My interest in archetypal psychology, wisdom traditions, and the unconscious life of groups has led me on a unique journey, personally and professionally.  Having studied depth psychology and the history of social institutions such as prisons, mental asylums, and public schools, I turned my attention to the workplace as a consultant, focusing especially on health care and education. On a 1-1 basis I work with leaders to cultivate a stance of attention that uses their own experience and imagination joined with a sophisticated understanding of the system they are operating in.  On a group basis, I convene or facilitate work teams bridging reflection and inquiry with effective execution.  In all my work, there is an affirmation of the principle of genuine human encounter, a belief mirrored in the words of Martin Buber - that all real living is meeting.

Biography and Background
Alan Briskin, Ph.D., co-founder of the Collective Wisdom Initiative is a consultant, artist, and researcher. His most recent book, Daily Miracles: Stories and Practices of Humanity and Excellence in Health Care, was chosen for publication by the Sigma Theta Tau International, honor society of nursing.  He is a leading voice in the field of organizational development and a pioneer in the area of group learning grounded in spirit and collective wisdom.

In 1971, Alan was part of an international community in Israel, founded on the principals of the communal kibbutz.  As an educator, he helped in the start up and development of a free school in Maine (1973) and was the first Director of Education for the Vermont group home that became the model program for deinstitutionalization of confined youth (1978).  His interest in alternative educational settings continued for over 10 years (1995 – 2005) as the principal consultant to the George Lucas Educational Foundation.

His work with human potential and organizational learning continued as a specialist in prison reform and health care.  He was the first person to research emerging theories of moral development with prison inmates and led a model program aiding inmates to bridge the chasm between cell block and useful employment. In the 1980’s he was the one of the first organizational consultants to work with senior leadership in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, western division.  As a health care consultant in the mid 1990’s, he helped design programs for practicing physicians to deepen their communication skills with patients. He is a founding member of the Relationship Centered Care Network.

His book, The Stirring of Soul in the Workplace (1996), was credited with helping shape the spirit and work movement in the late 1990’s. In workshops and conference settings, he has given keynotes or facilitated dialogues on the human aspects of leadership and the role of spirit in groups.  He has been invited to speak on his work throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, England, and South Africa. He has a doctorate from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA and is a Professional Associate of the Grubb Institute in London.  His love of photography opened his inner eye to the beauty that enfolds us.

Alan lives in Oakland, CA with his wife and son.