Art of Convening™ Testimonials

CONNECT. ENGAGE. COLLABORATE.

TOOLS AND SKILLS FOR HIGH IMPACT CONVERSATIONS AND GATHERINGS:
IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
INFLUENCE ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE.
TRANSFORM YOURSELF AND YOUR CULTURE.

View these videos to hear what AoC Graduates have to say:

I just completed my Art of Convening Certification. Right from the first Zoom session I was able to apply the learning to my professional and personal life! By the end of the program I was using the AoC principles to design my meetings and people actually started looking forward to attending! I am looking forward to being in touch with both Patricia and Craig to learn more to bring soul and breath back to board and meeting rooms!

Cecily Victor, Berrett-Koehler Publishing Foundation

I came away from The Art of Convening Training (AoC) more energized, focused and ready to forge ahead with an appreciation of what was missing in our traditional approach to holding meetings. We have implemented the AoC within our organization and using the convening principles are gaining greater/deeper participation and collaboration in our meetings.

Leisa Thompson, General Manager, Environmental Services, Metropolitan Council, Minnesota

I enrolled in the AoC because of my work; I thought it would be a useful resource for organizing meetings. Little did I know that this would be a transformative and empowering journey, that would not only change the way I participate in meetings, but also (and perhaps mainly) the way I connect with people.

The AoC gave me an easy-to follow, yet powerful structure to organize gatherings that have a clear purpose and generate authentic engagement. It replaced my fear of leading with the capacity to convene in a way that allows for wisdom to flourish and changes to be generated. But more than that, the Art of Convening gave me the confidence, motivation and inspiration I needed to start creating a new way of leading people towards growth and positive change.

Ana Terra, Executive Assistant to Monika Winslow, CEO, TimelessToday

CPL helped me use the Art of Convening to plan an important series of meetings that were much more successful as a result. I received feedback from participants that these meetings were among the most effective they’d ever experienced, and it was clear to me that they resulted in productive outcomes and very positive energy. The Art of Convening works, and CPL is a valuable partner!

Dave Rapaport, Vice President, Earth and Community Care, Ben & Jerry’s

Wow! What an awesome experience this has been with a truly wonderful international cohort of learners. My word was GENEROSITY…it rose up through the generosity of spirit present amongst everyone in the group. I am forever grateful for this gift that will, no doubt, keep on giving.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It has been a privilege and a joy!

Brian Mogren, Executive Director, Alafia Foundation

Thanks for such an eye opening, well-done training. Using the Convening Wheel tool was a huge aha for me. It helped me to realize there were steps I was missing in convening meetings. I have already used this in meetings I have facilitated with very positive outcomes.

Stuart Ackman, Ackman Commercial Realty

The Art of Convening Training has been a very rich experience. I walked away with so much insight and confidence in planning future meetings. I knew when I have convened meetings in the past that something didn't work, but could never really put my finger on it. This training really helped me to identify that there were important steps that I was missing along the way.  I’m looking forward to put these new tools and skills into action.

Janet Brown, Associate Director, Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy

The Art of Convening has had a truly positive impact on my both professional and personal life.  It has helped me get clear on my own values and intents, and as a result, to engage in more authentic and impactful conversations with others.  I’ve experienced a new and improved depth in my relationships, and as a result, significantly improved collaboration and outcomes.

I use convening principles with much success, in settings ranging to 1:1 conversations, to audiences of several hundred.  As a matter of fact, using the convening wheel has become a habit. The quality of our relationships is the organizing principle behind so many outcomes, both personal and professional.  

Thanks to this practice, I am experiencing more rewarding and positive outcomes in both spheres. I’ve just started the process of engaging my entire team in learning this practice and I am already seeing the results in our workplace.

Kim Kristenson-Lee, Labyrinth Leadership Group, LLC, Black Oak Casino Resort

Culture is how people express and define themselves within an organization. Engaged, purposeful people create thriving cultures leading to greater success and higher ROI. 

Focusing on purpose creates a conversation about intention, engagement and ultimately alignment of culture. 

Nils Stahlschmidt, Kommune Coaching

I’m finding myself imagining gatherings in a new way, with more satisfying connections and fruitful outcomes.

Marcia Kirk, Wellness Acupuncture Cancer Care

I’ve gotten so much from the Virtual course. I love how you’ve put together all the tools to make a really meaningful experience. Designing my own on line class as a case study was a great real time learning opportunity – thank you! 

Diane Nettifee, president, Magis Ventures

Trainings at a Glance

√ Pre and Post Assessments

√ A copy of The Art of Convening book or e-version

√ Curriculum: overview of the AoC Book, course readings, journaling  

√ Interactive exercises designed to maximize collaborative learning and application

√ Applied learning: each training incorporates a "Case Study" and Council Process reflective inquiry

√ Co-learning: with course participants

√ 1:1 coaching with CPL/AoC Certified Convener

√ Training completion certification

√ ICF CCEs: students who participate fully in each aspect of program (either in-person or virtually) will be able to receive Continuing Coach Education credits for an additional fee.

Training Delivery Options

Virtual Core Training via Zoom*
        *new series begin in February
In-house Customized Program
Trainer Certification

"The Art of Convening operationalizes dialogue principles and practices."

-Dr. Daniel Pesut, Director, Densford Center for International Nursing Leadership, University of Minnesota School of Nursing