Craig Neal

VisionHolder, Heartland Inc.

Co-Founder and VisionHoldert, Heartland, Inc. Heartland creates essential conversations, living programs, and communities of engagement to connect people more deeply with their purpose and vision. Heartland's network and programs serve those called to be our social and organizational pioneers; those who are restoring wholeness to themselves, their organizations, and their communities. As Co-founder of Heartland Inc., Craig is focused on developing networks of individuals and organizations which recognize the benefits of engaging the human spirit at work. Craig has 25 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience, most recently as Publisher of Utne Reader. He also has held leadership positions with educational and non-profit organizations, including the Minnesota Magazine Publishers Association and Business for Social Responsibility. Craig is currently co-writing “The Art of Convening: A Field Guide to Essential Conversations” with his wife and partner, Patricia. Publications •The 12 Steps of Business, Hazelden Publishing, Fall 1999. Article: "At the Edge of Revolution: Linking Personal and Workplace Transformation" •Association of Quality and Participation Journal, March 1999. Article: "A Conscious Change in the Workplace" •ASTD Journal, March 1999. Article: "At the Edge of Revolution: Linking Personal and Workplace Transformation" •Managing Change in Healthcare, M.K. Key, McGraw-Hill, 1998. Chapter 4: "Toward a Healthcare Revolution: Linking Personal Meaning with Workplace Transformation" •Creative Nursing Journal, November 1998. Article: "Signs on the Road to Workplace Transformation" •On Purpose,The Inventure Journal, The Inventure Group, Fall 1998. Article: "At the Edge of a Revolution" Partial List of Heartland Programs (For a complete list of programs and workshops, visit www.heartlandinstitute.com) •When Women Lead: Crossing the Boundaries of Change Retreat, Minnesota •A Wilderness Journey For Men: Deepening The Vision, Preparing The Journey Retreat, Minnesota •Organizational Metamorphosis 101, teleworkshops •A Better Way to Work and Live: Finding Fulfillment, Sustainability and Success Using the 7 Entrepreneurial Skills, teleworkshops •A Leader's Journey Retreat, San Francisco, CA •Integrating the Creative Body, Mind and Spirit at Work, workshops and retreats; Minneapolis and San Francisco, CA •The Inner Life of Business, national conferences, Minneapolis and San Francisco, CA •A Passion for Life: Revisioning How We Live, Heal, and Die, national conference, Minneapolis •Thought Leader Gatherings (Twin Cities, MN and San Francisco, CA) Professional Employment •1996-present: President and Co-founder, Heartland Inc., Edina, MN and Publisher, Utne Reader Magazine, Minneapolis, MN •1985-1990: Associate Publisher and Co-founder, Harrowsmith Country Life and Eating Well Magazines, Charlotte, VT; Advertising Director, Organic Gardening Magazine, Emmaus, PA; Publisher, Garden Way Media, Garden Way Assoc., Norwalk, CT; Media Director, Garden Way Media, Garden Way Associates Craig Neal, Vision Holder Heartland Inc. Since awakening to his life's purpose in 1963, Craig Neal has celebrated life as a passionate change leader, publishing executive and organizational executive and guide to those called to authentically show up in life and work. Throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s Craig held executive positions with Garden Way, Inc, Rodale Publishing and helped launch Harrowsmith and Eating Well magazines. In 1996 he concluded his publishing career and as Publisher of Utne Magazine. In 1996 Craig founded Heartland Inc. with Patricia, his wife of 25 years. Since then he has been dedicated to creating networks of authenticity and essential conversations among individuals and within organizations through training and convening events that serve to bring about the desired systemic personal, social and organizational transformations needed in these extraordinary times. In 1998 Heartland produced the first "Thought Leader Gathering" for 40 change leaders in Minnesota. Eight years and 125 Gatherings later, Craig has guided over 1200 leaders in these ongoing membership based groups in Minnesota and the Bay Area of Calif. He and Patricia created the Essential Conversations Process (ECP) for educators (Circle of Fire) and MBA students, along with convening meetings for businesses and communities alike. In 2004 Craig launched the Art of Convening TeleTraining series for those called to be an inspired catalysts for change in their organization or community. Over 200 leaders are currently engaged or have graduated from 21 Art of Convening groups. Craig is skilled at building relationships within and across organizations and in developing and maintaining superior communication skills and member relations. He founded the Conscious Business Alliance, the Minnesota Magazine Publishers Association, and served as a founding board member of Business for Social Responsibility and of Responsible Minnesota Business. Craig lives with Patricia and their two sons on an urban gardenstead in Minnesota. He loves the land, is an avid gardener, beekeeper and voyageur. He is currently writing The Art of Convening: A Field Guide to Essential Conversations.