Dear Friends,

I wrote the rest of this note prior to the unprecedented devastation in Southeast Asia. I am finding it hard to fully comprehend the enormous losses of those who experienced this natural disaster. Each of us can count our blessings AND dig deep in our pocketbooks to make an appropriate financial contribution. This truly will make a difference for survivors. We’ve provided some links in the IWL eNews resource section for your convenience.

It’s hard to believe that we are almost through the first half of the first decade of the 21st century. 2005 is bound to be a defining year for many of us personally and it certainly will be for IWL. We just completed our 5-year planning process and you can expect some exciting new changes to be announced throughout the year at IWL. Our primary focus is always on creating an extraordinary customer experience, both through the quality of our programs and the level of service you can expect to receive. We are doubling our efforts to serve you and your colleagues. We expect to be making some staff additions early this year and will announce them in future eNews issues.

2005 looks to be a year of sustained profitable growth through partnerships including Linkage, Women in Technology International, Barbara Annis & Associates and several other organizations with complimentary services for our clients. We are also excited to be included in the new blockbuster book, ‘Enlightened Power: How Women Are Transforming the Practice of Leadership’ edited by IWL alumnae, Ellen Wingard and Lin Coughlin. The acquisition editor from publisher Jossey-Bass, Kathe Sweeney is also an IWL alumna and will be partnering with us on the book launch set for April 8 2005. As you can see, whole new possibilities are available through our global network and our 50-year renewable lease.

Currently, we have scheduled three-day WLC or PLC programs in Canada, Minnesota, Hawaii, Alaska and, of course, here in the Bay Area. This is likely to be the last year that I personally lead the WLC public programs. With growth comes the need for new program leaders and Helen is proving to be a real star in this area. The lion’s share of my public programs time is increasingly aimed at our Executives Leading Sustainable Change program. We expect to be taking some of that curriculum into the major business schools throughout the U.S. and of course I will be continuing my participation at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Spreading our work throughout institutions of higher education is not only a business goal but a passion. If you should have contacts or interest in advancing our work in academia please call me at 650.556.8800 or drop me an .

We have renewed enthusiasm and resources for supporting our alumni network so look for reunion meetings, one-day advanced programs and other programs to increase your knowledge and application of Contextual Leadership and expand your network of support. If you have specific needs that have not yet been addressed please let me know.

More and more we are playing a larger role in spreading Contextual Leadership throughout our alumni client companies. As you can imagine it makes a huge difference when a business unit, a project team or the entire company is practicing generous listening, action conversations and separating facts from conclusions. I would be honored to discuss this possibility with any of you who are interested.

If you haven’t already done your 2004 register for accomplishment I highly recommend doing it before the end of January. Not only does it help bring you present to the difference you have made but it can open up wider fields of opportunity for 2005 and beyond.

When I do my register and count my blessings I am always grateful and present to the contribution that you have made to my life. It is because of the alumni network that I see a future of endless possibilities and unlimited rewards.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my partner and friend as we change the world one person and one company at a time, starting with ourselves. Have a great 2005 and please stay in touch!

With love and gratitude,

Rayona Sharpnack
Founder and CEO