From Organizational Learning to Transformational Learning
We don't become great leaders from acquiring more information, taking more trainings, or reading more books.
We become great leaders, when we allow the wisdom within that learning to emerge through practice, conversation, and connection.
We become great leaders when we move learning from our heads to our hearts, through our hands.
That is why you are here.
We become great leaders, when we allow the wisdom within that learning to emerge through practice, conversation, and connection.
We become great leaders when we move learning from our heads to our hearts, through our hands.
That is why you are here.
I want to offer you something different.
"The ultimate learning technology is conversation...conversations that solve problems, cross-pollinate ideas, create serendipitous connections, and challenge someone to see situations from a new angle."
~Erik Mosley and Derek Irvine, authors of Making Work Human
How I make it transformational:
Through book circles (not book clubs.)
A book circle is an intersection of training and community building -- it's collaborative and transformational learning rolled into one. It's human connection through books.
Participating in a book circle allows your employees to engage in ongoing generative conversation with peers; step back from the day to day to see the bigger picture, challenge their assumptions, re-envision how they work and lead, learn with and from one another, create deeper human connections, and so much more.
The book acts as the platform and the subject-matter expert, and I act as the bridge between consuming and creating, by way of connected learning. Unlike traditional learning and development structures, my goal is not to teach or deliver content, but to create space for wisdom to emerge from within the individuals and the group.
A book circle is an intersection of training and community building -- it's collaborative and transformational learning rolled into one. It's human connection through books.
Participating in a book circle allows your employees to engage in ongoing generative conversation with peers; step back from the day to day to see the bigger picture, challenge their assumptions, re-envision how they work and lead, learn with and from one another, create deeper human connections, and so much more.
The book acts as the platform and the subject-matter expert, and I act as the bridge between consuming and creating, by way of connected learning. Unlike traditional learning and development structures, my goal is not to teach or deliver content, but to create space for wisdom to emerge from within the individuals and the group.
How It's NOT a traditional book club:
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CROSSING THE THRESHOLD OF CONVICTION
Traditional book clubs don't have much structure, so there might be some rich discussion, but it remains just a discussion. My goal is to create experiential learning that moves learning from the head, to the heart and hands. 
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WORKING IN THE GAP BETWEEN
CHAOS AND ORDER Some structure is necessary, but too much can actually stifle learning. The goal is for us to work in the gap between chaos and order, where true innovation and creativity occur. 
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What it looks like:
Unlike a traditional book club, our circles meet 6 times per book, with the aim of reading deeper and truly bring the learning to life.
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Each session is 90 minutes with time to connect and get present as we start, then into the emergence and experiential learning zone, and ending with a harvest of new thoughts, ideas, and next steps.
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“The purpose of learning isn't to affirm our beliefs;
it's to evolve our beliefs."
~Adam Grant, Think Again
What Book(s) Can We Choose?
I offer book circles in the following areas:
Leadership Development
Communication
Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging
Emotional Intelligence
Self-connection for better other-connection.
Leadership Development
Communication
Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging
Emotional Intelligence
Self-connection for better other-connection.
86% of employees named learning opportunities the most important thing their employers can provide for them on the job.
What is the return on invesment?
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Kind Words From Happy Readers:
Scott Armstrong
CEO, Pioneer Square Brands |
When Theresa presented her book circle idea to me, I was immediately intrigued and, after answering my questions, I knew it would add to the growth of the leadership team and our company overall. It has and will continue to as we work through more books.
As busy leaders, the book circle model allows us to step back and think about our approach to both our team and our job as a whole. It also allows us to see what is happening in other departments that we might not have seen or known. Theresa is engaged, objective, asks powerful questions, and is a great facilitator. My team appreciated her focus on integration and action. |
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Theresa brought in a different perspective to our usual quarterly leadership book review sessions. It was definitely a breath of fresh air and a good nudge to direct us back to our core as leaders amidst our day to day activities.
I appreciate her patience and the different methods she used to engage us and ensure that we are on track with our reading. The way she facilitated the book review served as a reminder and initiated a lot of actionable items from our leadership team, not just to accomplish, but to also model to our team members. |
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📚 Thank you very much, Theresa, for creating a safe and friendly space for us to learn and grow, and to meet colleagues from my organization whom I wouldn't get to know otherwise. Great initiative!
📚 Overall, very positive experience and kudos to all the involved members and five stars to Theresa :)
📚 I felt Theresa did an outstanding job of facilitating these sessions. I enjoyed the experience, learned new perspectives, met new people, and felt I walked away with some meaningful experiences that I will carry with me.
📚 Any book club would be educational, but Theresa's sessions were really dynamic and embracing. She has an excellent moderating skill and provides a well-balanced perspective. I would really love to have her lead the next book club and cannot wait to sign up for the upcoming book sessions!
📚 The bi-monthly meetings of the book circle were very well-prepared, insightful, fun, engaging with a diversified and global community. Theresa's dedication to make us read deeper went beyond expectations, as a virtual meeting with the author of the book we were reading was organized. Truly a fantastic and collegial experience with many insights and practical and deep exercises to put our reading into actions.
📚 For almost a year now, I’ve had the joy to participate in one of Theresa's book circles. Not only have I learned a lot by reading the books with the other members. Theresa really inspires us to put pen to paper and walk the talk (or the book!). She knows how to create a safe and joyful space for us to participate and feel like yes, there is a leader in every chair!
📚 Overall, very positive experience and kudos to all the involved members and five stars to Theresa :)
📚 I felt Theresa did an outstanding job of facilitating these sessions. I enjoyed the experience, learned new perspectives, met new people, and felt I walked away with some meaningful experiences that I will carry with me.
📚 Any book club would be educational, but Theresa's sessions were really dynamic and embracing. She has an excellent moderating skill and provides a well-balanced perspective. I would really love to have her lead the next book club and cannot wait to sign up for the upcoming book sessions!
📚 The bi-monthly meetings of the book circle were very well-prepared, insightful, fun, engaging with a diversified and global community. Theresa's dedication to make us read deeper went beyond expectations, as a virtual meeting with the author of the book we were reading was organized. Truly a fantastic and collegial experience with many insights and practical and deep exercises to put our reading into actions.
📚 For almost a year now, I’ve had the joy to participate in one of Theresa's book circles. Not only have I learned a lot by reading the books with the other members. Theresa really inspires us to put pen to paper and walk the talk (or the book!). She knows how to create a safe and joyful space for us to participate and feel like yes, there is a leader in every chair!
Why Me and Not Someone Else
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By combining my first career in education and educational leadership, with my second career as a professional coach, I have a unique perspective when it comes to learning, development, and leadership.
I know first hand, and through the decade that I have been coaching and mentoring individuals around the globe, that learning alone won't change your leadership practices. Yet, when you combine learning, with community, consistency, and coaching, you move from consuming new ideas, to creating new ways of living and leading. |
Here is what else makes me different:
- I have an extensive background in education, coaching, and educational leadership. This brings a new perspective and new energy to your company and your team.
- I don't believe that learning is one-and-done. I believe in keeping the conversation going long after the "training" is over.
- I believe that we need to treat our learning and growth like we do food or exercise. A little bit everyday, or every few days is what leads to long term success.
- I see more and more people learning in isolation, or not learning at all, so the community aspect of a book circle allows people to gain perspective, co-develop new practices, build trust and cooperation, and collaborate with people they might not normally work with. It encourages them to learn out loud.
- I am there to facilitate no matter what topic you choose, which brings coherence and a through line to your learning as you work through multiple books and multiple topics.
- I like to operate by the philosophy that there is a "leader in every chair." You are the expert, not me.
A few book suggestions...
Remember that these are suggestions. You are welcome to choose a book that meets your current needs.
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