On September 13, four students from ODKM Cohort 29 will host a Learning Community event, Secret Agents of Change: Inner Development for Outer Transformation. The event will be a fun-filled day of engaging discussions, interactive activities, and expert insights into the IDG framework.
Peter Senge, a notable figure in organizational development and systems thinking known for his concept of the learning organization, and Richard Barrett, a thought leader in organizational culture and leadership known for developing the Seven Levels of Consciousness model, are lined up as keynote speakers for the event—providing insights on how to apply inner work for sustainable change.
Following a brief introduction to IDGs in spring 25, the students wanted to explore the framework as part of their own development journeys as they completed the remainder of their program. Two members of the planning group, Leslie Comer and Holleigh Graham, shared how their team is developing an experience that inspires participants to leverage small, practical habits into meaningful change.
“We were talking about a really sneaky way of being able to affect change and impact others and the world. [Secret Agents of Change] just turned what we were doing into a whole spy theme of how we're impacting and creating change,” Graham said.
Although the IDG framework is a relatively new concept for Cohort 29, the idea of inner development quickly became an essential part of their ODKM toolkit. Graham recalls how the various IDG dimensions encouraged her group’s creative approach: “It just creates a little degree of awareness, and if you can put that into action, that's even better—that's where we're starting from, just creating awareness and finding ways to make it actionable.”
During the event, attendees will be referred to as “recruits” and will complete a series of secret missions throughout the day. Activities include a knowledge cafe, a Q&A session, and a discussion on the history and cultural implications of the IDGs.
“I hope participants leave feeling genuinely inspired by the IDGs and with one tool that truly resonates with them. The lasting impact is when that one insight or practice stays with someone and quietly shifts how they lead, connect, and show up every day,” Comer said.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST at the Arlington Van Metre Hall. If you are interested in attending, register here. Please bring others who may be interested in the topic. Your guests can register through the same link.
Can’t make it to the September LearnComm? No worries! The next event is the annual virtual LearnComm to be hosted by Cohort 29 on November 15. The theme will focus on values and how to integrate learning strategies into a value-based life. Stay tuned for more details and look for an email from Tojo Thatchenkery in the fall. If you have not been receiving emails from him, please send him your current email address at thatchen@gmu.edu.