A profession that is still relatively unknown, the visual facilitator is, in a sense, a modern scribe who works on a tablet… Their role is to help people understand a concept by appealing to visual intelligence. Philippe Rilos, from Martinique, who works in this new field, describes himself as a “gardener of collaboration.” Here, he introduces us to the basics of the profession through a unique ethical and spiritual lens shaped by his Rastafarian faith.
MEETING
Martinique 2030: Tell us about this new profession—in what context is it used?
Philippe Rilos: Lao Tzu said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s exactly right. By using images and symbols, we help people understand how something works and tell a story by bringing it to life… It’s a new practice but an ancient process, since scribes were already using it to synthesize and visualize the information they gathered. I work on a tablet, but it’s the same work—I’m a modern scribe. The role of visual facilitation is to make it easier to understand a problem or a concept. It’s used wherever collective intelligence is called upon, such as in seminars, conferences, and corporate meetings. It’s been a growing trend in recent years among large companies; it’s used in marketing and business management to summarize and illustrate everything that emerges from collective thinking, enabling companies to adapt to a constantly changing world.
Visual facilitation is based on deep listening; it is because I listen that I am able to convey what I hear. I have learned to listen to myself, to listen to others, and to be attentive—even though we live in a world where the tendency is to impose one’s own ideas. This is a different path.
M2030: And who is this intended for?
Philippe Rilos: This practice is accessible to everyone because it draws on visual intelligence, which is available to everyone. In fact, it speaks to the inner child; in society, we use it all the time without even realizing it. Traffic laws, for example, use this technique; stop signs and red lights are visual representations of a concept. Everything is a symbol, but we’re accustomed to prioritizing written language, whereas visual facilitation links the word to the symbol and tells a story to make understanding easier.
When we’re little, we’re told that curiosity is a bad habit, but that’s not true! Be curious—it’s a wonderful quality. Be bold—it also lets you tell new stories… We need those new stories today, the ones we’re writing together right now, because we need to bring magic back to history, to bring magic back to the world…
M2030: How do you learn it? Do you need a special talent?
Philippe Rilos: I’m also an instructor, and every time my students say they don’t know how to draw. In reality, that’s a limiting belief, since we start learning to draw as early as age seven—everyone knows how to draw. But at some point, we stop drawing, and then we become convinced that anyone who draws has a special gift. What I practice is called «learning by doing»—the more I do, the more I learn, and what I do gets better as I do it. This talent is one to rediscover within yourself and nurture; there’s no magic wand—you have to put in the work… This teaches you to appreciate the value of effort, to devote time and attention to a discipline, and to embrace effort as something that will yield results. I didn’t go to art school, but today I get paid to draw! I became a visual facilitator through the natural transformation of everything I’d picked up along the way… In fact, I don’t just work—I thrive!
M2030: Who are your customers?
Philippe Rilos: Government agencies and CAC 40 companies that organize internal events. An increasing number of small and medium-sized businesses, institutions, and the political sphere as well—including many senior executives who transition from the private sector to politics. I returned to Martinique to lead a training session at the CNFPT, the organization that trains the territory’s civil servants. I shared practical insights. I also facilitate regional meetings in the Antilles and French Guiana… When I return home, it’s to share what I’ve learned about corporate strategy in Europe; I dedicate my time to serving Martinique.
Interview by Nathalie Laulé
Contact Philippe RILOS, also known as KONGOMAN,
rilos. philippe@gmail.com
