Leading Conversations

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Therese Poulsen, Founder and Director, Breath of Hope Foundation, Inc & internationally recognized yoga master and holistic healer. In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, Therese realized that her unique background in teaching and holistic healing might give her the means to make a difference in the shattered lives and their distressed communities. She knew that material relief efforts, however vital, would never address the inner devastation caused by the tsunami and the forever-changed world it would leave behind. Her mission became clear: to rebuild shattered hope – to help repair distressed bodies, psyches, souls, and lives – from the inside out. In July 2005, drawing on her leadership skills & her passion for making a difference in the world, Therese established numerous Breath of Hope program sites at schools, orphanages and community centers in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The results have been phenomenal.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Paul Dudley Hart, former CEO of Pacific Crest Outward Bound School, currently serving as Director at large for Mercy Corps, an International humanitarian aid and development organization. Paul travels the globe with Mercy Corps working amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Paul has learned through his assignments at Mercy Corps, that communities recovering from war and social upheaval must be agents of their own transformation for change to endure. How does this apply to for profit organizations and the leaders who are responsible for them? Is this thinking possible in an environment of short-term goals and financial targets? It may be easier than you think. Join Cheryl & Paul in the conversation Empowering Transformation.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Jeffrey Glassman, J.D., founder of RainforestMaker, a non profit organization dedicated to saving and growing back the Earth’s rainforests- one tree at a time. Jeff is a highly successful attorney – a “rainmaker”- with passion for his work. Not having much time to play, he vacations as hard as he works. He adventures to exotic lands, climbs mountains, and explores wild coastlines. In 2004, while in Costa Rica Jeff says, “I was awed by its incredible beauty and I remember feeling the Rainforest was alive! …And there were huge tracts of Rainforest land that had been completely destroyed.” With that, the seed was planted and over the next couple of years ideas sprouted - until he decided that ideas were not enough. It was time for action. Join us to hear Jeff share the most important adventure of his life that takes him from a childhood love of trees to a passionate mission to effect change in the rainforest and make a difference for the planet.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Kristin Engvig, founder of the internationally acclaimed Women’s International Networking Conference and Global Forum. Kristin Engvig is on a mission. In her own words: “Women have a vital role to play in this century and each and every one of us embodies the power to influence, to decide, to lead and to be a change agent. Women’s empowered leadership is key in transforming organizations, communities and even ourselves into the future, creating sustainable change through authentic action - alongside men. While exploring feminine power, understanding our own masculine becomes crucial, as balance is the ultimate goal.” Hear Kristin tell her story of inspiration to begin this journey and where it as led her today. Join the conversation!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Michael Ray, author of The Highest Goal: The Secret That Sustains You in Every Moment. He is Professor of Creativity and Innovation, and of Marketing at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. His books, Creativity In Business and The Path of the Everyday Hero, have influenced people in organizations all around the world--not only in their work, but all areas of their lives. Michael writes, “To be of service and make a contribution only you can make to the universe, you must become a generative leader-no matter what your role in life. You can be a leader to yourself, to one other person or to the world. But if you start right now with an intention of being generative, of letting your creativity create creativity around you, of giving and receiving, you’ll see remarkable things happen.” Join the conversation to learn how you can tap into your highest goal and inspire that in others!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Luisah Teish, a writer and extraordinary storyteller, internationally known for her performances of African, Caribbean, and African-American folklore and feminist myth. She is author of Jump Up: Good Times Throughout the Season with Celebrations from Around the World and Carnival of the Spirit. Teish connects us with the ancestors, bringing wisdom traditions and rituals to life. Her stories teach us what the ancients knew about the natural rhythms of the seasons, how cultures thrive and communities prosper. Teish says, “Stand knowing that you are an ancestor of the future.” What will your story be? Join the conversation for a magical hour with Luisah Teish!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Stewart Levine, founder of ResolutionWorks, and co-author of Collaboration 2.0: Technology and Best Practices for Successful Collaboration in a Web 2.0 World. To thrive in this century, leaders of organizations and global projects have to rely on and expect that people will bring their best thinking to the table even if it is controversial or isn’t what everyone wants to hear. Without this, leaders risk not making informed decisions on critical issues. Virtual teams and a mobile workforce make this even more challenging. Forging consensus quickly and easily may sound like an oxymoron to some; to Stewart it is the only option. After years as a practicing attorney, followed by a role as a corporate executive, he now teaches “conversational competence” to leaders around the world. Join us in the conversation and learn what it takes to build that Resolutionary muscle and turn potential conflict into collaboration every time.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Peter Barnes, co-founder of Working Assets, successful journalist, thought leader, and author of Capitalism 3.0: A Guide To Reclaiming The Commons. Capitalism needs an upgrade. Our current economic “operating system” fits the 18th century more than the 21st century. “When capitalism started, nature was abundant and capital was scarce; it thus made sense to reward capital above all else. Today we're awash in capital and literally running out of nature.” Peter points the way to a future in which we can retain capitalism’s virtues while mitigating its vices. All of us -entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, community activists, politicians, et.al- have a role to play in shaping a future for the coming generations. Are you ready? Join Cheryl & Peter for Common Wealth: Leading the Future.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Luisah Teish, a writer and extraordinary storyteller, internationally known for her performances of African, Caribbean, and African-American folklore and feminist myth. She is author of Jump Up: Good Times Throughout the Season with Celebrations from Around the World and Carnival of the Spirit. Teish connects us with the ancestors, bringing wisdom traditions and rituals to life. Her stories teach us what the ancients knew about the natural rhythms of the seasons, how cultures thrive and communities prosper. Teish says, “Stand knowing that you are an ancestor of the future.” What will your story be? Join the conversation for a magical hour with Luisah Teish!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Peter Wrycza, founder of the Nirarta Centre for Living Awareness in Bali. Peter says: “In 1995 I stood in a grove of clove trees overlooking a river in a serene valley between the sea and the mountains and realized that this was my moment of choice. I could stick with my familiar work and territory in Europe. Or I could take the risk of buying land in a far-off place, and create a centre for people to connect with the core of their life.” Balinese philosophy emphasizes harmony between one's own 'small world' and the wider world around us. Perfect for the transformational experience offered here for those in search of renewal and inspiration for life and purpose. Peter is co-author of Living Awareness: Awakening to the Roots of Learning and Perception; and When Performance Meets Alignment: A Compass for Coaching and Mentoring. He coaches and consults to leaders around the world. Join the conversation for a taste of the Nirarta experience!