Dr. Ina Gjikondi
Curator of Creative Learning Experiences | Strategic Development & Partnerships | Coach Educator & Practitioner | Social Change Catalyst | Poet | Mother
Activating a frequency of wholeness-based leadership that deepens inner development, elevates global consciousness and awakens a greater sense of connection with self, other fellow humans, the Earth and the greater web of life.
Meet Dr. INA GJIKONDI
Dr. Ina Gjikondi is a visionary leader and systems innovator devoted to awakening human potential and elevating global consciousness through transformative learning. As Founder of One Humanity Lab—a learning and innovation hub where leaders, coaches, educators, artists, and changemakers come together—her work is grounded in cultivating whole-person, whole-being, and whole-system leadership that transforms from within.
Dr. Gjikondi's approach weaves academic rigor with creative intuition, designing immersive learning architectures and programs that foster deep inner development, embodied awareness, and the capacity to lead in complex times. Her pedagogy draws on multiple ways of knowing—including direct knowing, ancestral wisdom, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking—to activate the full spectrum of human perception and insight.
Guided by a commitment to relational ethics, connection, and conscious evolution, Dr. Gjikondi builds ecosystems that nourish both individual transformation and collective impact. Whether through strategic partnerships, coaching, or poetic storytelling, her work is a living invitation to remember our wholeness, awaken our connection to life, and lead with courage, coherence, and care.
Dr. Gjikondi lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her family and loves visiting local gardens, book stores, and museums. She loves traveling, writing poetry, and reading folk medicine literature.
Contribution by the Numbers
22+
Years in Leadership
Global leadership across government, nonprofit, and education systems.
400+
Learning Experiences
Designed and convened immersive learning experiences.
17+
Led Learning Innovation & Strategic Growth and Executive Education & Coaching initiatives as Director at GWU.
3+
Advanced Degrees
Including an Ed.D., M.A., and M.P.S., plus 15+ certifications.
50+
Publications
Authored 2 books and 50+ essays/articles.
33+
Podcast Episodes
Host of the One Humanity Lab Podcast.
12+
Board Service
Founding Steward for Global Consciousness Institute & Advisory Council Member for Magnolia Moonshot 2030.
5+
Founder of One Humanity Lab, hosting 5+ signature programs.
100+
Coaches Certified
Through the ICF-accredited One Humanity Leadership Coaching Certification.
8,000+
Leaders Engaged
Guided leaders, coaches, and changemakers globally.
2,500+
Coaching Hours
Experience guiding leaders through transformation.
120+
Organizational Partners
Collaborated with organizations for leadership development.
Certification & Credentials
In addition to academic achievements, Dr. Gjikondi holds certifications and credentials from leading organizations in leadership, coaching, and organizational development.
Focus Areas
Curating Innovative Learning Experiences
I design innovative learning ecosystems and tailored curricula, integrating diverse ways of knowing and experiential learning. These transformative journeys activate creativity, reflection, and embodied insight.
Strategic Development & Partnerships
I identify collaboration opportunities and translate visionary ideas into actionable strategies for long-term impact, fostering cross-sector partnerships for sustainable growth.
Researching & Writing
I engage in critical inquiry, disseminating insights through publications that bridge academic rigor with practical applications, shaping dialogues on holistic knowledge systems and wholeness based leadership and learning.
Speaking & Facilitating
I share my expertise through engaging public speaking and facilitate transformative workshops. My contributions inspire conscious awareness and support deep collective learning.
Coaching & Intuitive Guidance
I support clients in expressing authentic creativity, guiding them to unlock innate potential and navigate complex life transitions through holistic approaches that foster well-being.
Consulting & Convening
I provide strategic guidance to leaders and organizations, translating visionary ideas into actionable strategies. I also convene diverse stakeholders to foster collaboration and create synergistic solutions.

Family as a Field of Transformation
Family is my first field of transformation—a living space where love, interdependence, and vulnerability shape who we become together. As a mother, partner, sister and daughter, I draw from the wisdom of these relationships to inform how I lead, learn, and cultivate wholeness in the world.
Teaching, Speaking & Research
Speaking & Teaching In…
  • Whole-Person, Whole-Being & Whole-System Leadership
  • Transformative Learning & Experiential Design
  • One Humanity Leadership & Coaching
  • Inner Development & Healing
  • Systems Thinking & Social Innovation
  • Transforming Education & Conscious Parenting
Researching In…
  • Ontology of Wholeness & Human Development
  • Ecological & Ancestral Epistemologies
  • Embodied & Intuitive Knowing in Leadership
  • Coaching as a Catalyst for Systemic Change
  • Direct Knowing in Leadership and Learning
  • Healing & Folk Medicine
Signature Talks & Workshops
1
One Humanity Leadership as a new developmental imperative for growth
This session cultivates leadership grounded in the radical interconnectedness of all life. Participants explore practices for embodying oneness, fostering global consciousness, and leading with profound empathy and collective wisdom.
2
Intuition & Creativity in the Times of Emerging AI
Explore the indispensable roles of human intuition and creativity as AI advances. Learn to cultivate these capacities to navigate complexity, foster innovation, and lead with wisdom and authenticity in an automated landscape.
3
How Do We Know When We Know?
This immersion explores the nature of knowledge, examining empirical evidence, intuition, ancestral wisdom, and embodied knowing. Participants expand their capacity for insight and decision-making.
4
The Non-Human Nature as a Teacher in Education & Leadership
Explore how the natural world can teach us to reimagine education and leadership. The sessions draws from ecological wisdom to cultivate presence, relational intelligence, and whole-system awareness.

A Sample of Professional Workshops, Speaking & Writing Engagements

Gjikondi, I. (2024). A phenomenological study of ecocentrism in coach education (Doctoral dissertation). The George Washington University Gjikondi, I. (2023.). The Inner Workings of Burnout. Workshop, APHA/Kaiser Permanente Community Health Leadership Program Gjikondi, I., Kyle, K., Kate, K., & Jocelyn, J. (2022). Opening brave spaces through practices of connectedness: Embodied and experiential experiences from the ‘collective enacting’ of four doctoral students learning in crisis. In Workshop, International Transformative Learning Conference. Gjikondi, I., & Neal, J. (2022, January). Noetic Leadership. In Keynote, Institute of Noetic Sciences. Buckley, K. W., Neal, J., Laszlo, C., Walker, J. B. S., Gjikondi, I., & Rundlett, D. A. (2022). Leading From Global Consciousness and Wisdom. Panel Discussion, International Leadership Association. https://tinyurl.com/2q9nzaox Gjikondi, I. (2022). Coaching as a Career. In Keynote, GW Alumni Quarterly Event. Gjikondi, I. (2022). Reclaiming Wholeness. In Keynote, Church of the Holy City, National Swedenborgian Church. Gjikondi, I. (2019). Emerging Technologies in Education. In Panel Conversation, UN Power of Collaboration Summit. Gjikondi, I. (2019). Grow with Joy. In Workshop Series, GW Community. Buckley, K. W., Neal, J., Laszlo, C., Walker, J. B. S., Gjikondi, I., & Rundlett, D. A. (2018). A Mandala of Leadership – Leading From Global Consciousness and Wisdom. Panel Discussion, International Leadership Association. https://tinyurl.com/2q9nzaox Gjikondi, I. (2018) Leading Change through Coaching Skills. In Workshop, Albanian Chamber of Commerce; Institute for Change and Leadership in Albania; Albanian Academy of Political Studies. Gjikondi, I. (2018). Elevating Consciousness in the Nation’s Capital. In Luncheon Keynote, Training Officers Consortium. Gjikondi, I., & Barrett, R. (2018, November 2). Soul at Work. In Keynote, Mindful Leadership Summit. Gjikondi, I., & Wangler, J. (2018, May). What if you SMILE: Embodying Coaching Skills for Greater Leadership Impact. In Workshop, Annual Conference, Training Officers Consortium. Gjikondi, I. (2018) Discussions on the Future of Education. In Panel Conversation, Global Education Conference, Washington Diplomat. Barndt, L., & Gjikondi, I. (2016). Introduction to Theory U and Peer Coaching. In Workshop, Georgetown University Institute for Transformational Leadership Graduate Coaches Conference. Gjikondi, I. (2017). Creative Disruptions: Building Resilience in Times of Transition. In Workshop, Annual Conference, Training Officers Consortium. Gjikondi, I. (2016). HR as Strategic Coach: Creating A Coaching Culture. In Workshop, Spring Conference, Chesapeake Human Resources Association

In this pivotal moment in history, leaders are being called to activate a new frequency—one rooted in wholeness, connection, and inner coherence. As the world faces complex challenges, it is not more control we need, but deeper consciousness. This is the leadership our planet longs for: grounded in dignity, guided by wisdom, and devoted to creating the conditions where every living being can thrive and express the fullness of who they truly are.- Dr. Ina Gjikondi

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Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Experiences
1
September 11, 2025
Wholeness based leadership
Washington, DC
2
October 15-17, 2025
Inner Development Goals Summit
Stockholm, Sweden
3
May 10-15, 2026
One Humanity Leadership Retreat
London, UK
Dr. Gjikondi offers both in-person and virtual formats, including keynotes, workshops, consulting, and custom programs tailored to your organization's specific needs and challenges.
Media & Testimonials
Dr. Gjikondi regularly contributes towards thought leadership through various media appearances.
Featured Media

Buzzsprout

Episode 138: Rewilding Your Inner Wolf with guest, Ina Gjikondi - choice Magazine

What if the secret to restoring balance in our lives mirrors the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park? Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of ecology and coaching with Dr. Ina Gjikondi, Director of Executive Education at George Washington University and founder of the ECO Leadership Coaching Program.Drawing from her doctoral research on ecocentrism in coach education, Ina introduces us to the concept of rewilding – not as something new we must learn, but as rememb

Conscious Capital Foundation

CES Expert Interview | Ina Gjikondi  | Conscious Capital Foundation

Ina Gjikondi shares her transformative vision for uplifting global consciousness through leadership development, education, and spiritual integration. Speak ...

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One Humanity Lab Podcast
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Amazon.com

THE GIRL, THE WHITE SAGE, THE BLACK CHESTNUT AND THE RED WOLF: A JOURNEY OF THE HEART

THE GIRL, THE WHITE SAGE, THE BLACK CHESTNUT AND THE RED WOLF: A JOURNEY OF THE HEART [Gjikondi, Dr. Ina, Marshall, Laurie] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. THE GIRL, THE WHITE SAGE, THE BLACK CHESTNUT AND THE RED WOLF: A JOURNEY OF THE HEART

https://store.choice-online.com/

The Call of the Wild Wolf.pdf

Shared with Permission from Choice magazine

Leadership Apothecary Substack

inagjikondi.substack.com

Leadership Apothecary | Dr. Ina Gjikondi | Substack

A sanctuary for whole-system healing, where stories become remedies that nurture connection and inspire transformation. Click to read Leadership Apothecary, by Dr. Ina Gjikondi, a Substack publication. Launched 5 months ago.

Testimonials
— Jim Robinson, Former Executive Director, GW Center for Excellence in Public Leadership
"Dr. Ina Gjikondi brings an important voice that must be heard at this time. At a time when we are so fragmented and alienated from each other and, even, from ourselves, she shares insights from the arts, poetry, neuroscience, philosophy, spiritual masters, leadership development, ecology, and more with a coherence that is rarely experienced. She embodies the kind of whole-person consciousness and leadership that is the focus of her work. The darkness cannot exist in the light and we cannot remain downtrodden when we are lifted-up. Let us all join Ina in bringing light and uplifting each other to higher levels of consciousness and the next evolution of human expression. I look forward to being part of our journey with Ina."
— Nandini Jammi, Co-Founder, Check my Ads Institute
"Ina is unlike any other when it comes to business coaching.
I’m personally allergic to business speak, but Ina knows how to make these concepts palatable and interesting. Throughout our engagement, she drew on a variety of disciplines - including art, history and literature - to help us develop a deeper understanding of our strengths both as leaders and individuals.
As our team grew, she helped us embed a culture of open communication and mutual respect within our organization. I’m positive that Ina’s impact will be felt by our team members for years to come!"
— Claire Atkin, CEO, Check my Ads Institute
"When I started Check My Ads with my business partner Nandini, we knew that our relationship to each other, to the work, and to our growing team would change a lot, but we didn't know what to expect. She and I decided early on to put resources towards making sure we could navigate these changes as they happened. Ina was highly recommended, and showed up with a flexible tool kit and practical frameworks to help us set a baseline and grow. Relationship challenges are never easy, but years later, Nandini and I know that the effort and investment that we have made with Ina has created a pillar of confidence and stability for the entire mission. Ina is invaluable."
— Karen Wilhelm Buckley, Founder and Principal Consultant, Communicore Consulting
"Dr. Ina Gjikondi is a visionary thinker and transformative practitioner who bridges insight with meaningful action. Through her teaching, writing, and speaking, she catalyzes individual and collective wisdom, offering innovative pathways for executive coaches, institutions, teams, and leaders to thrive. Ina’s work reflects a deep commitment to global flourishing, grounded in systems thinking and conscious leadership. Her presence in any endeavor invites expanded possibility, clarity of purpose, and practical impact.
— Anne Egseth, Integral Coach, Teacher of The Discipline of Authentic Movement, Author
"Over the past decade, I have witnessed Ina Gjikondi bridge worlds with grace and power, weaving together spirit and grounded action, intuition, and clear leadership.
A storyteller and poet of the soul, she listens where others rush, sensing the wholeness in people and the ecosystems she interacts with.
With a grounded vision, a fearless heart, and rare creativity, she transforms unseen possibilities into tangible form.
Ina leaves a lasting imprint of healing, hope, and transformation wherever she works."
— Sabrina Hersi Issa, President, Be Bold Media
"Dr. Ina Gjikondi is a truth-teller and a wayfinder. In a world that often asks us to fragment ourselves, Ina calls us back into wholeness—with care, with rigor, and with deep reverence for the complexity of being human. She builds spaces that don’t just hold transformation—they ignite it.
What Ina brings to leadership and learning is not only brilliance, but deep relational integrity. She listens with her full self and invites us into the kind of collective reimagining that is essential for our times. She is a systems innovator who doesn’t just see the big picture—she feels it, holds it, and helps others shape it with courage and coherence.
To witness and work alongside Ina is to be reminded of what is possible when we choose to lead from love, from justice, and from a place of rooted, radical connection."
For Speaking Engagements & Media Inquiries
Leadership Apothecary Blog

inagjikondi.substack.com

Fig’uring Out the Gifts Around Us

Designed with Canva

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The Sea Will Heal It

The Oracle of the Ordinary Leadership lessons from a boy named Glauk, a cob of corn, and the mythic courage to receive.

inagjikondi.substack.com

Uh-huh, Uh-uh, Hmm

Three Simple Sounds That Change How We Lead

inagjikondi.substack.com

Swallowtail Alchemy: She Brings the Light On

A swallow perches by the Adriatic,

Gamma embed

Toothpaste Moments

Waking Up from the Patterned Mind

inagjikondi.substack.com

See the Sea as Self

A Shortcut to Remembering Your Wholeness

inagjikondi.substack.com

Make Yourself Vast Enough to Hold the Smallness of the World with Love

She looked at me—her eyes scanning, assessing—and in an instant, I felt it: the sting of judgment.

inagjikondi.substack.com

Clarity in Unwritten Poetry: A WellSpell of Stardust for Courageous Leaders navigating mystery with grace, grit — and a calendar full of Zoom calls

Inspired by a line from Mrs. Who in A Wrinkle in Time (the musical performed at Arena Stage on June 19, 2025)

inagjikondi.substack.com

A Leadership Healing Framework: From Violence to Regenerative Wholeness

Jules Tavernier, The Volcano at Night, ca.

inagjikondi.substack.com

Rest as a Sacred Act of Returning to Self

Édouard Manet (French, 1832-1883) Repose (Le Repos), ca.

inagjikondi.substack.com

The Body as a Site of Knowing centered in the Heart

The Question That Changed Everything

inagjikondi.substack.com

The Orange Thread: Woven into the Web of Signs

Hadrian, my husband, my mom, and I went to see Suzanne Giesemann’s new documentary based on her book Wolf’s Message—and what unfolded was a series of signs that still lingers in my heart.

inagjikondi.substack.com

When Nothing Is Happening, Everything Is Happening

A Leadership Apothecary on Preserving the Creative Space

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Becoming the Weather Vane

Leading with Resonance, Timing, and Trust in the Field

inagjikondi.substack.com

The Wild Remembers

Picture taken as a snapshot from my Choice Magazine Article The Call of the Wild Wolf *

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School Is Off Today

A little wandering on a rainy day...

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Leadership as an Act of Beauty

What Italian piazzas, Venetian wells, and biophilic schools teach us about presence and design

inagjikondi.substack.com

I am Hungry only for Silence

A Conversation with Time

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More Than Matter: Leading Humans in a World of Invisible Forces

Galatea of the Spheres © Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Figueres, 2014.

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The Dance of Spring: Remembering the Rhythm of Life

The Pear Tree in my front yard

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Becoming a Finder

For as long as you don’t try to be one

inagjikondi.substack.com

If You Believe in Miracles, Baby, I Will Too: Leadership as a Field of Possibility

Several Circles, 1926 by Wassily Kandinsky - Depicting energy, movement, and vibrational resonance, reminiscent of the quantum field at work.

inagjikondi.substack.com

Weaving Apotheosis: Reflections on Stepping Into the Golden Age

Constantino Brumidi, Study for the Apotheosis of Washington in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol Building, ca.

inagjikondi.substack.com

The F-Word Leaders Often Hesitate to Use

A quick snapshot from my Uber drive

inagjikondi.substack.com

Nightingale’s Song: A Dawn of Generosity in Leadership

🌅 Nightingale’s Song: A Dawn of Generosity in LeadershipToday, I reflect on the life and legacy of my uncle Bujar—a man whose very name means "generous" and "noble" in Albanian. His leadership wasn’t about authority or control; it was about presence, kindness, and uplifting others. Like the nightingale, he gave freely, expecting nothing in return, and his generosity continues to echo beyond his lifetime.Robin Wall Kimmerer reminds us that nature thrives on generosity—the aster and goldenrod blo

inagjikondi.substack.com

Einstein Was Right: Why Every Leader Needs a Fairy Tale (and a Few Magical Guides)

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” – Albert EinsteinBut what if fairy tales aren’t just for children? What if they hold the wisdom leaders need, too? In a recent conversation, a leader shared a story she had been making up with her daughter—a fairy tale about a girl lost in a mystical valley, guided by a dragon, a seahorse, and a swan. Each creature had wisdom to offer: cutting through tangled

inagjikondi.substack.com

Heat Happens!

How to Stay Cool — and Clear — When It Does

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