Welcome to the CPL blog where we bring leading-edge thinking and stories of purpose in action. You can count on learnings and brilliance gleaned from our work with Purposeful Leaders around the globe. As authors of The Art of Convening™, we explore how convening brings your purpose alive.
Part 1 of a 2-part series:
“… The ability to transform your company and your personal opportunities is life changing … and world changing.”
Part 2: The Exciting Possibilities of Changing Workplace Demographics (2 Converging Trends)
Part 1 of a 2-part series:
“… The ability to transform your company and your personal opportunities is life changing … and world changing.”
Part 2: The Exciting Possibilities of Changing Workplace Demographics (2 Converging Trends)
We love connecting in a variety of ways. That includes connecting on various platforms as well as connecting you to other leaders that, like you, care deeply about the impact created, and legacy being built.
Read MoreWarren Buffet says “no” to the non-essentials. For Steve Jobs it was “saying yes to the few things that truly matter”. Getting to the heart of the matter is essential to a successful life/work.
Read MoreHave you been trapped in a boring Q&A session? There is another way!
One that takes as much time, maybe even less and addresses what most people are thinking and want to hear about.
What if the focus of this podcast were: How to make your meetings amazing again! (or for the first time?)
…the most important thing that every leader should be asking: What is at the heart of the matter? (purpose) … Why should this meeting even happen?
The phrase “actions speak louder than words” guides human interaction in the real world. Virtually, our actions and words combine. … efforts within any virtual sphere should be held with the same reverence as a real-world interaction.
Read MoreThe question the author asks is: “How does an aspirational purpose stand up to the demands of daily business? For many firms, the answer is not very well.”
An intriguing and timely inquiry.
Read More“A few words well-placed can really change the trajectory of somebody's career.”
Read More
As Site Director of Public Allies Twin Cities, Jonathan’s responsibilities span from managing growth to fundraising to managing compliance standards for Federal, State, and CNCS reporting, to last, but most important, providing leadership and skills development opportunity for Program Managers that represent Public Allies to the community.
Public Allies Twin Cities is a program of Pillsbury United Communities, and a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. The core team of Jonathan, Andrea Carroll-Franck and Francisco Guzman, along with allies that are embedded into local organizations, work with nonprofits, schools, or government agencies that need support building capacity, and are known for their people and program excellence.
Craig Neal, originator of the Art of Convening Trainings, shares his interview of Jonathan’s journey of service. If you look at Jonathan’s LinkedIn profile, you’ll see these words or intention consistently throughout: provide leadership and skills development, increased engagement and participation, maximize opportunity and capacity.
In addition to work with Public Allies, Jonathan also expresses his passion as Co-Founder, Music Producer, Vocal/Studio Performance Coach at FHG Studios, and Praxis Group MN, which focuses on building capacity for organizations and systems. He’s a busy man!
Enjoy the interview!
We are sad to say goodbye to Anna Patterson, our marketing and social media intern for the past year.
Anna has expanded our social media game, while keeping an eye on our marketing. Together, we have discovered the delights of using Craig’s beautiful sunrises/sunsets to connect in new ways via Instagram. Along with this, Anna has influenced our Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram presences and beyond!
Anna just completed her degree in Strategic Communication and Political Science and is on her way to Chicago to work for Coyote Logistics. We wish her the best of luck!
We are excited to welcome a new intern to the CPL team! This summer, Olivia Bretzman will be joining our marketing team. Olivia just finished her freshman year at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. While there, she participates in volunteer programs and club figure skating as well as intense academics as she works towards her BA in English and a Spanish minor.
She is excited to begin her time here at the Center for Purposeful Leadership. Olivia’s passion for leadership and genuine connection fuel intention into her abilities in writing, social media, technology, and marketing.
Welcome back to Sarah Flores, a summer marketing and web redesign intern.
After graduating from Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa, with a B.B.A in Marketing Management with an interest in sustainability, as well as working in Denver for a year, we’re thrilled to have Sarah for the summer before she finds her next work in the Twin Cities.
During the summer Sarah will be actively looking in the job market for various positions in marketing - agency or departmental, business development programs as well as account executive positions.
We also welcome Charlie Francois to be point on our web redesign, working with integrating the various platforms we use.
We have a lot of ground to cover this summer! With these gifted people, we can continue to adjust to the rapidly evolving online world, and serve you in the best way possible!
Edward Dugger III, president of Reinventure Capital and an early pioneer in impact investing, explores the intersection between the venture capital community and racial equity.
Edward Dugger III, president of Reinventure Capital and an early pioneer in impact investing, explores the intersection between the venture capital community and racial equity.
Edward Dugger III, president of Reinventure Capital and an early pioneer in impact investing, explores the intersection between the venture capital community and racial equity.
[repost from 2019] This is Thanksgiving holiday week In the US. November is also Native American Heritage Month. Family, friends and neighbors may be gathering. This week, we invite you to practice the art of deep listening, as a way to connect or reconnect in new ways. We offer 3 practices and 2 exercises. Let us know how it goes!
Finding your inner climate leadership
Edward Dugger III, president of Reinventure Capital and an early pioneer in impact investing, explores the intersection between the venture capital community and racial equity.
Through the magic of Zoom rooms*, you can self-select to choose the focus that interests you for a "deeper dive" conversation.
craigneal5756
You never know what is going to happen at the lake… when I get down here in the morning after a beautiful rain. … And this—this piece of art, this piece of beauty.
Purpose Moment at the lake #PurposeMoment #BdeMakaSka #beauty #pause #reflection #gratitude
craigneal5756
I”m often asked, “Why do I come every day? What is it that drives you to the lake every day?” I come to the lake at sIt’s a sense of place, a sense of being, a sense of belonging … i experience the daily drumbeat. it’s a practice. Thank you for practicing with me.
Purpose Moment at the lake #PurposeMoment #BdeMakaSka #beauty #pause #reflection #gratitude
craigneal5756
I’ve been taking photographs here every day, every morning for seven years. So here I am, with you, my friends, those that wish to see beauty, as I do.
Last night I couldn’t sleep so I came down here and here I am with the ducks, and the geese, and you.
Purpose Moment at the lake #PurposeMoment #BdeMakaSka #beauty #pause #reflection #gratitude
Kiron R. Dawkins, Purposeful Leader, Rapper, Minister, Executive Director of Supportive Services for Veterans and Families of a Hudson Valley Multi-service Nonprofit Organization, Husband, and Dad of five daughters has led a remarkable life. Craig Neal, originator of the Art of Convening Trainings shares his interview of Kiron's fascinating journey. From the streets of New York as a 3-sport athlete, All-city All-county designations in football and a City championship, to the lessons of being shot in college, an early career as a rapper leading to the ministry, all the way to serving homeless veterans with exceptional results. He shares how the Art of Convening training helped to transform his team and redefine true collaboration.
Enjoy the interview, then read on below for more.
Ireland…
WestCOP SVF Regional Coordinator: Kiron Dawkins, kdawkins@westcop.org
Kiron stands at the forefront of the rapidly changing non-profit industry through services innovation. He’s spent the last four years evangelizing an industry-wide shift of community-based collaboration to service returning Veterans and has helped position WestCOP as a leader in the space of critical time interventions with Veterans in housing crisis.
Throughout his 12-year tenure with WestCOP, Kiron has built a reputation for developing business strategies, incubating new program models, and building out programs in key areas. He also developed and manages the largest Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families Program (SSVF) and has brought nearly four million dollars to the region over the last three years with another near two million in year four to serve Veterans under this initiative. Embracing the core values of integrity, innovation, and growth, Kiron consistently ranks among the top 5% of WestCOP employees.
WestCOP: Support Services for Veterans and Their Families
Home > Programs > Support Services for Veterans and Their Families
About SVF:
Far too many veterans are homeless in America. The SSVF Program helps veteran households (single veterans or veterans and their families) that are currently homeless or at risk of losing their housing. It provides temporary financial assistance and many other services that create stability.
It is estimated that between 130,000 and 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night; three times that many veterans are struggling with excessive rent burdens and thus at increased risk of homelessness.
One out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country.
40% OF HOMELESS ARE VETERANS
400,000 VETERANS WILL EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS THIS YEAR
97% OF THESE VETERANS ARE MALE
67% SERVED 3 OR MORE YEARS
A disproportionate amount – approximately 40% – of homeless men are veterans, even though veterans comprise only 34% of the general adult male population. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that 400,000 veterans will experience homelessness during the course of a year and 97% of those homeless veterans will be male. A large percentage – 67% – served three or more years in the armed forces protecting our country, and 47% are Vietnam Era Vets.
craigneal5756
Good morning from the lake. I was in New York City at Union Square for the 1st Earth Day celebration in 1070. We constructed a plastic dome powered by giant fans with air conditioners and named it the cleanest air in NY. Today's Purpose Moment video honors our relationship to the earth and all its beings.
Purpose Moment at the lake #PurposeMoment #BdeMakaSka# beauty #pause #reflection #gratitude
Purpose Moment at the lake #PurposeMoment #BdeMakaSka# beauty #pause #reflection #gratitude
In this week’s Purpose Shared post, Art of Convening Train the Trainer graduate Tom McSteen brings us the story of a journey of life as a corporate lawyer with a growing awareness of larger global forces at play. Experiencing and being moved by the power of indigenous wisdom led to a global exploration of his own healing from a lifelong disability, to creating healing conversations through founding Sacred Discourse, an intentional, heart-centered framework for having relational and connected conversations between individuals, within groups, and across society.
Tom’s explorations and trainings have taken him Minnesota to California to across Europe, South America.
Ireland…
Craig Neal, originator of the Art of Convening Trainings, interviews Tom on how The Art of Convening has impacted his life and informed his work in the world.
More links to Tom’s work:
Sacred Discourse - Facebook - YouTube
We have admired and been touched by the poetry of W.S. Merwin for many years. The line excerpted from this poem is particularly poignant in the midst of tragic events.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 BY MERWIN CONSERVANCY
Through all of youth I was looking for you
without knowing what I was looking for
or what to call you I think I did not
even know I was looking how would I
have known you when I saw you as I did
time after time when you appeared to me
as you did naked offering yourself
entirely at that moment and you let
me breathe you touch you taste you knowing
no more than I did and only when I
began to think of losing you did I
recognize you when you were already
part memory part distance remaining
mine in the ways that I learn to miss you
from what we cannot hold the stars are made
— W.S. Merwin, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Shadow of Sirius (2009), and found in the newly released collection The Essential W.S. Merwin (2017, Copper Canyon Press), used by permission of the publishers.
Copyright © 2017 by W. S. Merwin.
From the https://merwinconservancy.org/: It is with great sadness and an abiding reverence that we say goodbye to W.S. Merwin, a true master in the art of poetry and a profound ecologist. Beyond the extraordinary legacies of his poetic and botanical achievements, William has left us all deeply inspired to make the world around us a better place through word and deed, and to see and preserve the natural world as the exquisite poem it is.
The Merwin Conservancy inspires innovation in the arts and sciences by advancing the ideas of W.S. Merwin as fearless and graceful examples of the power of imagination and renewal.
GETTY IMAGES
When our children were young, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was a program I could absolutely trust to be thoughtful and fun. Recently I was reminded from two different sources the many leadership lessons we received, as well.
Kudos to PBS who aired "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" and Southern Living Magazine for highlighting the leadership that Fred Rogers stood for and demonstrated. Read on for words of wisdom that inspire, offer perspective, and remind us all of our worthiness and inherent ability to make a difference in the lives of others. In other words, leadership.
"As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has--or ever will have--something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression."
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
FOTOS INTERNATIONAL/GETTY IMAGES
“If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”
“Our world hangs like a magnificent jewel in the vastness of space. Every one of us is a part of that jewel. A facet of that jewel. And in the perspective of infinity, our differences are infinitesimal. We are intimately related. May we never even pretend that we are not.”
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
“I hope you’re proud of yourself for the times you’ve said ‘yes,’ when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to somebody else.”
“Whether we're a preschooler or a young teen, a graduating college senior or a retired person, we human beings all want to know that we're acceptable, that our being alive somehow makes a difference in the lives of others.”
“It's our insides that make us who we are, that allow us to dream and wonder and feel for others. That's what's essential. That's what will always make the biggest difference in our world.”
“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”
"Part of the problem with the word disabilities is that it immediately suggests an inability to see or hear or walk or do other things that many of us take for granted. But what of people who can't feel? Or talk about their feelings? Or manage their feelings in constructive ways? What of people who aren't able to form close and strong relationships? And people who cannot find fulfillment in their lives, or those who have lost hope, who live in disappointment and bitterness and find in life no joy, no love? These, it seems to me, are the real disabilities."
"Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now."
I hope these words have sparked some joy, inspiration, remembering of your true value and purpose in our world.
Additional reading: 20 Gentle Quotations from Mister Rogers, Mental Floss
“A few words well-placed can really change the trajectory of somebody's career.”