESSIONAL SCRUM MASTER

Scrum.org / 2017

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS BS

University of Minnesota / 2009 - 2013

Great collaboration happens when people are engaged, comfortable, and having fun. MCing NBA games, hosting game shows, and even working as a Benihana chef have taught me how to read a room, hold attention, and make every moment count. I bring that same energy and adaptability to corporate facilitation—guiding teams through conversations that are dynamic, productive, and genuinely enjoyable. Because when people are engaged, real work gets done.

Facilitation Beyond the Boardroom