Alex Pattakos, Ph.D., aka "Dr. Meaning," is widely respected as a modern-day Greek philosopher and pioneer in transformational thinking. He is the co-founder of the GLOBAL MEANING INSTITUTE (www.globalmeaninginstitute.com), co-creator of MEANINGology® (the study and practice of meaning in life, work, and society), and co-author with Elaine Dundon of the award-winning book, "The OPA! Way: Finding Joy & Meaning in Everyday Life & Work," which is grounded in Greek philosophy, mythology, and culture and backed by years of Meaning research. His previous book on the human quest for meaning, "Prisoners of Our Thoughts," is based on the wisdom of the world-renown psychiatrist and existential philosopher, Dr. Viktor E. Frankl (author of the classic best-seller, "Man's Search for Meaning"), who personally urged Dr. Pattakos to write it, and includes a Foreword by the late Dr. Stephen R. Covey (author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"). "Prisoners of Our Thoughts," currently in a revised and expanded 3rd edition coauthored with Elaine Dundon, is available in 23+ languages and multiple formats. He is currently writing a new book, "Public Administration and the Search for Meaning: Rediscovering the Soul of Government," under contract with Routledge, one of the world's leading academic publishers. Dr. Pattakos is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today magazine ("The Meaningful Life": https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-meaningful-life) and is a columnist on the topic of "Meaning in Government" for the PA TIMES, a publication of the American Society for Public Administration. Most recently, he was named an Honorary Professor at the Moscow Institute of Psychoanalysis, Moscow, Russia.

Dr. Pattakos is a former therapist and mental health administrator, political campaign organizer, community/economic development policy planner, and full-time professor of public and business administration (including graduate program head). He's worked closely with the White House under three Presidential administrations in the USA on social and economic policy matters, and served as an adviser to the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He was also one of the initial faculty evaluators for the Innovations in American Government Awards Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and was an elected member of the National Council of the American Society for Public Administration. He is a past president of Renaissance Business Associates (RBA), an international, nonprofit association of people committed to elevating the human spirit in the workplace. During his tenure as president, RBA was active in Australia, Canada, Europe, Nigeria, South Africa, and the USA.

Alex understands the challenges facing people in today's uncertain times. Through his public speaking, work with Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofit organizations, and university teaching, Dr. Pattakos has helped people at all levels build their capacities for personal and organizational transformation with a focus on and authentic commitment to meaningful value and goals that make a positive difference in the world. A proud Greek-American (of Cretan heritage), Alex is focused on client and speaking engagements in which he can introduce and apply (with practical tools & techniques) the core lessons of MEANINGology® for personal growth, leadership/executive development, organizational transformation/performance improvement, innovation management capacity-building, and public policy formulation/implementation/evaluation.

For information, please visit: www.globalmeaninginstitute.com; and/or email: info@globalmeaninginstitute.com

Elaine Dundon

Global Meaning Institute

globalmeaninginstitute.com

Elaine Dundon is leading the Meaning Movement, having founded the Global Meaning Institute and the unique study and practice of Meaning called MEANINGology.

Elaine has held senior leadership positions in three Fortune 500 companies, responsible for crafting strategic direction, leading diverse teams, integrating divisions, and delivering results. She also developed the groundbreaking course on Innovation Management at the University of Toronto which centered on Meaning and the “human side of innovation” (in contrast with the technology side).

Her recent work synthesizes years of experience and research into deep insights about creativity, existential philosophy, meaning, and humanity in the age of technology. Her unique approach, integrating Meaning with strategy, workplace culture, innovation and personal transformation has been embraced by many leading global organizations and profiled in media around the world.

Elaine is dedicated to helping people discover new meaning in their lives and work, and at a systems level, to connect to the deeper meaning in organizations, communities, and societies.

She wants to encourage all to feel more alive and reach their full potential by connecting to the deeper meaning and core essence of their lives and work. In addition to authoring three best selling books on Innovation and Meaning, Elaine Dundon is also a designated expert on Meaning for Psychology Today:

"Prisoners of Our Thoughts: Viktor Frankl's Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work"- Top 10 Motivational Book, available in 22 languages. The 3rd edition has new chapters focused on Meaning in Life, Meaning at Work, and Meaning in Society in addition to highlighting the wisdom and Meaning teachings of Viktor Frankl. Co-author with Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.

"The OPA! Way: Finding Joy & Meaning in Everyday Life & Work" - Award winning book including Self - Help Book of the Year, Top 10 Motivational book. 8 Literary Awards. Highlights simple wisdom from Greece philosophy that is applicable to our everyday lives and work. Co-author with Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.

"The Seeds of Innovation" - Groundbreaking book on Innovative Thinking including tools and techniques for creative thinking, strategic thinking and transformational thinking. This book also focuses on "the human side of innovation" (versus the technology side of innovation), creating an innovation culture, and leading organizational change. Named Top 10 Business Book of the Year in Canada (Globe & Mail).

See globalmeaninginstitute.com for further information.