Creativity gurus and teachers from around the world, most notably Edward De Bono, have shown for years that creativity is not something just left to the artists or geniuses. It can be taught. More specifically, ways of thinking, principles of action and techniques for success have been (and are continuing to be) developed that help people tap into the many ways we can learn and act. At Beard Avenue, we are always exploring the cutting edge for new and better ways to help people be creative.

Presenting activities ranging from mind mapping to swing dancing, Leonard Lang, Ph.D., founder of Beard Avenue, teaches people how to get unstuck and bring creativity, innovation, and spirituality into their lives, workplaces, and organizations. As a motivational speaker, coach, and trainer, Leonard has led programs for career coaches, facilitators, managers, ministers, nurses, physicians, teachers, writers, and teens.

He has led strategic planning and group visioning processes for physicians, community groups, and writers and helped departments work through conflicts and stalemate.

His lifework and leadership coaching has been sought by people in fields ranging from medicine to landscape architecture. He has presented at the annual International Association of Facilitators conference, keynoted professional conferences, and taught numerous lifework programs at the Minnesota Career Development Association's annual conferences, and at such educational institutions as the University of St. Thomas, University of Wisconsin, Macalester College, and Normandale Community College.

He has edited Home Words, a book of writing by homeless people. His poetry has appeared in such literary journals as Cimarron Review, The Journal, and Visions-International as well as a national best-of-year poetry anthology, and for five years his book reviews were heard twice monthly on Minnesota Public Radio.