What Jon Can Do For You

Simply telling your story, your truth, without hope of gain or dread of loss has its own genius, and in the end, that vulnerability is the only thing that has ever set a person free.
Jonathan Odell

For more than 25 years, Jonathan Odell has been speaking with organizations and facilitating dialogue on sensitive topics. Long recognized for his insights and ability to moderate discussions around race relations in America, Jon’s work has expanded to embrace individual history and narrative as a means toward building tolerance, acceptance and collaboration. His unique and disarming approach of getting to truth through the use of story has inspired and motivated organizations ranging from seminaries, colleges and universities to churches, corporations and grassroots organizations.

Jonathan Odell is in essence a storyteller. “Before people can sit down together and address the gulfs that separate them, they each must be able to understand their individual stories—their personal narratives that explain what has shaped and is shaping the images they hold of themselves, of others, and of the world as a whole.”

Through the shared reading experience of his acclaimed novel, The View From Delphi (long a favorite among book groups) and his published essays, participants gather for insightful conversations with the author about the difficult issues facing America today: spirituality, sexuality, racism, prejudice, culture, class and injustice.

In addition, Jonathan Odell offers consultation and training aimed at empowering leaders, managers, co-workers, students and community builders in the use of story to improve workplace culture, handle conflict, and more effectively reach across racial, cultural, sexual orientation divides. He brings this message of Managing Meaning Through Narrative to Corporations, Schools and Colleges, Religious Organizations, and Arts Institutions.

To talk to Jon about how he can assist your organization, call (612) 827-5390 or email him at jon.odell@earthlink.net. You can also visit Jon on the web at www.jon-odell.com