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Véronique Marchal – Founder
In my own words: Are we having fun yet? Are we there yet? I am sure the best is yet to come once people from all walks of life, have conversations with one another regularly about things that matter to them.
In 1993, I graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in International Affairs.
I worked in the Communications Department for the National Basketball Association when Michael Jordan was playing - very exciting time to be there. I was also a publicist in women’s tennis and the NHL. I think what I loved the most about those years was being around the stories - the ups and downs - of teams and athletes. It always amazed me how a team has players who "assist" and "rebound," a give and take; they seem to be able to figure out how to be selfless and a leader, ignore the score, and notice the score. And, of course the big lesson that: all losing streaks come to an end - and - all winning streaks come to end.
On a personal note: I enjoy all kinds of music and dance. I laugh and tear up easily and wouldn't want it any other way - reminds me that I am human and not a robot. I was born in Paris, France and my family is French (that explains my French-sounding name). But, I have lived most of my life in America, and have very deep hopes and wishes for America, France, and all peoples of the world.
(Click here for my “Dear Friends” letters which tells you how AND… ACTION! got started.) |
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Glenna Gerard – People & Dialogue Consultant
"When I first heard about AND... ACTION! I thought this was important work as I do believe it is crucial for us to create opportunities for people to be in conversation in ways that invites and supports them to explore their own viewpoints and those that are quite different. When we create conversations where we truly inquire into our own and another's way of seeing an issue we open the door for actually learning how to think more effectively." (www.glennagerard.net)
As for giving you a bio - I always chuckle when I’m asked for my professional bio because most of what I’ve learned has been through 50+ years of life. But, here it is: I was 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 environments.
I wrote a book with Linda Ellinor entitled DIALOGUE: Rediscover the Transforming Power of Conversation, published by John Wiley & Sons, NY in 1998. In my work, I partner with consultants, leaders, individuals, and groups, in the private and public sectors to create quality results.
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