Our modern world is a paradox: we are more virtually connected to each other, but many would say that we are less connected personally. For those on the front-lines of social change, a focus on wellbeing, connection, and reaching full human potential is a common challenge. In several exercises, we will reflect on our own sense of connection and life satisfaction, explore how greater awareness can help us better cope with challenges, and explore who we are in relation to self, others, and the world.
Terry Gilbey is a seasoned executive who has worked in both for profit and nonprofit organizations leading change, bringing stability, and empowering organizations to step into their full potential. While his primary focus has been solving complex problems within organizations and teams, he also has started companies from the ground up. Terry retired from the corporate world 10 years ago and first came to Esalen as a work scholar. He later returned as an extended student, and then remained on with a handful of community members during the Institute's closure. At that time, he worked in the Esalen Kitchen and supported the management team as they worked through the complex task of re-opening. Terry was named General Manager to oversee and support daily operations and, in January of 2018, took on the additional responsibility for Programming, Human Resources, and Marketing and Communications. In June 2018 Terry was appointed CEO.
Terry strives to maintain an attitude of continual learning, leadership trustworthiness, and personal authenticity. He has experience and a proven track record in transforming organizations, projects, and people through a focus on continuous improvement, integration, and adoption of industry best practices and processes, effective team-building and collaboration, customer satisfaction, financial responsibility, and cross-functional relationships. Having lived and worked in multiple regions of Europe, North America, and Asia, Terry also values how geographic and cultural diversity can broaden perspective and strengthen a team.
With a strong commitment to personal growth and social transformation, Cheryl has served as the Director of Programs for Esalen Institute since 2006. Cheryl has work in a leadership capacity supporting emerging ideas through the Wellbeing Project, Esalen Program Ambassadors, the Holistic Center’s Network and numerous other strategic partnerships. Prior to Esalen, Cheryl focused on transformative education as well. For over 5 years, Cheryl worked as the Central States Regional Manager for Programs Abroad for AFS International Exchange Programs, for over 3 years as the Director of Volunteer Development for the Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area and for over 5 years as the Program Coordinator at the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Business/School Partnership program. Cheryl resides in Carmel, CA where gardening, beekeeping, and singing play a major role in her life.
