The River Metaphor for Modern Leaders Artwork

gcLi Leadership Podcast

The Gardner Carney Leadership Institute's, (gcLi) mission makes clear that there is an inextricable connection between leadership and citizenship. We are committed to the idea that leadership must be cultivated. The healthy, effective, and benevolent functioning of classrooms, sports teams, schools, local communities, and entire nations depends upon it. Leadership is an active struggle, an exercise of character and values, a willingness to be in dialogue with diverse viewpoints, an ability to take risks and to engage wholeheartedly and uncomfortably with groups. To do it well, one must be willing to be in a lifelong journey to become more self-aware. In short, the path to leadership and thus to citizenship consists of all the skills and behaviors that the gcLi has taught since its inaugural Leadership Lab 2005. In my view, never has such training been more relevant. gcLi's Mission: Educating Teachers to Teach Leadership to Students.

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gcLi Leadership Podcast

The River Metaphor for Modern Leaders

July 10, 2025

In this episode of the gcLi Podcast, Patrick Kearney, PK, launched Eddyline in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with the goals of helping individuals and organizations achieve lasting change through personalized coaching, workshops + facilitation, and incredible off-site experiences.

Berdy and PK discuss how leaders can navigate uncertainty and ambiguity using the river metaphor. PK emphasizes the importance of pausing to reflect, understanding when to lead or co-create, and the necessity of clear communication during turbulent times. PK shares practical tools for leadership, including the importance of reflection, setting manageable goals, and the need for feedback. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face in today's rapidly changing environment and offers insights on how to lead with intention and clarity.

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