Event Recap: Perspectives & Paper — An Art & Inclusion Workshop
On July 17, facilitators Jennifer Shinkai (Ikigai & Inclusion Coach) and Sellisha Lockyer (Founder of Sorabird Co) hosted two sold-out sessions of Perspectives & Paper: An Art & Inclusion Workshop at Atelier Shinkai in Tokyo.
Blending creative studio practice with inclusive facilitation, the sessions gave participants room to slow down, explore identity, and co-create multi-perspective art in a supportive environment.
What Participants Experienced: In Their Own Words
The direct feedback from attendees highlights how the workshop felt, what stood out, and why the format resonated so deeply:
1. Recharging in a Safe, Cozy Environment
"Thank you for doing the workshop. You two made a cozy and comfortable space for us."
"I could experience things I hadn't done before and had fun in a safe space."
“The atmosphere of the studio is so relaxing, warm, and inviting. And Jen and Sellisha’s facilitation styles are safe, open, and allow the space to share.”
By opening with a guided nervous system reset and setting clear ground rules—embracing experimentation with zero judgment—the workshop provided immediate relief from day-to-day work stress. 100% of feedback respondents rated the session 5 out of 5 for leaving them refreshed and energized.
Gallery wall after the individual exercise
2. Spurring Genuine Personal Insights & Connection
"It was an enjoyable and thought-provoking event. I learned a few things about myself, and afterwards I was excited to share what I had learned with my family."
"Meeting with unknown would (inspire) us."
“Beyond the event, the connection with other people was what made it truly special.”
Stepping into an unfamiliar experience alongside new people created an immediate sense of camaraderie and self-discovery. Participants noted that the takeaways didn't stop when the session ended—they carried the insights home into their personal and family lives.
3. Experiencing "Inclusion" in Action
"My biggest takeaway was that diversity is what creates new ideas..."
“My biggest takeaway? The collective aspect. Both between participants and between participants and facilitators.”
“The information provided and the activities done really give people a space to be introspective of their actions and beliefs connected to the prompt.”
Rather than treating inclusion as abstract corporate theory, participants experienced it through the collaborative drawing exercise. By rotating paper and building on one another's marks from different physical angles around the room, attendees literally watched diverse perspectives transform into a cohesive piece of artwork.
“Key Takeaways for Business: Why Teams Need Tactile, Creative Intersections
For HR directors, Chief People Officers, and senior leaders, the participant experience offers critical clues on how to address corporate challenges like change fatigue, burnout, and cross-functional friction:
Engaging Right-Brain Intelligence: Modern corporate teams frequently get stuck in analytical "left-brain" loops. Introducing visual, hands-on mediums breaks cognitive fatigue and re-energizes employees to approach complex problems with fresh curiosity.
Building Real Psychological Safety: When hierarchy is removed and no artistic skill is required, team members drop their defenses. This level playing field makes it safe for people to express themselves authentically and listen to others without judgment.
Demonstrating the Business ROI of Diversity: The session makes the core principle of DE&I tangible: differing viewpoints aren't obstacles; they are the engine of innovation. Teams learn to see their colleagues' unique lenses as assets that strengthen the whole system.
Sellisha Lockyer and Jennifer Shinkai co-host “Art and Inclusion”
Bring "Perspectives & Paper" to Your Leadership Team or Organization
Are you looking for an experiential, high-impact session for your upcoming executive offsite, team retreat, or inclusion initiative?
Jennifer Shinkai and Sellisha Lockyer facilitate tailored corporate sessions that combine coaching methodologies, creative tools, and inclusive practices to help teams connect, communicate, and innovate.
Contact & Booking:Book a meeting with Jennifer Shinkai to discuss bringing an Art & Inclusion session to your corporate team.
