Printable Biography of Glenna Gerard

Occasionally someone will ask me “what is your educational background for the work that you do”. I often chuckle and respond - “50+ years of life”. To me it seems the most complete, honest and credible answer.

Born in the Western United States, before the age of 13 I had lived in a foreign country, learned another language, and knew first hand the ways in which cultures can separate people as well as enrich our lives. In high school I sketched out a design for the world’s first fusion reactor and envisioned myself doing research on how the brain works. I graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Professionally, I’ve developed and written science materials, been a salesperson, a business manager, independent consultant, writer, master facilitator, designer, coach and one of the first people to pioneer the development of a communication form called Dialogue within organizational contexts. I continue to develop ways to make the principles and practices of Dialogue more accessible to people in practical forms, in their individual practice, in a business, in personal relationships, in interfaith and intercultural communities.

I have always been a lover of the Land (mountains, deserts, oceans, rivers, trees, animals…), a hiker, rock climber, sailor. In my emerging work I find myself partnering more fully with the Power of Place and the Rhythms of the Seasons, weaving Presence Walkabout experiences within the landscapes of New Mexico. I am becoming a student of creating “wadis” for individuals and collectives, in workplaces and communities. Wadis are places where water flows seasonally; oases in deserts. A perfect metaphor for those nodes in “space-time” where we can pause, let our shoulders drop, breathe out, and check in with ourselves and others to see what needs attention in order for us to move forward more effectively and wisely.

I wrote a book with Linda Ellinor entitled DIALOGUE: Rediscover the Transforming Power of Conversation, published by John Wiley & Sons, NY in 1998. It has been translated into Portuguese, German and Chinese. Over the last 15 years I have contributed many articles to a variety of international publications, some of which are listed in Suggested Readings.

In my work I partner with consultants, leaders, individuals, and groups, in the private and public sectors to create quality results. For a partial client list go to Individual and Organizational Development Programs.

I am an international traveler and have enjoyed working in the United States, Europe, Canada, South America, Mexico, Asia, and Australia. I speak fluent Spanish.

I am a dancer, a poet, a frustrated musician, a budding permaculturist, a photographer and an avid reader. I currently live in Ojo Caliente, NM on land that my partner, Dave, and I "bought" in 2006.  We are building a home for ourselves and for those who are drawn to this Place for its beauty, wildness and the insights it offers.  I believe all people, including me, want to be happy and free of fear. I hope that each day I contribute in some way to diminishing fear and violence and building peace and happiness among those I come into contact with.