Robyn Stratton-Berkessel
| Pronouns | She/Her/Hers |
|---|---|
| Education | Monash University, Master of Science in Organization Development; University of Sydney, Bachelor of Arts; RMIT University, Bachelor of Business Admin; Case Western Reserve University, |
| Areas of Expertise |
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| Connect Online |
LinkedIn Personal Website |
Biography
Robyn’s first career was as a Teacher-of-English-as-a-second language (ESL) in the workplace in her homeland Australia. She loved the meaning and purpose of that contribution. She designed many programs under the umbrella of English for Specific Purposes such as English for Engineers, English for Medical Professionals, English for Administrators.
Robyn Stratton-Berkessel has enjoyed a career in human and organization development for nearly 30 years, focusing on whole system, participatory change methodologies.
Designer and Facilitator of Positive Change
Robyn is recognized for her strengths in designing and facilitating positive change. She collaborates with executives and teams across functional, cultural, and geographic boundaries, designing and delivering impactful change initiatives. Her work focuses on creating cultures of ownership, engagement, and inclusion. With strong leadership skills and experience in diverse arenas, she aims to create change at deep, transformational levels, resulting in sustainable and energizing outcomes.
Experience in Appreciative Inquiry
Robyn has extensive experience in applying Appreciative Inquiry across various sectors, including corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies in both Australia and the USA. She has facilitated large-scale summits and strategic planning sessions for organizations like Google, BAE Systems, and community colleges, focusing on leadership and visioning. Her consulting work has involved enhancing values and culture alignment for companies such as Sonos and improving employee engagement at Forrester Research. Robyn has also conducted numerous Appreciative Inquiry trainings, sharing her expertise in participatory change methodologies.
Qualifications
Robyn holds a Master of Organizational Behavior and Systems from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney, Australia. Additionally, she possesses numerous certifications and credentials in the field of human and organization development, including the Positive Business and Society Change Program from the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, along with several certifications in personality profiling and psychometric surveys.
Publications & Abstracts
Robyn is driven to share effective practices, as demonstrated in her book, “Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative Solutions” (2010, Pfeiffer, Imprint of John Wiley, San Francisco), which offers 21 strength-based workshops. Her online training courses provide self-directed, video-based instruction on integrating positive emotions, strength-based approaches, and Appreciative Inquiry into various aspects of life, including home, work, and play. In 2014, she launched a podcast show (http://positivitystrategist.org/podcast), engaging with practitioners and thought leaders to share stories and experiences about positive change methodologies, with a strong emphasis on Appreciative Inquiry.
Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative Solutions
Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing
Curriculum Vitae
Favorite Quote
Lao Tzu (604 BC–531 BC) said, “A leader is at their best when people barely know they exist.”
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