Meet the Authors

Dr. Susanne Cook-Greuter is the creator of the MAP instrument and its assessment methodology. Known worldwide for her seminal work in adult development theory, she is a keynote speaker at conferences internationally and has charted new territory in defining mature adult development. An independent scholar and Integral elder, her work continues to shape how researchers and practitioners understand ego development and human consciousness.

→ verticaldevelopment.com

Karen Evanoff is Dena'ina Athabascan from Nondalton, Alaska. She holds a degree in Cultural Anthropology and currently works for Lake Clark National Park as the Cultural Anthropologist. The majority of her work involves collaborating with Alaskan Native people on projects and programs relating to cultural preservation and revitalization. Karen's work looks outside conventional systems to ensure indigenous voice, perspective, and input into decisions that directly affect Native communities. She is currently exploring an integral and holistic approach to research methodology.

Greg Thomas is a multifaceted cultural strategist, writer, and leader whose career fuses jazz inspiration with organizational innovation. As CEO of the Jazz Leadership Project and co-director of the Omni-American Future Project, he guides major firms and institutions to harness jazz's improvisational ethos for leadership and team excellence. With over 25 years as a journalist and editor — including roles as founding Editor-in-Chief of Harlem World magazine and jazz columnist for major media — he explores race, culture, and identity through a pan-American lens.

→ jazzleadershipproject.com

Akasha Pete Saunders is a seasoned pilgrim, educator, and developmental coach specializing in diversity, inclusion, and equity. With a focus on spiritual development and human consciousness, he empowers individuals and organizations through constructive, transformative approaches. Known for his expertise in working with diverse men, Akasha designs transformative workshops — including the Braveheart Men's Retreats — to cultivate awareness, inclusive masculinities, and leadership skills.

→ cultivatingleadership.com

Gayle Karen Young is a culture-builder and a catalyst for human and organizational development. She comes from a rich organizational consulting background with both corporate and nonprofit clients. She was in process of becoming a monk when she became an executive instead, taking on the role of Chief Culture and Talent Officer at the Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia and its sister free-knowledge projects) until early 2015, when she decided to return to private practice as a rogue provocateur. Born in the Philippines to Chinese parents and raised in the United States, she has a multicultural perspective, an adventurous spirit, and a deep commitment to expanding human freedom.