Shows
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessDr. Natalie Houghtby-Haddon On Leading With Purpose In Uncertain TimesWe sat down with Dr. Natalie Houghtby-Haddon, a longtime colleague of both Bonnie and Ina through the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (GW CEPL). Our conversation began with her new role as Executive Director of the Center, stepping in at a time of transition and uncertainty. For more than two decades, the Center has focused largely on federal government leadership training, but as that landscape shifts, so does CEPL’s direction. Originally launched to support local government employees, the Center quickly evolved to serve the federal workforce, adding executive coaching to its...2025-07-1535 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessListening When Parts Speak: Healing From Within With Tamala FloydMeet Tamala Floyd, whose deep commitment to healing spans over 25 years. In our conversation, Tamala shares her journey from traditional social work and teaching to pioneering accessible paths for emotional healing, particularly for women navigating trauma, mothering, and relationship challenges.We began our conversation by discussing Tamala’s latest book, Listening When Parts Speak, and explored the philosophy behind her work. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic model that views the mind as made up of distinct “parts” or sub-personalities, Tamala reveals how healing begins not by silencing these parts, but by approa...2025-05-2628 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessFrom Innovation To Impact: Nicolás García Mayor’s Mission To Help The WorldMeet Nicolás García Mayor—an entrepreneur and, truly, an ingénue—who took years of experience in industrial design and channeled it into something far greater. From the start, he knew he was meant to do more for his fellow human beings. Transitioning from corporate design to humanitarian development, Nico applied his engineering and design background to improve communities around the world. We sat down with Nicolás to talk about his journey—from the world of commercial innovation to dedicating his life to helping others. Our conversation begins with Nico sharing his philosophy...2025-04-2439 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessEmpowering The Next Generation: Director Thennie Freeman On Leadership, Inclusion, And Community ImpactMeet Director Thennie Freeman, the powerhouse behind the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, who most recently launched the innovative Youth Development Professional Certification Program in partnership with the GW Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. But first, how did she get to this point—where she’s empowering other leaders to inspire youth in the workforce today?Director Freeman’s passion for community work started at Job Corps, and she has since dedicated herself to supporting children, young adults, and those who lead them today—many of whom have faced adversity. Having learned on the f...2025-04-0234 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessBrewing Connections: How Gizem Salcigil White Is Bringing Turkish Coffee Culture To The WorldMeet Gizem Salcigil White, aka the Turkish Coffee Lady! She is the Founder & CEO of Turkish Coffee Lady, the first and only authentic Turkish coffee brand in the U.S., dedicated to building a global community of coffee explorers and empowering women. With a brick-and-mortar coffee house in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Gizem has created a space to share 500 years of Turkish coffee traditions—offering delicious coffee, cultural connection, and community. Her journey began over fifteen years ago with a coffee truck and a mission to "bridge cultures over coffee conversations.” After studying Global Marketing Commu...2025-02-2433 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessFinding Your Vision With Leslie Grossman: Overcoming Obstacles And Reaching Your PotentialWith a clear vision for empowering women, we are joined on the podcast by author and speaker, Leslie Grossman, a trailblazer in leadership, gender equality, and women's empowerment. After decades of coaching and mentoring women leaders in America, Leslie is now largely focused on helping women gain sight of and reach their vision. Her interest in the topic of vision and vision formation stems from a study she once conducted as a researcher, asking women whether they had a vision within their role as leaders. More often than not, they did. It’s the next step, trying to get to...2025-01-0831 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessDiscovering Rachel Carson: Rebecca Henson On Legacy, Nature, And Building Community At The Springsong MuseumWe are joined by Rebecca Henson, Founder and Director of the Springsong Museum in Silver Spring, Maryland, which promises to be a world-class community museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Rachel Carson. With a background in history and environmental policy, and as a Silver Spring local, Rebecca tells us about Rachel Carson—a writer, biologist, and Montgomery County resident who is often regarded as the “Mother of the Modern Environmental Movement.” She also shares her own journey to discovering this visionary and the importance of connecting with the place where one lives. With a share...2024-12-1035 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessBalancing Leadership And Life: Insights From Dr. Unique Morris-HughesDr. Unique Morris-Hughes has dedicated her career to public service and currently serves as the Director of the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services, leading a robust team. Throughout our conversation, she shares insights on balancing her career and motherhood—a challenge faced by many parents, especially women, every day. While some may avoid the topic of managing both children and a career, Dr. Morris-Hughes addresses it head-on, always striving to make the workplace better for future generations. Dr. Morris-Hughes discusses the significant impact that coaches and leaders have had on her journey, particularly whe...2024-10-2933 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessOriginal Love With Henry ShukmanMeet Henry Shukman, poet, author, and Zen master. We begin our conversation by exploring how Henry navigates his life, both inwardly and outwardly, with a deep commitment to mindfulness. Henry shares insights on being present in the world and how his various life paths often merge, guided by his body's inclination towards creativity, especially poetry. Starting from his early experiences, Henry recounts a story about a hobo named Speedy who taught him that a home isn't just four walls; the whole world can be your home if you take time to be still every day. T...2024-08-2137 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessEntrepreneurship As A Reinvention Of Self With Tara PalaciosIf you ask Tara Palacios about her passion for small businesses and entrepreneurship, she may answer you, “Small business is my schtick.” With a background in marketing and PR in the private sector and a stint helping her father reinvent his own career, Tara followed her gut, moving to a role where she could use her honed skills to help businesses in the community grow. After joining Arlington County over twenty years ago and eventually founding the BizLaunch initiative, she’s never looked back.Tara’s interactions with her clients often start when they bring he...2024-06-2543 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessHarmonizing Passions: Career Coaching Through Photography With Kwelli SneedLife often leads us down unexpected paths, a truth Kwelli Sneed knows all too well. A graduate of the GWU e-Co Leadership Coaching Program, she now serves as the interim director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety Engagement. Initially joining as Chief of Staff during tumultuous times in the District of Columbia, Kwelli assumed the role of Director following the tragic passing of her friend and colleague, Linda Harlee Harper. She shares insights into navigating these transitions, staying true to herself, and utilizing skills honed through the program.Photography, a passion reignited through a...2024-05-2133 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessAim To Flourish With Roberta BaskinEver feel helpless about the state of the world? Investigative journalist Roberta Baskin discusses her shift to finding hopeful stories about businesses creating positive social and environmental impact. She talks about Aim2Flourish, a program she helped to start, and where students discover these companies and write stories that focus on the UN Global Goals. Roberta emphasizes the importance of B Corporations and consumer choices while offering practical tips for reducing your carbon footprint and leaving the world a better place. Tune in and discover how businesses can be a force for good, and what you can do to...2024-04-2530 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessThe Impact Of Systems Thinking For A Better Future With Darcy WinslowAll change starts with us; even that one little step has the power to create a profound transformation to the larger system. This is just one of the many pieces of wisdom that the Queen of Systems Thinking, Darcy Winslow, imparts to us in this episode. As the Founding President (2010-2020) and co-founder of the Academy for Systems Change, Darcy shares the insights she gained from her extensive corporate career about systems change and systems thinking. She delves into the critical role of building bridges in leadership and, drawing from her experiences at Nike, reveals how collaboration with competitors...2024-03-2031 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessFostering Environmental Awareness Through Storytelling, Education, And Experiential Learning With Frank SesnoEquipping the younger generation with environmental awareness and a deep fascination for nature might be our best bet at keeping the planet livable for the foreseeable future. We don’t see a lot of people doing that right now, but those who do are doing it in incredibly innovative and inspiring ways. Today’s guest makes such an impact in this regard. Frank Sesno is the executive director of the GWU Alliance for a Sustainable Future, a bold university-wide initiative that will form a collective front against the threat of climate change. He's also the director of strategic initiatives at t...2024-03-0628 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessMind, Body, And Spirit: Healing And Transformation With Jim RobinsonSpiritual practice isn't just personal; it's the collective heartbeat for global healing and transformation. In this episode, organization executive Jim Robinson discusses the depth of how aligning with spiritual energy can drive personal healing and global change. He talks about how the mind, body, and spirit are connected and how his visualization practices helped him get better during a health crisis. Throughout the episode, Jim and the hosts explore the crucial role of a supportive community in sustaining spiritual practices. They analyze the different aspects of willpower, highlighting the importance of having a support system and being dedicated to...2023-12-2933 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessSystems Thinking: The Missing Piece In Today’s Corporate World With Adriana MachadoIn a world that is run by numbers and views people as parts of a machine, it can be so easy to lose ourselves and connect to what matters. Adriana Machado fills in the missing piece that connects the corporate world with purpose: systems thinking. Adriana is one of Latin America’s most celebrated women business leaders and an outspoken advocate in the impact economy space. She is a former CEO of GE Brazil and Founder of the Briyah Institute, a Benefit Corporation that bridges innovation, practice, and purpose. In this episode, she shares with us how systems thinking em...2023-12-1433 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessPoets & Prophets: Nurturing Belonging And Wisdom In Leadership With Deborah Rundlett“The whole leader demands the whole person— body, mind and soul. And that that is also true of community.” Today’s guest believes in this wholeheartedly, and it guides her in fulfilling her purpose. Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner join in an inspiring conversation with Deborah Rundlett, a practical Mystic who guides leaders and their teams in connecting with their inner wisdom and purpose. Debbie shares her wisdom and experiences as she discusses the Poet & Prophet competencies, the importance of reconnecting with core identity, and the transformative power of social action pilgrimages. She delves into the essence of spirituality in leade...2023-11-3028 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessFrom Bogota To Washington DC: Inside-Out Business And Leadership Transformations With Angela FrancoWe are all on an ever-going journey of self-transformation. Angela Franco has been transforming herself from the inside-out along with the communities she has been a part of. Throughout her journey, she found herself constantly being guided by her passion for helping others. This passion took her from Bogota to Washington, DC, where she is now the President and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, Angela shares with us her inspiring journey of not only self-transformation but also transforming businesses and leadership. She talks about her work and how she brings and lifts others up alo...2023-11-1625 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessA Drop of Grace with Julia Storberg-WalkerAssociate professor and healing touch practitioner Julia Storberg-Walker is an alumna of the e-Co Leadership Coaching Certification at George Washington University. In this conversation with Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner, she opens up on how it impacted her profession and reoriented her everyday life. Julia talks about rediscovering her young self, gaining a deeper understanding of her purpose, and experiencing self-healing. She also explains how she achieved balance between her feminine and masculine energies, as well as how a single drop of grace can change the course of a person’s entire life....2023-11-0322 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessOn Wise Leadership With Karen Wilhelm BuckleyBecoming an effective leader is not just about charisma and authority but also wisdom and intellect. Senior Organization Development Consultant Karen Wilhelm Buckley of Communicore Consulting sits down with Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner to talk about cultivating wise leadership. She explains how this requires inner commitment to always take action with intention, purpose, and authenticity. Karen discusses how leaders should act when their vision clashes with the rest of the team and the power of pursuing deeper and steadier development. She also shares how to use the five levels of consciousness in leadership to guide others on making...2023-10-1338 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessThe Coca-Cola Compassion Lab: Leadership Artistry with Kathy TwellsThe best leaders understand that they don’t have the answers to everything. They are in that place of curiosity and exploration, just like our guest in this episode. As Senior Vice President, of the West Region at The Coca-Cola Company, Kathy Twells currently leads a multi-million dollar business cultivating innovation and mutual growth for Coca-Cola’s customer partners. Today, she joins Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner to talk to us about how she sees the evolution of leadership in this world of constant change. With her podcast, The Coca-Cola Compassion Lab, she promotes emotional agility and mental well-being in the...2023-10-0632 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessThe Magic Of Coaching And Spiritual Awakening With Sook Yee TaiOne of the great things about coaching is how it helps us see beyond the surface and unearth the things inside us that we never thought were causing us stress or even pain. Coach, leader, and visionary Sook Yee Tai is all about helping people see the world from a different lens, leading them to a profound way of seeing themselves and the world. Prior to this extraordinary mission, Sook Yee was on a remarkable spiritual journey that enlightened her about the power of her mind and faith. In this episode, she joins Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner to sh...2023-10-0537 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessThe Coaching Experience: Growing Alongside Your Client As A Coach With Chrystal Checketts, Paris Perrault, And Rosalind (Roz) WilsonThe experience of the coach is always different from the experience of the client. It’s not just the client that develops and grows during a coaching session; the coach does as well. As a coach, time with your client is a time for self-reflection and really understanding what it means to be a coach. Join Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner as they talk to Chrystal Checketts, Paris Perrault, and Rosalind (Roz) Wilson. All three of them have also been through the Ecoe-Co-Leadership Coaching Program which puts a significant focus on the inner development of a coach. Discover what they...2023-08-0949 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessA Conversation On The Art Of Interspecies Communication With Anna BreytenbachWhat are the boundaries we put between ourselves and connecting with others? In this episode, Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner talk with Anna Breytenbach, an internationally acclaimed interspecies communicator. Anna guides people worldwide to rediscover and develop their natural senses and connection with all species in an honoring manner through the art of interspecies communication. In our episode, Anna talks about stepping into the imaginative space of connecting with animals and plants, going deep into telepathic intuitive communication, and understanding collective consciousness. Join us and learn more about the deep connection of the rich life forms around us.2023-07-2649 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessHow Inner Transformation Can Lead To Systems Change With Sean HarveyA lot of workplaces these days suffer from toxic competition, discrimination, and other challenges. Sean Harvey, TEDx speaker, author, and former Personal Transformation and Wellbeing Partner at Eileen Fisher, Inc., takes the approach of encouraging every team member to experience inner transformation. Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner chat with Sean as he talks about being an agent of change who guides others in tapping into their creative mind and unleashing their authentic self. He explains how a transformation from within can lead to a complete systems change, giving birth to heart-centered spaces. Sean also talks about his project called...2023-07-1247 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessYou Matter More Than You Think With Karen O'BrienWith us, we have Karen O’Brien, who’s a Professor of Human Geography at the University of Oslo in Norway, and the Cofounder of cCHANGE, a company committed to empowering and activating organizations and people to engage in equitable and sustainable transformations. She has written a wonderful book called You Matter More Than You Think. She has this very beautiful way of communicating complexity, which is inspiring and very actionable. With passion, commitment, and eloquent pen, she’s one of the most cited researchers in her field and a sought-after lecturer. Karen’s goal is to contribute to a quantum...2023-06-2844 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessConnecting To Creativity As A Way Of Being With Bruce CryerWestern civilization fails to appreciate the heart as an intelligence system. But have you ever wondered why it is that when you put your heart into something, you tend to do better? This is where our guest comes in to bridge that gap between heart and creativity. Bruce Cryer is one of the founding members of HeartMath, whose breakthrough research and techniques were instrumental in the exploration of biohacking and performance optimization. In this episode, he joins Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner to discuss the connection of creativity to our way of being. Why are people more drawn to bein...2023-06-1450 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessSpeak Life And Speak Light Into Yourself With Melinda ColesIna Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner sit down with Melinda Coles, a coach whose mission is to support people in identifying and inhabiting their own abundance. Her advice: speak life into yourself and speak light about yourself. Melinda shares how she attends and connects to that wholeness and allows others to do the same. She also talks about the process of being present to yourself, getting unstuck from the stories that hold you back, and moving forward. Reach into the wholeness within yourself as you follow along with this conversation. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, re...2023-05-3143 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessDream Guidance: The Path To Self-Discovery Through Dream Incubation With Machiel KlerkDreams are more than just dreams. They can take you to places, allow you to create life, and even change your reality. Get ready to explore the mysteries of the mind and the power of our dreams. In this episode, Machiel Klerk, an expert and international speaker on dreams, explores the mysteries of the mind and the power of our dreams. He discusses the power of dream incubation, how to use dreams to unlock our full potential, and how to interpret and apply the messages we receive in our dreams. Machiel also discusses important insights from his book, "Dream...2023-05-1731 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessNavigating the Closed and Curious Spaces Within Us with Michael Paxton and Ryan HumphreysFinding openness in a closed space may seem contradictory. However, it is where our guests in this episode developed an openness for their own leadership. Michael Paxton and Ryan Humphreys are Leadership Coaches and Factory Managers at the Federal Prison Industries. Together, they share with us how they went beyond the “walls” of the prison environment to connect and support inmates. They each tell their journeys to coaching and what supported their buy-in, by diving deep into the struggles they often face and through gentle nudges that helped them along the way. Looking forward, Michael and Ryan also share their...2023-05-0346 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessUnlocking the Language of Dreams in Coaching with Dr. Bonnie BucknerDreams are not just a figment of our imagination; they are a language spoken by our bodies. Through dreamwork in coaching, we can unlock the messages hidden within and use them as a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. In this episode, Ina Gjikondi interviews Dr. Bonnie Buckner, the founder of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery (IIDI), to explore the fascinating field of dreamwork. Bonnie explains how dreaming is actually a 24/7 experience. She discusses the often-overlooked connection between dreams and the body and how understanding this connection can lead to powerful insights and personal growth. Bonnie...2023-04-2439 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessYou Are The System: An Eco-Pedagogy Of Wholeness And InterconnectednessAcademic institutions place great emphasis on learning about the world out there but very little time is spent in the world in here, the inner work of the learner, the leader, and the human being. Ina Gjikondi has observed this, and created the e-Co Leadership Coaching Program and the One Humanity Lab- grounded in an eco-pedagogy of wholeness and interconnectedness, as way to integrating and addressing the fullness of human experience, and not only a part of it. Starting the show, Ina takes the hot-seat for this pilot episode opposite co-host Bonnie Buckner to tell us more about her li...2023-04-1231 min
One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessOne Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of WholenessIn this introductory episode of "One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of Wholeness", our co-hosts Ina Gjikondi and Bonnie Buckner delve into the program's vision and story. Grounded in the One Humanity Lab learning space and e-Co Leadership Coaching Program, they share how this show will develop inner capacities in order to truly expand outwards in service to others. From how the show was developed to what it aims to become, tune in and get ready to dive into the ecology of wholeness.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu...2023-03-1810 min
The Coca-Cola Compassion LabConscious Leaders & Dream Weavers With Ina Gjikondi And Bonnie BucknerHow do you create lives of meaning and service? By becoming conscious leaders and dream weavers. Today, Katherine Twells has two special guests to introduce to you - Bonnie Buckner and Ina Gjikondi. Bonnie is the Founder and Head of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery. Ina is the Founder & e-Co Leadership Coaching Program Director at George Washington University’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. Bonnie and Ina talk about listening to your dreams, opening yourself up to the world, and connecting with your inner intuition. Because when you follow your intuition, you make better decisions. Do you...2022-01-0252 min