In our view, values and principles are the foundation upon which our lives, careers and relationships are built. So, we asked folks we admire to open up to us about the values and principles that matter most to them.

Gili Wolf | Artist, Art Director & Graphic Designer

Realness. Which is another way of saying “authenticity,” but since that is such an over-used word, let’s go with “realness.” For better or worse, I have never been especially good at acting, pretending or faking anything. And truthfully, in this culture, I’m not sure that has always benefitted me. Life is messy. The world is messy. ’d prefer to just accept the good, the bad and the ugly, and respond accordingly. So why does that matter to me? Pretending feels deadening. And awkward. I don’t want to feel awkward, I want to feel real connection. That’s where the good stuff is for us humans. Read more>>

Christine Kahane | Author | Speaker | Coach | Resultant

The first of our values at the Institute for UNLearning is CURIOSITY. The way we define curiosity is that it’s a state of mind and more, a state of beingness. When we are curious, it’s hard to be judgmental, fearful, disengaged, apathetic, regretful, you name it. Because curiosity commands all our senses, it has a tremendous grounding influence, and it’s asking continuously – ‘what’s it like to be you?’, ‘what is this about?’, ‘what is there to learn?’, ‘How can I incorporate this?’, ‘How can I best integrate this, and where do I fit here?’ and a myriad other questions. Read more>>

Tiffany Wachtler | Founder/CEO of Kindness Concierge & Kindness Spreader

Leading with empathy is important to me. I know the power of feeling seen and embraced with kindness, so I am intentional about how I show up for the people in my life. When my mom suffered a stroke, and was later diagnosed with the aggressive lung cancer that would quickly take her life, I was moved by how those around me, many who could not relate, found countless ways to be supportive. I learned from them how to seize opportunities to be present, kind, and honor each person’s journey. Read more>>

Savanna Steinhoff | Performer & Educator

Enjoying life. Life is living, we should enjoy as much of it as we can. Living our lives we all have human interactions, we should enjoy those moments.
They are precious. Staying present in the moment keeps me creative and on my toes. I can quickly problem solve because I am able to pivot and turn. Something doesn’t work, pivot and try the next thing. This allows me to be witty, charming, & hospitable because I can sit in a moment and enjoy the human connection I am having with a person. Read more>>

Kristina Scala | Founder and President – Aspen Academy, Aspen Ventures, Aspen Investment Fund, MODI

Community strength and service is a crucial element of the school and community at Aspen Academy. It’s why parents and students who come to us for middle school often say, “I only wish I’d come to Aspen Academy earlier.” It manifests in everyone in our community feeling heard, seen, and cared for. Should a member of our community need something, they could look around and there are numerous other parents, teachers, students, and community members willing to support. Read more>>

LeeAndra Lujan | Artist

Self Awareness is the major practice I pursue in order to have good values and be cognitive to not only those around me but most importantly my response and experiences in life. Read more>>

Chelsea Gifford | Yoga Studio Co-owner, mother, coach

Bryant – For me, I had been in a car accident and had gotten a brain injury. I got reintroduced to yoga during my recovery process. It took me participating in various modalities to regain my health and so, when the opportunity came to become the owners of the Yoga Center, it felt like the most direct dharmic path to curate a space to support others. I knew that I had experience as a builder and my skillsets could be used to make a space for others who may be in a similar position and want to feel better in their body.. Read more>>