In this conversation with Valerie Livesay, Shakiyla Smith and Dana Carman we explore the current criticisms of adult development theory and what is currently happening in the field of coaching around this topic. Dana Carman is an expert in human and organizational transformation. Since 1984 he has worked as a senior advisor, consultant and executive coach to leaders of more than 200 visionary organizations on 5 five continents. Dana has co-founded two pioneering consultancies and trained and certified more than 500 consultant’s, coaches and change agents worldwide. In the last several years, Dana has co-founded the Action Inquiry Associates, and is an owner, board member and core faculty of MetaIntegral Academy which offers next generation leader development programs for executives and change agents from five continents. Shakiyla Smith is the Vice President of organizational culture at the Fetzer Institute. Shakiyla’s work involves leading efforts to foster a culture that is spiritually grounded, reflective of a community of freedom, diverse and inclusive, organizationally agile, and growth-oriented. Prior to joining Fetzer, Shakiyla worked in the areas of violence prevention research, program development and evaluation, and research administration for more than 15 years both within academia and the federal government. She also works with individuals and groups as an action researcher interested in the evolution of consciousness in adults, adult development, and adaptive and collaborative learning using the method of action inquiry. Valerie Livesay has been thinking about and inquiring into the phenomenon of fallback for more than a decade. As Chief Illuminator at Ghost Light Leadership, Valerie accompanies individuals through their discovery of self using the analogy of theater to set the stage for their historical and unfolding story. Through her writing, speaking, coaching, and workshop offerings, Valerie invites the many characters that comprise the full ensemble of one’s self to dance together in order to better meet their intentions. Valerie is the author of Leaving the Ghost Light Burning. See our latest training, The Power of Embodied Transformation (registration open until March 2nd): www.coachesrising.com/powerofembodie…ransformation/

Dr. Alis Anagnostakis, a leader in adult development research, discusses embracing emotions for personal growth. Dr. Valerie Livesay explores fallbacks in development. They highlight the importance of vulnerability, deep conversations, and exploring power dynamics for leadership growth.