In today’s conversation, I speak with Barbara Hammond. Barbara openly reflects on her personal journey as both a parent and a leader, emphasizing the importance of freedom of mind and connecting authentically. In our discussion, she reveals what she’s seen since learning to rely less on her intellect, and more on her ability to listen to, connect with and understand others. Barbara shares profound insights and points to compassion and presence as being critical in affecting change within a community.

In 2009, Barbara Hammond co-founded The Learning Alliance, an educational nonprofit funded by social venture capital and dedicated to early children’s literacy. The Learning Alliance has been awarded 9 national Pacesetter awards from the campaign for grade-level Reading and has been featured in a PBS NewsHour special for its Moonshot Moment collective impact work. She is the former Chairman of the Board of the Indian River County Mental Health Association and currently serves on the Board of the Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative. She is an Emergent Learning Master Practitioner and conducts leadership development programs.