One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of Wholeness

Meet Tamala Floyd, whose deep commitment to healing spans over 25 years. In our conversation, Tamala shares her journey from traditional social work and teaching to pioneering accessible paths for emotional healing, particularly for women navigating trauma, mothering, and relationship challenges.We began our conversation by discussing Tamala's latest book, Listening When Parts Speak, and explored the philosophy behind her work. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic model that views the mind as made up of distinct “parts” or sub-personalities, Tamala reveals how healing begins not by silencing these parts, but by approaching them with compassion and curiosity. Through IFS, individuals learn to relate to these inner voices from a place of calm, clarity, and connection, led by the unbroken "capital S" Self within.Our discussion touches on profound ideas about how healing does not require a therapist's office, how ancestral legacies can both shape and burden us, and how true transformation often begins when we listen with openness to the wounded protectors within. Tamala also speaks candidly about her own life, mothering five children, including three adopted, and making bold moves to create a life filled with purpose, adventure, and international travel.Beyond personal healing, Tamala emphasizes the power of community and shared experience, especially when confronting inherited wounds. Her retreats and new audio program, Healing the Wounded Mother, create spaces where women can unburden the past and reclaim joy for future generations.Throughout our conversation, Tamala invites us to reflect on what parts of ourselves still need to be heard, what legacies we are ready to release, and how our healing might ripple outward to our families, our ancestors, and the world.We know you will leave this episode feeling inspired, softened, and deeply hopeful about your own capacity for transformation.

Meet Nicolás García Mayor—an entrepreneur and, truly, an ingénue—who took years of experience in industrial design and channeled it into something far greater. From the start, he knew he was meant to do more for his fellow human beings. Transitioning from corporate design to humanitarian development, Nico applied his engineering and design background to improve communities around the world. We sat down with Nicolás to talk about his journey—from the world of commercial innovation to dedicating his life to helping others. Our conversation begins with Nico sharing his philosophy on life and the deep sense of purpose he felt from a young age—a calling only intensified by a personal tragedy later in life. He moved across the globe, barely speaking English, and overcame countless barriers in pursuit of bringing a transformative idea to life. Rejecting society's conventional definitions of success, Nico followed his heart. That journey led to the creation of the CMAX System—an industrial-scale housing solution with multi-purpose applications such as emergency shelters and mobile clinics. It has been deployed in war zones, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in humanitarian crises across the globe, providing critical infrastructure and safety in times of need. Nico also opens up about the extraordinary logistical challenges he and his team have faced—and continue to face—when delivering aid to the most vulnerable. But for him, the mission is clear: never give up when it comes to improving the lives of others. Throughout our conversation, Nico challenges us to consider the legacy we want to leave. What kind of impact do we want to have during our short time on this earth? What kind of life do we want to live—and are we wasting any of it? We know this episode will leave you reflecting on these questions and filled with the same hope and inspiration that Nico sparked in us.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Meet Director Thennie Freeman, the powerhouse behind the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, who most recently launched the innovative Youth Development Professional Certification Program in partnership with the GW Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. But first, how did she get to this point—where she's empowering other leaders to inspire youth in the workforce today?Director Freeman's passion for community work started at Job Corps, and she has since dedicated herself to supporting children, young adults, and those who lead them today—many of whom have faced adversity. Having learned on the fly early in her career, she understands the challenges of navigating the workforce and has made it her mission to equip leaders with the tools they need to guide young people toward success. You'll learn a lot from her three tools. Much of her life's work focuses on shifting power back into the hands of youth, helping them build confidence and take control of their futures—ultimately leading to the launch of this program, which aims to equip future leaders with the skills needed to effectively mentor and support youth across various educational and community settings.In this episode, Director Freeman also shares insights about her latest project—the newly launched Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center. She tells the story of the facility's namesake, Joy Evans, a young woman born with developmental disabilities who spent much of her short life in an institutional facility. Inspired by her family's experience, advocates pushed for keeping families together while also supporting children of different abilities. That same vision led to the creation of this state-of-the-art center, which features outpatient therapeutic services, a temperature-controlled therapeutic pool, and comprehensive family support—all while fostering inclusivity. And it's open to the public.A key aspect of the facility is its unique biophilic design, which embraces the healing power of nature. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to accommodate individuals of all abilities, ensuring both accessibility and comfort for them and their families.For someone who wears many hats in the community, you might be surprised by where Director Freeman spends much of her time thinking and reflecting. Hint: It may inspire you to jump in! She also teases some exciting upcoming projects focused on bringing learning beyond the classroom and into community spaces.We hope you leave this episode feeling as inspired as we did after hearing Director Freeman's story and her dedication to creating an inclusive space for all.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Meet Gizem Salcigil White, aka the Turkish Coffee Lady! She is the Founder & CEO of Turkish Coffee Lady, the first and only authentic Turkish coffee brand in the U.S., dedicated to building a global community of coffee explorers and empowering women. With a brick-and-mortar coffee house in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Gizem has created a space to share 500 years of Turkish coffee traditions—offering delicious coffee, cultural connection, and community. Her journey began over fifteen years ago with a coffee truck and a mission to "bridge cultures over coffee conversations.” After studying Global Marketing Communications at Emerson University, she realized many people were unfamiliar with Turkish coffee culture. She started organizing social coffee events, which evolved into a “digital coffee house” with fellow entrepreneurs. While working at the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C., she expanded her events into pop-ups, eventually launching her own coffee truck first at GWU and then around the world. Gizem shares the history of Turkish coffee—how it's made, served, read (yes, read!), and enjoyed. In an era of to-go cups and laptop work sessions, she encourages guests to slow down, savor their coffee, and connect with one another. She also champions the concept of Culinary Diplomacy—bringing communities together over food and drink. Despite facing personal challenges, including the pandemic, Gizem remained resilient, diving back into her business with renewed purpose. She founded The Turkish Coffee Lady Foundation, dedicated to community engagement, and has since launched her own coffee blend, opened her dream coffee shop, and continues to empower women to start their own businesses. We know you'll want to immediately go brew a cup after listening to this episode, or better yet, if you're in the Alexandria area, stop by the Turkish Coffee Lady on King Street, where you will feel as though you've been transported to Turkey.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

With a clear vision for empowering women, we are joined on the podcast by author and speaker, Leslie Grossman, a trailblazer in leadership, gender equality, and women's empowerment. After decades of coaching and mentoring women leaders in America, Leslie is now largely focused on helping women gain sight of and reach their vision. Her interest in the topic of vision and vision formation stems from a study she once conducted as a researcher, asking women whether they had a vision within their role as leaders. More often than not, they did. It's the next step, trying to get to their vision, where many often get stuck. What Leslie has learned after years of working with women in business, is that a crucial step is often to simply get out of one's own way. Leslie describes a phenomenon where people become complacent when things are going "fine." Sometimes, it's only when we're pushed out of our comfort zone that we truly discover our vision, and where we want to get to. One important thing to keep in mind? No one reaches their vision alone. Having a “circle of collaboration” around you is vital in creating your vision. Leslie provides tools for creating a vision, explains the difference between visions and goals, and discusses how visions can evolve over time. We left this conversation inspired to re-evaluate our own visions, and we believe you will too. You can read Leslie's latest book, "Start with Vision," to help you start considering your own vision.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

We are joined by Rebecca Henson, Founder and Director of the Springsong Museum in Silver Spring, Maryland, which promises to be a world-class community museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Rachel Carson. With a background in history and environmental policy, and as a Silver Spring local, Rebecca tells us about Rachel Carson—a writer, biologist, and Montgomery County resident who is often regarded as the “Mother of the Modern Environmental Movement.” She also shares her own journey to discovering this visionary and the importance of connecting with the place where one lives. With a shared interest in history, environmental work, the world around her, and the interconnection between humans and nature—and especially the fact that Rachel Carson touched so much of the very community Rebecca and her family call home—Rebecca felt a deep kinship with Rachel. This connection inspired her to learn more about the woman and eventually dedicate her time to bringing the Springsong Museum to life. Rebecca shares a personal struggle and how the idea of material immortality—something she discovered is a tenet of Rachel Carson's work—along with her own connection to the seashore, helped her heal and led her to the work she does today. Surrounded by 25 acres of nature, the Springsong Museum is being designed to merge nature and accessibility through the efforts of many community members. It stands as a true celebration of renewal, nature, and community. We hope you enjoy listening to Rebecca's journey of discovering Rachel Carson, and, along the way, learning so much about herself and the community around her. We encourage you to follow the Springsong Museum's journey and visit it once it opens! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes has dedicated her career to public service and currently serves as the Director of the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services, leading a robust team. Throughout our conversation, she shares insights on balancing her career and motherhood—a challenge faced by many parents, especially women, every day. While some may avoid the topic of managing both children and a career, Dr. Morris-Hughes addresses it head-on, always striving to make the workplace better for future generations. Dr. Morris-Hughes discusses the significant impact that coaches and leaders have had on her journey, particularly when she began her career, while at the same time becoming a new mother. Dr. Morris-Hughes highlighted the distinction between being a leader and being the leader, sharing a personal story where she initially thought coaching was being offered because she was falling short. In reality, it was the opposite—she was being given the support and resources to grow into the potential her superiors saw in her. From the beginning of her coaching journey, values have been a cornerstone of her professional and personal growth, prompting all of us to reflect on our own guiding principles: What values do we prioritize? Later in the episode, Dr. Morris-Hughes talked about how her upbringing influenced her career and how coaching helped her realize that she didn't need to "burn the candle at both ends." This realization not only made her a more effective leader but also a better mother, demonstrating how an external perspective can dramatically reshape our own. Towards the end of our conversation, she introduced the concept of "becoming a corporate athlete" and emphasized how the same steps an athlete takes to stay at the top of their game also apply to leaders aiming for peak performance. Dr. Morris-Hughes also discussed her concept of “professional vacations”—time she sets aside specifically for innovation—and how she encourages her team to do the same, leveraging the coaching and development tools that have been instrumental to her success. We concluded our conversation with Dr. Morris-Hughes shares three key lessons she's learned through coaching: protect your time, create space to rest and recharge, and always maintain perspective. She carries each of these every day, and does her best to instill them in each person she mentors along the way.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Meet Henry Shukman, poet, author, and Zen master. We begin our conversation by exploring how Henry navigates his life, both inwardly and outwardly, with a deep commitment to mindfulness. Henry shares insights on being present in the world and how his various life paths often merge, guided by his body's inclination towards creativity, especially poetry. Starting from his early experiences, Henry recounts a story about a hobo named Speedy who taught him that a home isn't just four walls; the whole world can be your home if you take time to be still every day. This lesson has profoundly influenced Henry's approach to life and spirituality. Henry explains how each person can find their way in the world and how meditation is about coming home to oneself, especially in moments of overwhelm—a feeling most of us can relate to. He reminds us that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to meditation and finding one's deeper self. For those starting, Henry's app, The Way, offers a guided introduction to meditation, making it accessible amidst the overwhelming number of options available. Yoga is another path he suggests, emphasizing the importance of connecting with your body. Addressing the often-discouraging long path of spiritual growth, Henry shares the shifts he has experienced over the years and the journey he still sees ahead of him. It's about the process, not the end goal. He discusses this in his book, "Original Love." Henry also opens up about his concussion and difficult recovery, which helped him realize he was experiencing the world with more "heartfulness," turning his injury into a blessing. He explains why heartbreak, though dreaded by many, can be a valuable teacher. We conclude our conversation with a discussion of Henry's book, "Original Love," which serves as a manifesto, map, and manual for spirituality in the twenty-first century. This essential guide replaces the concept of original sin with original love as the true foundation of life. We know you will leave this conversation feeling rejuvenated and maybe even inspired to begin your journey of meditation if you've been interested but hesitant to start.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

If you ask Tara Palacios about her passion for small businesses and entrepreneurship, she may answer you, “Small business is my schtick.” With a background in marketing and PR in the private sector and a stint helping her father reinvent his own career, Tara followed her gut, moving to a role where she could use her honed skills to help businesses in the community grow. After joining Arlington County over twenty years ago and eventually founding the BizLaunch initiative, she's never looked back.Tara's interactions with her clients often start when they bring her a dream. The work then begins: molding that dream into a reality, assessing the sustainability of the business, moving the plan forward through tangible and calculated actions, making valuable connections, and working through the challenges that inevitably arise. Tara and her team lift up their clients with the tools, resources, and, maybe most important of all, support and encouragement, while entrepreneurs turn their dreams into viable businesses that support the Arlington community.Tara sees the entrepreneurs and small business owners she works with go through the highs and lows of starting a business, and she empowers them to be successful. Throughout the episode, Tara speaks to the importance of helping people get out of their own way, without judgment, allowing their ideas to grow. Tara talks about the ideal candidate and how crucial it is for people to be willing to receive feedback to make their dreams a reality. And the joy her clients feel when that ribbon is cut or the goal is achieved. Tara brings joy to every person she leads, every entrepreneur in the Arlington community and beyond she works with, and certainly brought joy to this episode of the podcast. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Life often leads us down unexpected paths, a truth Kwelli Sneed knows all too well. A graduate of the GWU e-Co Leadership Coaching Program, she now serves as the interim director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety Engagement. Initially joining as Chief of Staff during tumultuous times in the District of Columbia, Kwelli assumed the role of Director following the tragic passing of her friend and colleague, Linda Harlee Harper. She shares insights into navigating these transitions, staying true to herself, and utilizing skills honed through the program.Photography, a passion reignited through a vivid dream reminiscent of her late aunt Sandra, led her to rediscover its significance during the pandemic's chaos, eventually leading her to use photography as the throughline in her coaching. Kwelli discovered the benefits of having her coaching clients use photography to tell the story of who they are, in both their professional and personal lives.During the episode, Bonnie Bucker, Ina Gjikondi, and Kwelli also explore the concept of "line" and "curve," which is a cornerstone of the GWU Leadership Program and is described as representing distinct energies. Kwelli, who identifies as a "line" – analytical and methodical, recognizes the importance of personalizing one's passion as well, a characteristic of someone who describes themselves as a “curve” and follows the twists and turns of life as they come. Inspired by a fellow coach's use of photography in palliative care, she delves into how images evoke emotions and memories, integrating her passion with the science of career coaching, and harmonizing her dual identities.Kwelli demonstrates photography's transformative power by recounting a unique community initiative, providing cameras to teenagers, predominantly boys. Witnessing their introspection and aspirations through their work, she illustrates how photography can empower individuals to explore their identities and aspirations.This conversation acts as a thoughtful reminder to see beyond any barriers you think you may face and to always keep in mind what you're passionate about. You won't want to miss Kwelli's story and how she has stocked her toolbox with tools that will help her use her passions to drive her career.

Ever feel helpless about the state of the world? Investigative journalist Roberta Baskin discusses her shift to finding hopeful stories about businesses creating positive social and environmental impact. She talks about Aim2Flourish, a program she helped to start, and where students discover these companies and write stories that focus on the UN Global Goals. Roberta emphasizes the importance of B Corporations and consumer choices while offering practical tips for reducing your carbon footprint and leaving the world a better place. Tune in and discover how businesses can be a force for good, and what you can do to be part of the solution.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

All change starts with us; even that one little step has the power to create a profound transformation to the larger system. This is just one of the many pieces of wisdom that the Queen of Systems Thinking, Darcy Winslow, imparts to us in this episode. As the Founding President (2010-2020) and co-founder of the Academy for Systems Change, Darcy shares the insights she gained from her extensive corporate career about systems change and systems thinking. She delves into the critical role of building bridges in leadership and, drawing from her experiences at Nike, reveals how collaboration with competitors became a breakthrough in addressing health issues for manufacturing workers. Uncover the power of seemingly insignificant shifts in habit, the impact of having clarity, and the importance of listening to the quiet voice amidst the noise. Don't miss the wisdom shared today, keeping in mind what matters most in this time we are living in.

Equipping the younger generation with environmental awareness and a deep fascination for nature might be our best bet at keeping the planet livable for the foreseeable future. We don't see a lot of people doing that right now, but those who do are doing it in incredibly innovative and inspiring ways. Today's guest makes such an impact in this regard. Frank Sesno is the executive director of the GWU Alliance for a Sustainable Future, a bold university-wide initiative that will form a collective front against the threat of climate change. He's also the director of strategic initiatives at the GW School of Media and Public Affairs, and previously spent 21 years at CNN where he served as White House correspondent, anchor, and Washington bureau chief. Join in as Frank talks about the role of education, the impact of experiential learning, and the importance of fostering curiosity and resilience in students. Tune in and learn how positive forces in society are winning the bid for a more sustainable future.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast

Spiritual practice isn't just personal; it's the collective heartbeat for global healing and transformation. In this episode, organization executive Jim Robinson discusses the depth of how aligning with spiritual energy can drive personal healing and global change. He talks about how the mind, body, and spirit are connected and how his visualization practices helped him get better during a health crisis. Throughout the episode, Jim and the hosts explore the crucial role of a supportive community in sustaining spiritual practices. They analyze the different aspects of willpower, highlighting the importance of having a support system and being dedicated to spiritual practice in order to achieve long-lasting change. Jim talks about the problems in society, like inequality and conflict, and believes that raising our spiritual energy is important for creating peace, justice, and prosperity for everyone. Tune in now and become a force for positive global transformation!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

In a world that is run by numbers and views people as parts of a machine, it can be so easy to lose ourselves and connect to what matters. Adriana Machado fills in the missing piece that connects the corporate world with purpose: systems thinking. Adriana is one of Latin America's most celebrated women business leaders and an outspoken advocate in the impact economy space. She is a former CEO of GE Brazil and Founder of the Briyah Institute, a Benefit Corporation that bridges innovation, practice, and purpose. In this episode, she shares with us how systems thinking emphasizes that instead of machine parts, people themselves are living systems that have the power of self-organization that no machine can ever have. When we apply this to business, we can make a true difference and an even bigger impact not only to ourselves but to the world. Find out more about systems thinking, the importance of spirituality in business, biomimicry, and more in today's conversation!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

“The whole leader demands the whole person— body, mind and soul. And that that is also true of community.” Today's guest believes in this wholeheartedly, and it guides her in fulfilling her purpose. Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner join in an inspiring conversation with Deborah Rundlett, a practical Mystic who guides leaders and their teams in connecting with their inner wisdom and purpose. Debbie shares her wisdom and experiences as she discusses the Poet & Prophet competencies, the importance of reconnecting with core identity, and the transformative power of social action pilgrimages. She delves into the essence of spirituality in leadership and its role in fostering personal and systemic change. Discover how Debbie's work with the Global Consciousness Institute is mapping the terrain of global consciousness and uniting communities worldwide. Tune in for a profound exploration of belonging, wisdom, and the healing journey, as Debbie offers a simple practice for self-awareness and self-discovery.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

We are all on an ever-going journey of self-transformation. Angela Franco has been transforming herself from the inside-out along with the communities she has been a part of. Throughout her journey, she found herself constantly being guided by her passion for helping others. This passion took her from Bogota to Washington, DC, where she is now the President and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, Angela shares with us her inspiring journey of not only self-transformation but also transforming businesses and leadership. She talks about her work and how she brings and lifts others up along with her, especially those minorities, to grow, connect, and attract opportunities. Through it all, Angela shows that true transformations come from the self. Only by doing this does success and the impact you wish to create happen. Join today's conversation and discover transformation from the inside-out.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast

Associate professor and healing touch practitioner Julia Storberg-Walker is an alumna of the e-Co Leadership Coaching Certification at George Washington University. In this conversation with Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner, she opens up on how it impacted her profession and reoriented her everyday life. Julia talks about rediscovering her young self, gaining a deeper understanding of her purpose, and experiencing self-healing. She also explains how she achieved balance between her feminine and masculine energies, as well as how a single drop of grace can change the course of a person's entire life.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Becoming an effective leader is not just about charisma and authority but also wisdom and intellect. Senior Organization Development Consultant Karen Wilhelm Buckley of Communicore Consulting sits down with Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner to talk about cultivating wise leadership. She explains how this requires inner commitment to always take action with intention, purpose, and authenticity. Karen discusses how leaders should act when their vision clashes with the rest of the team and the power of pursuing deeper and steadier development. She also shares how to use the five levels of consciousness in leadership to guide others on making a real difference in the world.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

The best leaders understand that they don't have the answers to everything. They are in that place of curiosity and exploration, just like our guest in this episode. As Senior Vice President, of the West Region at The Coca-Cola Company, Kathy Twells currently leads a multi-million dollar business cultivating innovation and mutual growth for Coca-Cola's customer partners. Today, she joins Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner to talk to us about how she sees the evolution of leadership in this world of constant change. With her podcast, The Coca-Cola Compassion Lab, she promotes emotional agility and mental well-being in the workplace—key traits that allow leaders to stay on top and innovate. Kathy also talks about the importance of curiosity, the power of observation, and overcoming the inner critic. Taking us deep within ourselves, Kathy shows us that we are whole beings who need to respond to life in all kinds of ways and in all kinds of spaces—from work to home. Let this conversation inspire you. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

One of the great things about coaching is how it helps us see beyond the surface and unearth the things inside us that we never thought were causing us stress or even pain. Coach, leader, and visionary Sook Yee Tai is all about helping people see the world from a different lens, leading them to a profound way of seeing themselves and the world. Prior to this extraordinary mission, Sook Yee was on a remarkable spiritual journey that enlightened her about the power of her mind and faith. In this episode, she joins Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner to share this with us and the amazing wisdom she earned along the way. She reflects on her upbringing as a Malaysian and third-generation Chinese, where she learned to integrate her Confucian background with her Christian faith, as well as her career path as a woman leader in a male-dominated field. All of this led Sook Yee to her passion for coaching and nurturing young executives. Find out how her spiritual journey influenced her coaching system and earn key insights on mind-body alignment, healing, and transformation.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

The experience of the coach is always different from the experience of the client. It's not just the client that develops and grows during a coaching session; the coach does as well. As a coach, time with your client is a time for self-reflection and really understanding what it means to be a coach. Join Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner as they talk to Chrystal Checketts, Paris Perrault, and Rosalind (Roz) Wilson. All three of them have also been through the Ecoe-Co-Leadership Coaching Program which puts a significant focus on the inner development of a coach. Discover what they learned from the program and how it has helped them in their coaching journey. Start fully understanding the coaching experience today!

What are the boundaries we put between ourselves and connecting with others? In this episode, Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner talk with Anna Breytenbach, an internationally acclaimed interspecies communicator. Anna guides people worldwide to rediscover and develop their natural senses and connection with all species in an honoring manner through the art of interspecies communication. In our episode, Anna talks about stepping into the imaginative space of connecting with animals and plants, going deep into telepathic intuitive communication, and understanding collective consciousness. Join us and learn more about the deep connection of the rich life forms around us.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

A lot of workplaces these days suffer from toxic competition, discrimination, and other challenges. Sean Harvey, TEDx speaker, author, and former Personal Transformation and Wellbeing Partner at Eileen Fisher, Inc., takes the approach of encouraging every team member to experience inner transformation. Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner chat with Sean as he talks about being an agent of change who guides others in tapping into their creative mind and unleashing their authentic self. He explains how a transformation from within can lead to a complete systems change, giving birth to heart-centered spaces. Sean also talks about his project called Men's Soul Adventures, where he bonds with fellow men through soul-connecting conversations that lead to life-changing spiritual growth.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

With us, we have Karen O'Brien, who's a Professor of Human Geography at the University of Oslo in Norway, and the Cofounder of cCHANGE, a company committed to empowering and activating organizations and people to engage in equitable and sustainable transformations. She has written a wonderful book called You Matter More Than You Think. She has this very beautiful way of communicating complexity, which is inspiring and very actionable. With passion, commitment, and eloquent pen, she's one of the most cited researchers in her field and a sought-after lecturer. Karen's goal is to contribute to a quantum leap to an equitable world, where all life can thrive. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Western civilization fails to appreciate the heart as an intelligence system. But have you ever wondered why it is that when you put your heart into something, you tend to do better? This is where our guest comes in to bridge that gap between heart and creativity. Bruce Cryer is one of the founding members of HeartMath, whose breakthrough research and techniques were instrumental in the exploration of biohacking and performance optimization. In this episode, he joins Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner to discuss the connection of creativity to our way of being. Why are people more drawn to being creative? How do we cultivate that more? Follow along as Bruce gives us the answers. Every human is born with the power to create life. Tap into that today!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner sit down with Melinda Coles, a coach whose mission is to support people in identifying and inhabiting their own abundance. Her advice: speak life into yourself and speak light about yourself. Melinda shares how she attends and connects to that wholeness and allows others to do the same. She also talks about the process of being present to yourself, getting unstuck from the stories that hold you back, and moving forward. Reach into the wholeness within yourself as you follow along with this conversation. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Dreams are more than just dreams. They can take you to places, allow you to create life, and even change your reality. Get ready to explore the mysteries of the mind and the power of our dreams. In this episode, Machiel Klerk, an expert and international speaker on dreams, explores the mysteries of the mind and the power of our dreams. He discusses the power of dream incubation, how to use dreams to unlock our full potential, and how to interpret and apply the messages we receive in our dreams. Machiel also discusses important insights from his book, "Dream Guidance: Connecting to the Soul through Dream Incubation,". He explains how dreams can help us in all areas of our daily lives, from personal growth and development to professional success. Tune in as we explore the world of dream guidance and learn how to connect with our inner wisdom through the power of our dreams.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Finding openness in a closed space may seem contradictory. However, it is where our guests in this episode developed an openness for their own leadership. Michael Paxton and Ryan Humphreys are Leadership Coaches and Factory Managers at the Federal Prison Industries. Together, they share with us how they went beyond the “walls” of the prison environment to connect and support inmates. They each tell their journeys to coaching and what supported their buy-in, by diving deep into the struggles they often face and through gentle nudges that helped them along the way. Looking forward, Michael and Ryan also share their visions for their team and organization as they grow and develop. Join in on this great conversation to discover the importance of coaching in holding that space within the prison walls and beyond.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Dreams are not just a figment of our imagination; they are a language spoken by our bodies. Through dreamwork in coaching, we can unlock the messages hidden within and use them as a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. In this episode, Ina Gjikondi interviews Dr. Bonnie Buckner, the founder of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery (IIDI), to explore the fascinating field of dreamwork. Bonnie explains how dreaming is actually a 24/7 experience. She discusses the often-overlooked connection between dreams and the body and how understanding this connection can lead to powerful insights and personal growth. Bonnie also introduces the different types of dreams among which clear dreams, busy dreams, and nightmares. She explains how coaches can use dreamwork to help their clients achieve their goals. Dr. Buckner also shares personal anecdotes and tips on how to approach Dreamwork in a meaningful and effective way. Don't miss this episode if you're interested in the power of dreams or want to learn more about integrating dreamwork into your coaching practice. Tune in! Connect with Bonnie Buckner: Website | LinkedIn | The George Washington UniversityLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

Academic institutions place great emphasis on learning about the world out there but very little time is spent in the world in here, the inner work of the learner, the leader, and the human being. Ina Gjikondi has observed this, and created the e-Co Leadership Coaching Program and the One Humanity Lab- grounded in an eco-pedagogy of wholeness and interconnectedness, as way to integrating and addressing the fullness of human experience, and not only a part of it. Starting the show, Ina takes the hot-seat for this pilot episode opposite co-host Bonnie Buckner to tell us more about her life, her mission, and the genesis of this podcast. Ina believes in the idea that you are the system, inspiring us with the insight that we contribute to our very own growth and development. Join Ina and Bonnie in this conversation to learn more about the connection between humans and nature, Ina's creative experiences with her son, and creating intentional spaces.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/

In this introductory episode of "One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of Wholeness", our co-hosts Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner delve into the program's vision and story. Grounded in the One Humanity Lab learning space and e-Co Leadership Coaching Program, they share how this show will develop inner capacities in order to truly expand outwards in service to others. From how the show was developed to what it aims to become, tune in and get ready to dive into the ecology of wholeness.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/