Thought Partner

Marilyn is an enthusiastic thought partner to individuals, groups, and organizations that seek to deepen and broaden their work in the climate change area.

People who choose me to work with them want someone to listen to what’s been on their mind and reflect back on what they have been thinking about. They want to explore good questions. Some have been considering a change in how they work, they may be, building something new and they appreciate Marilyn’s enthusiasm and support. This is all about getting things rolling, following things up and creating something new.

I am working with the Climate Action Studio, Bay Area Green Tours and Cool Petaluma as a deep listener and strategy partner to help them reflect on the work the really want to do, determine different pathways and choose how to reach their goals.

“Working with Marilyn has been vital to my growth as I learn to take action toward a healthier planet. She helped value of my current actions, and then find the inspiration and confidence to take additional actions. And the mind-blowing lesson was that taking action wasn't just an onerous necessity.

I learned that expanding my efforts actually engendered an enjoyment of taking action! Her "let's do this!" energy and encouragement to work in community has energized me! It's because of Marilyn's thought partnership that I'm really looking forward to learning more about climate change and responding with consistent and sustainable action. “

-Fran Wescott, CEO

“Marilyn is the type of listener who helps me articulate thoughts I didn’t even know I was thinking.  She shows such genuine enthusiastic interest that I grow during the conversation. She helps me see paths forward that I was blind to.  And, we often have some good laughs in the process.”

-Professor Benyamin Lichtenstein
Department of Entrepreneurship
University of Massachusetts
Boston Campus

Facilitator

Create an Outstanding Meeting or Retreat

Marilyn works with you to develop your goals and agenda for your meetings or retreats. She helps you achieve your goals through thoughtful and connecting conversations. Most groups run into snags and stale conflicts at times. Marilyn not only teaches useful communication tools, but helps you implement them in real time. She also uses small group work, strategic breaks and playful activities to refresh mental fatigue.

“The workshop was an incredible success! The attendees raved about the valuable takeaways she provided as well as her down-to-earth and humorous presentation style. She’s an excellent facilitator”

-Jennifer Devan Troutman
Program Director, Massachusetts Conference For Women

Speaker

Marilyn gives energizing talks to a wide range of audiences for people who are interested in overcoming overwhelm and exploring a Sabbath and deepening of their contribution to cooling our planet, exploring Shabbat/Sabbath. Her talks are highly interactive and foster lively conversations among her audiences.

Marilyn is recognized by Inc.com as a Top 100 Leadership Speaker, Marilyn brings humor, dynamism and deep wisdom to her work.

“It was such a pleasure to have Marilyn as a keynote at our annual learning conference. Her presence, message, humbleness and wonderful humor — all wrapped together was just outstanding.”

-Pamela McLean, Ph. D
The Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara

“Marilyn was a smash hit. She did this with a wonderful, down-to-earth sense of humor that comes with really knowing your stuff.”

-Rev. Nicholas M. Morris-Kliment
Associate Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church

SAMPLE SPEAKING TOPICS INCLUDE

  • • Mounting evidence shows that true renewal time is key to productivity

    • Relaxed social time is essential for health and longevity

    • Get actionable tips on how to stop in a non-stop world

  • • Integrate Western spiritual teachings about taking Shabbat/ Sabbath with mindfulness and yoga practices to relieve work pressure

    • Reduce the stress of relentless action taking

    • Craft renewal time with support

  • • Define and create your path to personal productivity

    • Find and establish systems and structures to channel your creative energy

    • Implement state-of-the-art wisdom on changing how you get things done

  • • Challenge widespread misinformation about workplace productivity: eg. working longer hours does not enhance work outcomes

    • Recognize that rushing can create extra work. Poor handoffs and unclear agreements create costly misunderstandings

Consulting

Work with Marilyn and David Stroh, author of Systems Thinking for Social Change, at Bridgeway Partners for systemic change.