The intersection of meditation and leadership: David Lertzman brings mindfulness practice to the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business

In February 2014 Haskayne faculty member, David Lertzman travelled to a martial arts retreat centre in northern Thailand to study under a Shaolin Kung Fu Master of the Nam Yang lineage. Each morning at 6 a.m. the Master led students, including Lertzman, through a series of Chi Kung exercises. Chi Kung (also spelled Qigong) is an ancient Chinese system of meditation that incorporates serene body movement, static postures and deliberate breathing. There are now more than 300 unique styles of Chi Kung, and they are passed down through distinct lineages. Lertzman trained diligently with the Shaolin Master, who taught him the Tong Ling system of Chi Kung, which he has adopted into his regular practice.

Lertzman began meditating regularly long before his trip to Thailand. He was introduced to meditation in 1985 and discovered Chi Kung in 1987. He has studied and practiced numerous forms of meditation and mindfulness techniques, including the basics of Kundalini yoga, and has received spiritual empowerments from Tibetan Buddhist lineage holders. He has studied energy healing systems and Kabbalah, engaged in fasting and spent extended periods of time meditating while isolated in remote outdoor locations. After returning from Thailand, he remained in contact with his Shaolin Master, who led him through the process of becoming certified as a Tong Ling Chi Kung instructor.

In late November 2017, the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business launched Inner Leadership, a non-credit extracurricular program of eight sessions offered over a four-week period. Designed and led by Lertzman, the program intentionally began late in the semester to support students, staff and faculty during the most stressful weeks of the term. Each session began with a mindfulness meditation of sitting, breathing and centering. After the opening meditation he would briefly discuss a theme (different each week) that was related to leadership, wellness and self-development. He would then lead the group through the Tong Ling system of Chi Kung exercises and movements. Each session concluded with a seated guided meditation.

Feedback from program participants has been positive. The program was open to Haskayne students (undergraduate and graduate), as well as faculty and staff members. MBA candidate and President of the MBA Society Brandon Felty is grateful for the program’s timing. “I knew that Inner Leadership would be perfect for me during this stressful time of year. In the midst of chaos, the best thing you can do for yourself is to be present, and I want to develop the skills that foster presence during difficult times.”

Chris Tang, a Haskayne undergraduate student, is eager to build on what he learned. “I always had an interest in mindfulness meditation, and after seeing this opportunity I instantly signed up,” he said. “By attending I’ve gained the inspiration and foundation that will help me practice further and self-teach.”

Heather Dougan O’Brien, events coordinator with Haskayne and one of a number of staff members who participated in the program, is pleased that Dr. Lertzman is sharing his knowledge of meditation, mindfulness and Chi Kung with the Haskayne community.  “This workshop came at exactly the right time for me and has been helping me on my journey to living a calmer, more joyful, centered and balanced life.”

Lertzman is pleased to receive such positive feedback and is delighted to help Haskayne community members develop leadership potential through mindfulness. Meditation, he explains, can support leadership development and help practitioners lead fuller, more meaningful lives.

“The cognitive benefits of meditation are now well documented through neurophysiological research, but the overall contributions of meditation to people’s well-being have been known for thousands of years,” explains Lertzman. “Authentic leadership hinges on the insight that who you are as a person is your most valuable contribution. The more present you can be for yourself, in any given moment, the more able you are to be of service to others.”

The Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Advanced Business (CCAL) plans to offer the Inner Leadership program at some point during the 2018 winter term. Specific dates have not yet been determined. Students, staff and faculty interested in attending future Inner Leadership sessions are encouraged to contact leadership@haskayne.ucalgary.ca.