AoC TeleTraining Series:
Testimonials

I am very clear about the work of Heartland around essential conversations and convening as being world class, a match for this time in human evolution and the many challenges individuals, communities, organizations, and countries face. The problem is that people in general, don't know how to listen to each other and don't know how to be in service to the whole around something that matters, even if it is desired. When it rarely happens, it's not by accident. The Heartland work gives people a body of wisdom and practice to set the conditions and hold a space for it to happen. 
I am committed to the work as it is used for connection, breakthrough and transformation. At a minimum, it will inform and inspire those who are sensing the call to be more deeply caring in relationships and more connected to the whole.
-Myron Lowe, Director, Office of Information Technology, University of Minnesota

I started the AoC training skidding along with heels dug in, unsure of what to expect. Quickly I found out the training is about the relationship of my "inner work" to being present to myself and others. There are tools and processes, but absent the self awareness, they are impotent. Not unlike management and leadership. Thank you for further opening these eyes for what feels like the very first time: to my own truths, to my own journey, to my own leadership, to a new way of being in the world.
-Michelle Schmitt, Professional Management Development & Succession Planning, California Department of Social Services

The Art of Convening" TeleTraining which Craig was one of the most enriching experiences I could have imagined. During the course we partnered with another in the group in between regular calls. We all had ample opportunity to relate our own experiences on issues of concern. Craig offered opportunities for each of us to go over seminar material with him one on one. This is not a fluff course, as we all did some serious reading that supported the session themes. The monthly schedule allowed enough time between our teletraining calls to digest what we had studied. The depth of experience shared during the course was wonderful, the design of the program drew from each of us those kernals of knowledge we all came to share.
- John P. Falchi, Owner and CEO, J.P. Falchi and Associates

The Art of Convening helped me step up as a leader of teams on a much deeper level than I ever imagined. The framework and tools Craig uses in the course helped me cultivate a deeper Knowledge of my own competencies. I experienced "real" learning -- the unfolding of knowledge and wisdom as a natural and deliberate outcome of AoC's tools, practices, pacing, and the experiences and insights of fellow colleagues in the group. I highly recommend the Art of Convening to anyone that works with people.
- Trish Lapid Professional and Personal Development Coach

The AoC has been a huge journey for me internally- it helped new thoughts I was having take form, giving me a way to express and use them in a much more powerful way. What I've learned in The Art of Convening has given me the confidence that I can make a difference one person at a time, one group at a time, one department at a time.
- Cindy Jackson, Executive Director of Corporate Training and Development, Aveda Corporation

The AOC is inspired and brilliant. The two of you have done an incredible job of taking the essence of convening and translating it into a form that is accessible to people over the phone. People are clearly on fire with what they are learning and putting it into practice and having amazing results. You get 5 gold stars!
- Pele Rouge, Carrier of Earth Wisdom Teachings

I recently convened a group for four days. This group liked closure and nothing "touchy feely". At the end, they took on strategies we never thought they would agree to, rise to. Many approached me and said, "This was the best retreat ever; I was able to express my very heart's desire. What did you do different from last year?" I said, "We've just learned how to convene. Wasn't that fun?" It was a great joy. Itss all about listening and co-creation.
- Pam Hull, System Director-Team and Strategy Development, HealthEast

I assume your inbox has a flurry of love letters this morning, so I'd like to add one more. I'm still grinning about my being part of the Art of Convening and the power of what we are doing together on the TeleTraining...
- Joyce Wycoff, Co-Founder InnovationNetwork, co-author of Mind Mapping

The big gift of the AoC for me was a well of strength to just keep doing what I know I'm supposed to be doing and trust trust trust!!!... and for helping me get my convening muscle stronger giving me the intestinal fortitude to take some awesome risks with big payoff! I use the words "The Art of Convening" when referring to the meetings I facilitate and now my Audit Managers are using those words too! I'm learning a whole new dance at many levels!!
- Mary Berry, Wells Fargo Audit and Security and Corporate Communications Human Resources

What a wonderful call on Wednesday, I learned so much. Thank again for the AoC, it is rich on many levels and comes at a perfect time.
- Deidre Combs, author of The Way of Conflict

In the Art of Conversation series, we create a space together where deep listening is possible, and something new emerges from our authentic sharing - insight, creativity, generative learning, and from these - hope. In AoC, process and experience are intertwined to create a field of magic!
- Myriam Laberge, Principal, Breakthroughs UNLIMITED Inc. Vancouver, BC

WHAT a GIFT to be with you all last night. I sat weeping tears of gratitude just sitting in my chair after the call. As I blew out my candle I whispered this prayer: Being a convener is my sacred gift I bring to the world! Thank you!
- Ann Marie Stuart, Circle Coach, Enchanted Oaks Consulting, Inc.

I am deeply thankful for your gift of calling people together, invoking the spirit of the circle, creating a space that evokes the best in each of us... so we can all share our deepest inspirations, and be blessed by one another's gifts...you've created such a wonderful opportunity for those of us who feel called to this work, to come together and meet one another, in sacred space...
- Rosa Zubizarreta, M.A., Facilitating Creative Collaboration: Organization Development * Community Engagement

My gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the AOC TeleTraining. It's very meaningful to be a part of these conversations discovering what learning and insight is there through my participation and listening.
- Victoria Ingram, Senior OD Consultant, California State Automobile Association.

Craig, I really enjoyed where this morning’s discussion led. It is always amazing to me that so much is revealed if you simply stay quiet, watch and listen. (This is an important skill for me so I continue to practice regulating my enthusiasm.) And thank you for the great material you have provided as readings and explanations for each AoC session. They contain a wealth of information and insight and are very helpful in seeing how to apply the skills we are learning here.
- Cy Yusten, Executive Director - Advancement Institute, TWIN CITIES RISE!