how we work
Meaningful, effective, and equitable engagement requires more than good intentions. It requires actively creating the conditions for people to participate — to feel a sense of belonging, engage in conversations across difference, and imagine what might be possible together.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that how we gather shapes what’s possible. When conversations are designed with intention, people are better able to listen, learn, and make decisions together — even in the midst of complexity, uncertainty, or disagreement.
While we support a wide range of organizations and contexts, the thread connecting our work is a shared commitment to putting people and relationships first.
designing the conditions for better conversations
We help organizations move beyond “the way we’ve always done things” toward engagement that is thoughtful, inclusive, and human.
That means creating the conditions where:
People feel invited, not managed
Differences can be named and explored with care
Ideas can evolve through dialogue, not debate
Decisions are shaped by insight, not just urgency
Our vision is a world where people can engage in meaningful dialogue across difference — where we may not always agree, but our relationships are strengthened through the process of conversation.
what it’s like to work with us
When you work with Tilia, you can expect:
A process designed for clarity, not performative participation
High care and high structure, so conversations can actually move forward
Inclusive practice that is practical, not just aspirational
Outputs you can use — and relationships that are stronger because of the process
Our approach combines care, structure, and curiosity, helping organizations make better decisions while strengthening the relationships that matter most
Everything we do at Tilia is rooted in creating the conditions in our communities where everyone can thrive, feel a sense of belonging and be resilient in stormy weather.
Our values guide how we design processes, how we show up in the room, and how we hold responsibility for the work we do.
We act with integrity. We engage in self-reflection and personal critique, seeking out and acknowledging our own biases. We include those who have different perspectives and experiences from our own, understanding that together we are stronger. We hold ourselves accountable for elevating community voices and advocating for those who are underrepresented or excluded.
We are collaborative. We work in partnership with our clients and believe that relationships matter. We connect people to one another to create communities that we want to be part of.
We are curious. We listen to learn, understanding that even in sameness there is difference and recognizing the evolving and dynamic nature of intersecting identities and experiences.
We are creative. We try new things, thinking on our feet and adjusting to circumstances as they arise. We are systems thinkers who understand that magic happens in the messy middle.
We are transformational. Our work creates stronger, more resilient and more equitable decisions that bring out the best in people, inspire positive action and create possibilities for positive futures.
people are at the heart of our work
We believe people should be involved in the decisions that affect their lives, and that participation should be designed in ways that respect people’s realities, capacities, and lived experiences.
When organizations listen deeply to the people and communities connected to their work, the result is stronger insight, more grounded decisions, and outcomes that are more resilient over time.
That’s where we come in — creating space for meaningful participation, thoughtful dialogue, and shared understanding, so you can move forward with greater clarity, care, and confidence.
