Laura van Dernoot Lipsky’s talks offer a compelling mix of personal insight and cutting-edge research. Filled with stories, quotes (by wise men and women from Bob Marley to Wangari Maathai), and countless New Yorker cartoons, they have been widely praised as both engaging and effective.
It has been said that no one is better than Laura at conveying the cumulative impact of ongoing exposure to suffering or trauma. Audience members frequently experience a shock of recognition as Laura describes the toll their work as helpers to other people or the planet may be taking on their personal and professional lives. For the first time, many understand what they have been going through.
Laura’s concept of stewardship is based around the idea that a deeper understanding of trauma exposure and the tools for navigating systems will enable people to do their work better. Her keynotes often touch listeners to the core, but she never fails to inspire audiences with laughter and a profound sense of hope. Many participants leave these sessions with a renewed sense of purpose and fresh optimism about the possibilities for transformation.
Center for Homeland Defense and Security, United States Naval Postgraduate School