About Michal Fedeles

ABOUT

 

Michal Fedeles

Michal Fedeles, PhD – your partner in creating powerful learning experiences. I am all about enabling learning that is inspiring and valuable – and we certainly can make online and hybrid learning just as impactful as the best learning in person!

Let's explore over a coffee – in person or online. Book a complimentary chat with me here!

 

How it all began for me

As a student in my native Slovakia, I found myself in front of a class of mischievous fifth-graders new to studying English. Remembering my best experiences as a learner – being respected, challenged and supported – I followed my instincts, immersing my young students in learning through imagination, play, and discovery.

That rewarding experience has led to a lifelong passion for supporting individuals and teams in connecting deeply, exploring with curiosity, and being purposeful about learning. I have grown into an education aficionado, bringing authentic and meaningful learning and development to academic and professional educators in North America and Europe.

 

What inspires my work

I believe that being intentional about our continued growth as leaders and persons, compassionate with one another, and playful in our approaches (rather than rigid or overly formal) helps all of us make the world a better place. This philosophy has guided my contributions to education in health sciences (University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University), applied and organizational psychology (Adler University), and leadership (Justice Institute of British Columbia).

In 2020, as educators around the world were challenged to bring their best teaching online, I took a fresh look at the power of authentic professional learning, online and in person. I am delighted to see the result of that project, my little book, PLAYFUL: The art of teaching virtually, continue to energize instructors, trainers and coaches globally about bringing compassionate and impactful learning and development to organizations and communities using creative and systematic approaches.

These days, when I am not immersed in an education project or course, you may find me strolling the streets of our new home town of Porto with my camera, connecting with friendly neighbours (as well as complete strangers), or just admiring nature's beauty or human ingenuity in beautiful architecture and art. Or crashing a local Pro-D event for educators (despite being in the earliest of stages of mastering Portuguese), discovering colleagues similarly keen on bringing learning alive.

 

Why work together

Perhaps you are helping onboard new team members, or you are being called on to support colleagues in getting up to speed on a new system. Or your organization has learning options that could use a sharper focus, better alignment, or a more engaging and energizing implementation. Or, you envision a more inclusive, diverse and growth-minded future for your business, and you are wondering where to start ...

If some of this describes your current reality, piquing curiosity about what is possible, let's connect to explore ways of furthering your organization's causes together. If we click, let's draw up an action plan – possibly inviting one or two colleagues with whom we have worked together closely over the years. And then: The most powerful part of every plan is the action it sparks and the rewarding experiences it creates!

Get in touch today, so we may begin exploring and taking the action steps together!

 

I am passionate about supporting learners

I have been supporting students and professionals in active experimentation and discovery learning in training and development, facilitation, coaching, behaviour change, health, leadership, and ethics. I occasionally consult on the design of education programs, and I am always available to work with keen students and colleagues.

 

Undergraduate programs

  • Applied Health Science Project (Simon Fraser University)
  • Global Perspectives on Health (Fraser International College)
  • Health and the Built Environment (Simon Fraser University)
  • Health Promotion: Individuals and Communities (Simon Fraser University)
  • Perspectives on Behavioural Risks (Simon Fraser University)
  • Selected Topics in Health Science (Simon Fraser University)

 

Graduate programs

  • Current Issues and Applications in Psychological Sciences (Adler University)
  • Developing Educational Programs and Practices for Diverse Educational Settings (Simon Fraser University)
  • Directed Studies in Population and Public Health (Simon Fraser University)
  • Ethics and Socially Responsible Practice (Adler University)
  • Human Resource Development (Adler University)
  • Models and Theories of Health Education and Promotion (Simon Fraser University)
  • Organization Change and Development (Adler University)
  • Organizational and Individual Coaching (Adler University)
  • Personal Digital Assistant Use for Clinicians (University of Victoria)
  • Planning and Implementing Health Education Programs (Simon Fraser University)
  • Social Psychology and Well-Being in Organizations (Adler University)

 

Professional / continuing studies programs

  • Advanced Facilitation (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Competencies in Leadership – an Integrated Program (BC Housing / Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Critical Thinking (BC Emergency Health Services / Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Essential Skills for Training and Facilitation (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Facilitation Fundamentals (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Facilitator Development Workshop (British Columbia Institute of Technology)
  • Instructional Skills Workshop (University of British Columbia / Justice Institute of British Columbia / BC Housing)
  • Lead Yourself First (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Leadership at Every Level (BC Housing / Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Leading with Resilience (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Presentation Skills Workshop (University of British Columbia)
  • The Effective Use of Mobile Data Devices for Learning in Medical Practice (University of Victoria / University of British Columbia)
  • Tools and Activities for Trainers (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Training and Facilitation Capstone (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
  • Workplace Facilitation Skills (Justice Institute of British Columbia)

 

Credentials and certifications

My study of systems science, leadership, and cognitive, developmental and educational psychology culminated in my earning a doctorate in education from the University of British Columbia. My certifications and professional engagements in educator development, leadership, emotional intelligence and change leadership continue to inspire fresh approaches and enhance my practice as educator and consultant.

As the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) Network's local representative, I help connect educators with professional and personal development programs and networks in Europe and North America. Get in touch to meet other educators passionate about creating powerful learning experiences and outcomes.

You will discover more about me on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) Certified Facilitator and Trainer
Instructional Skills Network


Certified Leadership Development Practitioner
(Leadership Circle 360, Culture Survey / Collective Leadership, Leadership System / Organizational Leadership)
The Leadership Circle


Clear Leadership Trained
Clear Leadership


Certified EQ-i2.0 and EQ360 Practitioner
Multi-Health Systems (MHS)


Certified Change Practitioner
Prosci