Become a Leader. Transform Culture.
the linden leadership collective
What is the Linden Leadership Collective?
In a time of cultural fracture and disconnect
A leadership development program that equips you to bridge divides through dialogue, facilitation, and the courage to stay connected across difference.
A structured leadership development program focused on cross-perspective leadership and constructive engagement across differences.
Program Structure (3-6 months):
- Comprehensive dialogue skills training curriculum
- Facilitated cross-perspective conversations with individuals holding divergent viewpoints
- Critical reflection exercises and creative project development
- Collaborative sharing within a peer learning community
Program Objectives: The Collective develops participants' capacity for bridge-building leadership in polarized environments, emphasizing understanding and connection over persuasion or debate.
Who is the "other"?
""The 'other' is that which must be annihilated or brought into the fold so that the 'self' can remain intact." — bell hooks
"The other" is the person whose views make you want to leave the room—the family member whose politics ruin Thanksgiving, the coworker whose beliefs feel fundamentally wrong, the friend you've stopped talking to because the gap feels too wide.
This work supports individuals navigating relationships strained by divergent values, perspectives or worldviews—in families, workplaces, and communities—through bridge-building dialogue rather than labeling, debate or severance.
Note: Focuses on navigating difference, not managing unsafe or abusive relationships.
How it works
STEP 1: LEARN
Complete the Linden Dialogue Foundations webinar (60-75 min). Learn the framework for bridging division and designing courageous conversations.
STEP 2: BRIDGE
Identify your "other" and initiate one conversation. Practice staying grounded, holding space, and listening for humanity—even when it's hard.
STEP 3: REFLECT & CREATE
Create an artistic response—essay, poem, art, film, podcast, any medium—that captures your insights.
STEP 4: SHARE
Showcase your creative work and reflections to the cohort. Receive peer feedback, celebrate the courage this work required, and contribute to the Linden online archive.
STEP 5: LEAD
Facilitate a guided small-group dialogue where participants share personal stories to build understanding across difference. Complete this capstone experience to earn your Linden Leadership credential in dialogue facilitation and constructive engagement.
What you gain
Program Components:
- Linden Dialogue Foundations training seminar
- Conversation framework guide and curated resource library
- Complete capstone experience to earn your Linden Leadership credential in dialogue facilitation and constructive engagement.
- Peer review process and community support network
- Professional digital credential for portfolio and professional profiles
- Inclusion in the Linden Leadership archive
WHO IS THIS FOR
Ideal Participants:
- Individuals navigating relationships complicated by divergent values or worldviews
- Those seeking constructive engagement strategies rather than conflict avoidance
- Participants committed to developing bridge-building skills and self-reflection
- Leaders valuing authenticity, courage, and humanizing dialogue in challenging conversations
- Anyone invested in personal growth through difficult interpersonal work
Program Scope: This program focuses on navigating legitimate ideological and values-based differences. It is designed for constructive engagement and mutual understanding, not persuasion tactics or behavior modification of others. The program does not address relationships involving abuse, harassment, or safety concerns, which require specialized intervention.
Target Audience: Emerging and established leaders navigating division within families, organizations, educational institutions, workplaces, or communities.