Linda Denton's Page

How did you learn about Art of Hosting (please add the date and place) and what attracted you to it?

I have been curious about communication, conversations, asking questions,and holding space so people could come together to communication in a different way for several years.In early 2009 I read an online article on AoH and eventually discovered the ALIA West Program at Royal Road University in May 2009. I was hooked. Then I returned to Canada, Vancouver Island in October 2009 and attended the Art of Hosting and Convening Conversations that Matter. This was an intimate and eye opening experience and I had the opportunity to help design one of the sessions. I loved the idea of collaborating together and the experience in being in community.

At this point I was starting to add some of the AoH thinking and processes into my consulting business. In June 2010 I attended the Shambhala & ALIA Summer Institute Authentic Leadership Program in Nova Scotia and returned home excited and eager to use the AoH and then, due to some major life challenges lost my focus on doing this work though continued to study and be engaged on social media.

I have studied and attended workshops on Appreciative Inquiry including a week long event in Carmel, CA with David Cooperrider and Frank Barrett, Theory U, Immunity to Change, and The World Cafe.

Very attracted to this work, way of thinking, and the positive impact this work can have on so many people.

Tell us about your experience with Art of Hosting as part of your life and work. What would you say your competence in it is? (new, starting practitioner, experienced practitioner, steward)

I consider myself between a starting practitioner and a moderately experienced practitioner. I am a seasoned facilitator and have introduced parts of AoH, TWC, and other community methodologies in my work.

What is the primary field/topic/focus in your hosting work?

Organization and leadership team development. I work with senior leaders and their teams.

Where do you live/work?

Southern California

Would you like to share a web address?

http://lindadenton.com

Are there interests/passions that you'd like to share?

Jazz, the ocean, having an impact, deep conversations, reading.