Transformational Speaking

Holy fool wisdom (and replay)

I’ve always known Diana Chapman to be a Holy Fool.

And it was clear that Chip Conley is as much of one as I am…
just with a bigger budget.

Our conversation was wide-ranging, and the feedback said it better than I could:

“Oozing with wisdom.”
“Great stories.”
“Made my day.”
“Fun, insightful, encouraging.”
“It went deep… and still had a lightness.”

Get the replay and wisdom in the comments

Join the Holy Fools Day Celebration as Chip Conley enters the circle!

Not a reasonable use of your time… unless you’re done being reasonable.

📅 April 1
⏰ 1 pm Pacific, 2 pm Mountain, 3 pm Central, 4 pm Eastern, and on and on and on

Yes, we’ll record it.
But live is where the mischief happens.

Together we’ll explore the question
that politely waits…until it doesn’t.

Play it safe—
or live what’s calling?

Enter at your own risk.
You might remember.
You might act.
You might not be able to go back.

Registration link in the comments. (It's free)

On Wednesday, March 11, I’ll be in a listening-led conversation with Derek Gehl, CEO of Modern Elder Academy. We will be exploring the shift from speaking what’s true to listening for what’s next—and why curiosity, play and listening are essential capacities in uncertain times.

We’ll explore:

What becomes possible when we stop trying to figure everything out?

Where does transformational originate and how can we access it?

What surprised Derek in Transformational Listening and how has it changed how he listens and loves and leads?

How can listening reveal the next step when the future is still unclear?

If this speaks to you, bring your curiosity and questions and join us for this enlivening conversation!

Register to join us live for the March 11 conversation →

https://www.meawisdom.com/live-sessions/transformational-listening/

And if you want to know more now, scroll down below my signature for links to both the Transformational Listening and Transformational Speaking programs at our new program home at MEA’s Rising Circle Ranch in Santa Fe.

Read more about Transformational Listening here:
https://backend.leadconnectorhq.com/emails/schedule/preview/qLSD4lvoOZNxckQIyhii/69a6ff28858062145aef851f

A wonderful speech from the heart.

We just completed the first Transformational Speaking Immersion at Modern Elder Academy's Rising Circle Ranch in NM, and our new program home is spectacular as was the class! Next up with space is July 26-31 as June 22-27 is fully enrolled.
L to R: Susan Fisher (Los Angeles); Jane Marie Hogan (Ashland, OR); Erin Newkirk (Minneapolis); Laura Francis (Oakland); Gail Larsen and Amie Tulius (Santa Fe) and Camilla Sanderson (NH).

CHANGE THE WORLD ONE BOOK AT A TIME:
Make a Positive and Meaningful Difference with Your Words

This caught my eye (Gail) and I intend to check it out. Nina Amir shows how words can make a difference through books that spark change, start movements, and make this a better world.

https://www.amazon.com/Change-World-One-Book-Time/dp/1963667298 #

Change the World One Book At a Time: Make a Positive and Meaningful Difference With Your Words Change the World One Book At a Time: Make a Positive and Meaningful Difference With Your Words

What if there is nothing to figure out?

I enter the New Year with a double whammy: a birthday and a new year—both of which can throw my Capricorn mind into overload with all that might be possible if I could just FIGURE IT OUT.

After all, the war cry of the Capricorn is:
“There’s a harder way to do this, and I’ll find it—even if it kills me!”

This pattern is deeply embedded, and I tend to succumb to it before the wiser part of me steps in to remind me of something my great teacher Angeles Arrien often said:

Each day there are two plans.
My Plan.
And the Mystery’s Plan.

I’ve lived enough life to know that the Mystery’s Plan is always the higher road—designed for greater freedom, deeper joy, and a more truthful expression of who we are.

That understanding gave rise to a new program—one that opens us to the Mystery’s Plan.

Read the rest:
https://realspeaking.com/what-if-theres-nothing-to-figure-out/

At the solstice…
we stand at a threshold.
A place where light and dark meet…
in dynamic balance.
The dark invites us to listen deeply.
The light calls us into expression.
In dark times,
May we Listen not only for what is ours to do—
But also for who we are to become.
May we trust the medicine
that is uniquely ours to carry.
And may we offer it in service of a world
that honors all of life.
May this turning of the year
meet you exactly where you are.
And may your Listening
guide your light.

Last week we completed our last Transformational Speaking immersion of the year in Santa Fe, and all programs move to Rising Circle Ranch at the Modern Elder Academy in 2026! Next up Feb. 2-7 with just one opening of six remaining. If it's yours, please message me for an application and let's get on zoom and see if we're a fit!
This beautiful group L to R: Kathryn Poling (Pacific Grove, CA); Eli Buren (Boulder, CO); moi (Santa Fe); Sean Leffers (Topanga, CA); Estelle Bingham (London, UK), Bradlee Juall (Austin, TX)

Light Friday! Your One-Stop Inspiration Shop

We love our authors and Transformational Speakers!

And every year, I gather their newest creations into a holiday giftbook list that just might save you from wandering the aisles (real or virtual) wondering what to give.

Think of this as your one-stop inspiration shop — with something for everyone on your list, from the wonder-filled children to the kick-ass elders who keep life interesting:

https://realspeaking.com/books-list-2025/