Richard J Leider, Center for Spirituality and Healing, Academic Health Center at the University of Minnesota

Ranked by Forbes as one of the "Top 5" most respected coaches, Richard Leider is a best-selling author with thirty years experience in coaching people to live and work on purpose. As founder and Chairman of The Inventure Group, he is an internationally recognized speaker who works with many leading organizations such as 3M, Boeing, American Express, Pfizer and the Mayo Clinic. As a leader in executive development, Richard has taught over 100,000 executives from 50 corporations worldwide.

He is the author of seven books, including three best-sellers, and his work has been translated in 17 languages. Repacking Your Bags and The Power of Purpose are considered classics in the personal development field. His newest book, Claiming Your Place At the Fire, has been touted as "the defining" book on the new retirement. As a commentator on life transitions, Richard has been published in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and USA Today, and has appeared as a guest on television and public radio.

 A Nationally Certified Master Career Counselor, Richard also holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and is a Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing. He consistently receives the highest marks as an educator in the Global Learning Resource Network of Duke Corporate Education and is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota Carlson School's Executive Development Center.

 Along with his professional pursuits, Richard has led annual Inventure Expedition walking safaris in East Africa for over 20 years.

 His work received recognition from the Bush Foundation, from which he was awarded a Bush Fellowship to study "purposeful aging." Believing passionately that each of us is born with a purpose, he is dedicated to coaching people to discover their own power of purpose.

 Speeches / Presentations:

• “Creating Meaning in Your Life and Work: The Power of Purpose,” Pfizer World Wide Human Resources Conference, Mystic, CT

• “Working On Purpose in a Changing World,” University of Minnesota 19th Biennial Alumni Institute Medical Health Administrators Alumni Association/Foundation, Minneapolis

• “Repacking Your Bags for the Good Life,” American Express Financial Advisors’ Women Venture Conference, Minneapolis

• “The Power of Purpose,” Strategic Executive Education Network Conference, Boston

• “What Do I Want Out of the Second Half of My Life and Work?” The Stewards First Annual Gathering, Santa Monica, CA

• “Working On Purpose in a Changing World,” Nippon Wilson Learning Client Conference, Tokyo

• “Repacking Your Bags: Igniting the Spirit of Growth and Renewal,” Quality Leadership Conference, Fairview Health Systems, Minneapolis