THE GANDHI EFFECT®

Transform yourself and the world around you

Training in nonviolence, mindful leadership and compassion

"An individual can adopt the way of life of the future--the non-violent way--without having to wait for others to do so. And if an individual can do it, cannot whole groups of individuals? Whole nations?" -Mahatma Gandhi

The Change Model

In 2010, at the World Economic Forum in Tanzania, Klaus Schwab challenged the Young Global Leaders to visualize their personal model of change. That sparked Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy (YGL '09) to map out "The Gandhi Effect" with a basic premise: in order to lead others, you must first be a leader in your own life AND individual transformation drives social change.

Peace Summit Debut

In 2011, Dr. Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy debuted The Gandhi Effect® workshop to a standing-room-only audience at the Newark Peace Education Summit which was hosted by His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. She also arranged for her teacher/mentor Yoga Master Tao Porchon-Lynch to be on the opening panel with the Dalai Lama, as well as a special guest for her workshop.

Global Training

The Gandhi Effect® is a workshop and training on transformation, mindful leadership, and social change. Since 2011, Dr. Kennedy has led programs around the world--from Kansas City to Hong Kong--often with her teacher Tao Porchon-Lynch as a special guest sharing her personal experience of marching with Gandhi. The program is offered as a keynote or workshop.

"A small body of determined spirits fired by unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history."

- Mahatma Gandhi

About The Program

Using the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi as the backdrop, Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy will share insights and practical tools for personal transformation and mindful leadership. Gandhi believed that all people can shape and guide their lives according to the highest ideals, and that personal change and the ability to bring about social change are linked. Through intention and conscious actions, we can collectively prepare the ground for "the world of tomorrow" today. In this interactive workshop, participants will:

Learn insights from the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Practice techniques and strategies for setting up their own “experiments with Truth” and creating “zones of peace” in their lives through tools such as breath control and meditation.
Explore concepts such as non-violence and mindfulness, and use language to bring connection and compassion to all of their relationships.
Align personal values with opportunities for social impact, and practice ways to support their work as change agents.

They will learn how to apply these techniques to modern-day situations and use them as tools for more energy, productivity, creativity, joy, prosperity and peace. Participants will walk away inspired and informed--ready to make a positive impact.

Meet Your Teacher

Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy, Ph.D., MBA, RYT, CPC

Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy is redefining how we live, work and inhabit the planet. A Harvard Business School-trained strategist, global transformational leader and speaker/moderator of high-level events, she is the creator of the Embodied Success® Coaching System and the IAmPowerLiving.com empowerment platform. For over 20 years, she has been training people around the world in her "whole-person" approach to wellness, empowerment, and success -- tapping into her unique multi-disciplinary background and real-world experience. Former VP at MTV Networks, and founder of VH1 Online and VH1@Work Radio at the beginning of the commercial Internet, she is an innovator who understands the journey of the high-performing professional and has personally experienced it all... from success to near death to full-system transformation. After almost dying in 1997, she left her corporate career and founded the first yoga studio in Harlem. She has since led hundreds of mindfulness-based programs for organizations and events, including her signature Embodied Success® and Power Living® experiences, while also advising companies on digital strategy. She served six years on the Board of Yoga Alliance (inc. Chair and Interim CEO), and was one of the first African Americans featured on the cover of Yoga Journal. With over 1000 hours of yoga training, she is an advanced student of Sri Dharma Mittra and protégé of the late yoga master Tao Porchon-Lynch. She has written six books, including Tao's award-winning autobiography, Dancing Light: The Spiritual Side of Being Through the Eyes of a Modern Yoga Master. Called "smart with a heart," she has been a moderator for two programs at the United Nations, and was selected as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, including being a Discussion Leader for the Annual Meeting in Davos. Her work has been featured in various media, including Oprah's book, Live Your Best Life!

What Others Are Saying

A Truly Gifted Teacher & Facilitator

Terri knows exactly how to integrate best practices in positive psychology and coaching with her signature style of inspiration, real-world business expertise and decades of experience with mind-body interventions. She is a truly gifted teacher and facilitator who has a rich toolkit to help clients reach peak performance while remaining balanced. I've worked with her on many occasions when I was President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Manhattan Chapter and with my company @Play. Whenever I can, I join her programs and/or book her for events. I knew she will deliver every time and I'm looking forward to new courses on her online platform.

-Sonia R. Banks, Ph.D., LCP

Respected Both Locally And Nationally

In my 15th Congressional District in New York, Dr. Kennedy has devoted her time to the community with tireless energy. She is respected both locally and nationally as a proponent of health literacy, personal empowerment, and productivity management. She is known for her integrity and vision, as well as hands-on, personable style. I applaud her contributions to our community and nation.

-Former Congressman Charles Rangel, 15th District New York

Positive Life-Changing Force

Terri is a positive life-changing force in our community. She is able to effectively communicate with all ages, genders, and ethnic groups. She is certainly a world leader for these times.

-Patricia Butts, Former First Lady Abyssinian Baptist Church

One Of Our Superstar Alumni

Terri is one of our superstar alumni. She has the intelligence and education to examine the best way to affect her community, the United States of America, and touch peoples' lives.

-Joshua Rosenthal, MScED, Founder, Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Holistic Approach To Success

Terri and I met when I was the Director of Cultural Health at the American Heart Association in NYC where she was a national speaker and advocate. We did multiple events together for the organization. When I decided to make a career move, she coached me through it. After a few job changes and a foray into entrepreneurship, she is still inspiring me to reach my highest potential. Her emphasis on energy management and breath control has been useful in many stressful situations... I very much appreciate her focus on purpose-driven work and holistic approach to success which I now understand is a lifelong journey. Her Power Living program is a great way to get started.

-Sherri Holman, MPH, Public Health Advocate & Entrepreneur

Higher And Higher Goals

Terri coached me over many years and it completely changed my life in every aspect. I have more energy, feel better about myself and I'm more focused on my goals - my many goals - I've narrowed them down and have a plan of action so things don't feel like they're getting away from me anymore. She helps you see things from a different point of view or even things that were just in front of you that you didn't recognize before and so you start to connect the dots. My work with Terri led me to achieve higher and higher goals - from taking control of my health and getting a promotion to purchasing my first building and starting my own business. I now own four buildings and a successful retail business.