Robert Gass, Art of Leadership
I was a student in Robert Gass’ Art of Leadership in the summer of 2011 at Hollyhock on the traditional and unceded territories of the Klahoose, Tla’amin, and Homalco Nations. In summers following (until 2020) I was one of two or three assistant/coaches supporting the week-long training. His methods and mentorship have deeply influenced my understanding of how to be a powerful support to leaders and change makers. To access his huge library of resources on transforming organizations, head here. To connect with the two other (amazing) coaches from those trainings, see Natasha Aruliah’s profile on LinkedIn, and Lynda Gerty’s page here.
I miss summers at Art of Leadership!

Stina Brown embodies cutting edge work in visioning and creativity for individuals, teams and organizations, bringing passion, professionalism and precision to all that she does. ~Robert Gass

Any Alumni of Art of Leadership would tell you – Robert dials into a purity of presence in his coaching – a loving and intense focus that enables the fullest invitation for the coachee. The high attunement he offers enables transformational self-study and discovery for the coachee. It’s compassion and respect, energy and reciprocity, it’s clear sight. It is Robert’s complete availability – to that person – to that moment – to anything that arises that sets the stage for discovery. Not getting in his own way, projecting, or thinking or judging. Robert knows what’s him and not him. The way he lives his life enables this clarity. His (inner and outer) practices form the foundation for the way he shows up in the world. Every year he would tell students: “A leader cannot develop without practices.” Robert is now retired but the legacy of Art of Leadership carries on through Rockwood Leadership in the US, and with Suzanne Hawkes and Michael Bell now through Hollyhock (online).

Steph Jagger and The Great Big Journey
In a season of massive personal re-invention in late 2017 I had seen Steph speak at an event for “Adventurous Women” in Vancouver, and picked up a signed copy of her (first) book. “Electrifying, heartfelt, and full of humor, UNBOUND is Steph’s story—an odyssey of courage and self-discovery that, like Wild and Eat, Pray, Love, will inspire readers to remove their own restraining devices and pursue the life they are meant to lead.” Her book befriended me in a profound and dramatic way. I signed up and loved being her coachee. She still coaches and if you’re lucky enough – you too can have her kick ass solidarity and deep genius supporting your unbound success. If you want to explore what working with Steph Jagger is like on your Great Big Journey, follow the links~!

She said to me: For a long time in your younger adulthood, you intentionally misaligned your life to be someone you’re not. So, true alignment is going to feel strange and unfamiliar. Now it’s time to find what alignment is about for you, regardless of what anyone else thinks. It will be a practice.

Toby Herzlich and Nina Simons, Cultivating Women’s Leadership
Stina’s first taste of group facilitation work (and women’s+ leadership) was in 2007 with Toby Herzlich and Nina Simon’s Training at Hollyhock on Cortes Island. Toby continued to coach Stina through 2008.

Early Facilitation Learning
Julian Griggs is a precise, generous and caring guide to anyone learning the architecture of design and facilitation work. I trained with him in 2009 – I’ve greatly enjoyed working alongside him on several projects over the years. For anyone looking for a facilitation training – Julian is the first person I recommend to help you deepen your professional practice.