A three-week breakthrough lab for aspiring leaders:
We are turning from burned-out change pushers to confident change artists through this transformative Do-It-Yourself-Together experience
Thrive in a world that has become change-rich and transformation-poor (even if you are too busy surviving)
Discover and use your...
COMMONPOWERS
Join us for a three-week DIYT (Do-It-Yourself-Together) ride to discover your powers to transform yourself and your world with more resilience, joy, and freedom.
Dear Friend,
For many of us, the time has come to start over. Career. Relationships. Religion. A better way of doing and being. Or to start out. Creating something new.
To make that happen, we are learning to trust ourselves, discern our next steps, and move forward armed with gratitude for this ordinary and astonishing life.
It's our turn to live fully and help transform the world.
😳 But, no matter how much we want it, how much information we consume about it, and how much we are ready to sacrifice for it in the service of the common good, we can still confuse change with transformation.
Fortunately, transformation is far more mystical and ordinary than anything we can buy, unpack, and consume.
Your heart deserves to express itself, your story needs to be heard, and you are here to make a difference. Do you want to lean into it? If so, we invite you to join this cohort and learn the five most valuable skills needed today.
These five inner skills are powerful, inherently human, and available. 🎉
Nick Laparra, founder of Let’s Give A Damn, a multifaceted company that helps people live absurdly intentional and ethical lives
Nina Froriep, a founder of Clockwise Production, producer and director who worked on Emmy award-winning documentaries
A LOVE STORY
People think they are alone in this.
Or that they can't change.
Or that the world can't change.
Or that their hair isn't up to snuff.
Transformation is a bit like becoming a great lover. At first, you are attracted, scared, and curious. Then you fall in love. Then, you apprentice yourself to love and become a great lover.
❤️🩹
Except in this case, your lover is life itself.
Here is a bottom line, actually three of them:
First, change is inevitable.
Second, transformation is optional.
And third, it doesn't matter where you come from, what you do for a living, or what you wear to impress. Love life, and you will transform yourself and others.
All true lovers eventually turn into leaders.
This was exactly what I needed as an artist standing on a career threshold. I joined unsure of my future and found the courage and support I was searching for. The experience challenged my beliefs and I embraced a new direction in my career.
I'm a banker to the ultra-wealthy and a wannabe Franciscan, which isn't really a conundrum once you think about it. My cohort experience was life-changing. From the very first session, I was struck by thought-provoking content and inspired to engage.
I was raised to always put others before myself. We were to believe, serve, and be positive. The cohort helped me focus on and strengthen myself. It drew me to like-minded people, each finding their way to make a difference in the world.
As a physical therapist, I thought I would join a group where I could eavesdrop on smart conversations to expand my thinking. After joining the cohort, I was pleasantly surprised to experience something way more personal and impactful.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our time and attention are valuable. That's why we use them for the TURN Lab!
Get That Thing Going
The one that really matters but you never have time for. The one that you avoid, but want more than anything.
Understand Yourself
Have a nod of recognition when you discover parts of yourself you knew were there, but couldn't name or claim.
Connect With Great People
To see another and to be seen for all that we can love in ourselves and be in the world? Nothing compares.
Have a Jolly Good Time
Work of transformation is important, so we must approach it playfully. Only what is joyful is lasting.
WARNING
Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced guide in leading yourself and others through change, the terrain ahead is difficult.
It is also successfully navigated by people like you! You can step into the unknown, find new grounding and inspiration, and see your way forward.
But here's the sneaky, tricky thing: You cannot do it alone. Anyone, everyone, who has actually mastered the art of transformation knows that.
"Every transformation needs a witness."
~ Gloria Steinem
ABOUT THE CURRICULUM
TURN Lab is a well-curated and easy-going affair.
However, we won't be sharing many Carnegie sort of tips about how to make friends and influence people or escape from this world to heaven.
Instead of distracting ourselves with fantasies, we inspire ourselves with reality. You can tap into what you already have and, together, we can learn to love the world!
WEEK 1
What Moves You
- Identify the most valuable human skill of them all.
- Learn what to do with your need to control.
- Practice befriending your fears and learning to be at home in the world.
- Name and get inspired by your greatest problems.
- Make transformation playful.
WEEK 2
What You Actually Want to Do
- Seduce your heart into coming out.
- Stop tormenting everyone around you by holding your gift back.
- What do you communicate by just entering the room?
- Hear what you have been avoiding but want to hear.
- Learn how to disappear yourself.
WEEK 3
How To Make It Happen
- Discover robust vulnerability.
- Update the stories you have been telling yourself and others.
- Expand the beauty you can experience.
- Spot the magic moments of transformation.
- Tool yourself for the journey ahead.
LESS ONLINE LEARNING, MORE LIFE LEARNING
EXPECT WEEKLY...
DROP
Get low-tech straight-to-the-point video of the core concepts & practices
GATHERING
Experience what you learn and enjoy the conversations (plus recordings).
ACTIVITY
Complete practical and powerful weekly action & reflection, and give and get feedback
ENGAGEMENT
Make personal connections, improvise, learn, and create what matters to you
Melissa Hefferlin, award-winning painter, art professor, and mentor - www.MelissaHefferlin.com
Sam McCash, Laboratory Medical Director, Laboratory Information Systems
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
ABOUT US
If you are thinking, "Who are you, people?"
-
We are pioneering in our personal growth, professional careers, and spiritual lives.
-
We are from all walks of life, hold progressive values, and actively serve the common good.
-
We are religious, post-religious, and a-religious.
-
We like to dispense with non-essentials, make mistakes, and learn with and from each other.
-
We are committed to having fun, learning, and taking action.
-
This particular cohort will be directed and facilitated by Samir Selmanović in collaboration with other teachers and organizations.
COHORT FACILITATOR
.png?width=1625&height=2000&name=Untitled%20design%20(7).png "Untitled design (7)")
Samir Selmanović, Ph.D. PCC
I have been an engineer, a minister, a political activist, and an executive coach, and I am fortunate to have worked with more than 50 organizations. I also had a fair share of forcing change on myself, the people I love, and the world. There's a way to make things happen that is more self-compassionate, joyful, and real. Take courage. Join us today and, together, we can turn the impossible into the inevitable!
.png)
.png)
"Samir is a storyteller and he does have stories to tell."
YOUR (TIME SENSITIVE) INVITATION
People pay for life, leadership, and relational programs of this kind $2,000 and more. I did. Many times over. Because they are worth it. (Well, most of them.)
We know these prices are out of reach for many.
So let's make a deal.
We're 100% confident this experience will improve your life, love, and leadership.
But on one condition.
We want to help as many people as possible to become very good at transformation and effect lasting change for good in our world.
You see, there are many feral, bruised, and exhausted transformationists in the world that are the real deal. And your word would go a long way to invite them. We would greatly appreciate you telling a few friends so they know this live course is a real deal, too.
Sounds good?
If so, joining the transformationists from five cohorts won't cost you thousands. You can claim your place in the TURN Lab for a fraction of that. Plus, a little faith in yourself, others, and the world!
That big, colorful button you see above or below will take you on the journey.
YOUR (TIME SENSITIVE) INVITATION
People pay for life, leadership, and relational programs of this kind $2,000 and more. I did. Many times over. Because they are worth it. (Well, most of them.)
We know these prices are out of reach for many.
So let's make a deal.
We're 100% confident this experience will improve your life, love, and leadership.
But on one condition.
We want to help as many people as possible to become very good at transformation and effect lasting change for good in our world.
You see, there are many feral, bruised, and exhausted transformationists in the world that are the real deal. And your word would go a long way to invite them. We would greatly appreciate you telling a few friends so they know this live course is a real deal, too.
Sounds good?
If so, joining the transformationists from five cohorts won't cost you thousands. You can claim your place in the TURN Lab for just $147. Plus, a little faith in yourself, others, and the world!
That big, colorful button you see above or below will take you to a checkout page. After filling in your details, you'll get a welcome email to TURN Lab to ease you into the experience!
Cohort #5 begins on November 6, 2023!
INCLUDED IN THE COHORT EXPERIENCE
-
Exclusive New Content
-
Activities and Micropractices
-
Private Supportive Community
-
Customizable App And Desktop Access
-
Content YOU Create And Can Use After
-
Exciting Post-cohort Opportunities
PERSONAL STORIES
Artist Entrepreneur Leaps Forward (Melissa Hefferlin)
When I was invited to participate in the lab I was hovering near a precipice, wanting to become the best version of myself and having some ideas about how to do that, but without the focus or clarity of mind to proceed. At this point in time, my family was more or less in happy order (or disorder), and my dilemma was professional.
From the very beginning, I found inspiration by showing up and bathing in the company of people having conversations about what matters. For me, the TURN Lab was entirely devoid of the perpetual irrelevant details. That was restful and gave me a place to think better.
More importantly, listening to the other participants describe and question their way toward clarity and evolution provided me with support to do the same. Their feedback to my own journey was at the very least companionship of the best order.
Through the progression of the exercises and discussions, and in the company of others courageously challenging themselves, I found the courage and definition I needed to discard worn-out beliefs about my career and to leap off the precipice into the delicious unknown in a new career focus.
I have already taken several steps, which six months ago I only pondered as wishful thinking. I have a strong sense of purpose about it. I don't know where this new turn will lead me, but I am deeply content with the change. I remain connected to the Turn members in order to follow their evolutions and in order to have a place to focus on what matters with people who want the same.
As I gain days after the cohort experience I begin to better appreciate the skill with which we were guided through the birth canal toward a real turn. The flow of it from definition, release, revelation, and embodiment, was well-planned and beautifully presented. This solid structural base made it much easier to define what is truly important, what needs discarding, and how to go about taking both those actions.
Facilitator and host Samir Selmanovic provided an atmosphere of welcome, adventure, safety, and possibility along the deftly plotted adventure.
Melissa Hefferlin, Painter and Graphic Artis, Andalusia, Spain
Retiree's Life-Giving Wisdom (Rafael Candelaria)
Before joining the TURN Lab, I’d felt that what I had to offer wasn’t as important as what others offered. I am a retired hospital manager. Everyone was so creative, active, and doing great things in the world.
But engaging in this group has been wonderfully encouraging. Seeing and feeling others meld my story into theirs has been vitally important for me to live meaningfully.
The cohort turns the digital space into the holy ground where encouragement and skillful advice helped us make our dreams come alive.
This community has become precious to me.
Rafael Candelaria, Queens, New York City, USA
Thought-provoked Thinker (Sonja Pemberton)
As someone who seeks to uncover new ways of being and seeing the world, being in a supportive community of like-minded seekers from very diverse backgrounds and with varying perspectives added many twists and "turns" to this thought-provoking, insightful journey. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who feels there's so much more to discover and experience on our path to finding a deeper sense of self.
Sonja Pemberton, Speaker/Consultant, CEO, SRP Global, South Carolina, USA
Business Coach Sings His Soul's Song (Shannon Lloyd)
Nowadays, I don’t associate being online with fun, happiness and personal growth. I work online and support life coaches and wisdom teachers in creating their online work, so I want 3D life when I’m not working.
And then the TURN Lab comes along.
Before I agreed to participate in this, all I knew of Samir was that the way he showed up in the world was uniquely compelling to me. He took a fierce joy and interest in human evolution, as manifested by a joyful and practical approach to what he calls ordinary mysticism rooted in the practical joy and wonder of living life out loud! I helped him produce an online cooking show and naturally gravitated towards this community and live workshop series when the TURN Lab launched another cohort.
I was also dealing with a life-threatening illness, and as a business leader, this took a big bite out of my life.
Then I began to interact with and meet the other members of the TURN Lab community. Being a solopreneur right now is isolating; the joy of connection with others who were truly mentor material to me was nectar for my Soul!
The TURN Lab makes life feel good. Dealing with cancer makes this very special and important for me. It is designed to be a carefree, joyful, deep, compelling, interactive and stimulating offering full of wisdom and surprises. Suddenly, I realized I had more friends through the lab, more resources, and more hope. Even a sharp increase in my medical care infringing upon my participation didn’t diminish my joy in this program.
Every day there is a choice to tune in to the wonder all around you, which you can experience through the work/play/activities and live connection with each other in the TURN Lab. Thank you, all of my new friends, for allowing me to sing my Soul’s song!
Professor Redefines Himself (Rajeev Sigamoney)
Before the TURN Lab, I desired to grow as a father, husband, and professional as I moved into the second half of my life. I was seeking a community to learn from and to be challenged by the radical vulnerability of their life experiences. The cohort gifted me with such a wide variety of voices and supportive new friends from around the globe. I was forced to re-examine how I saw myself and asked to redefine who I was in more authentic and mystic ways. I recommend this experience to anyone seeking to get un-stuck in their life, love, or career.
Rajeev Sigamoney, Napa, California, Chair of Visual Arts, Pacific Union College
Non-profit Leader Crosses Her Threshold (Dunja Pechstein)
I joined the TURN lab when I had just started to work for a new non-profit organization. I was excited about my work with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) children and felt this might be a path I wanted to explore. At the same time, I felt that I wanted to do something for the disabled community as a leader of our church.
The most amazing experience was learning about crossing one's own thresholds and the power to have witnesses present. The support, advice, and feedback from the other participants were extremely helpful.
In the process, I became aware of different thresholds and that it was time for me to cross one but not the other. It was profound to realize that small steps can be life-sized--what a revelation! Sometimes the online sessions felt like a therapy course and philosophy class at the same time. Definitely intense.
We took action in response to the inner pulling that we sensed. I highly recommend the TURN Lab to any leader who wants a change in their life. The personal change affects and shapes every person’s work in the world.
Dunja, Music Educator, Boston, MA, USA
FAQ
When is the next cohort after this one?
Cohort #5 begins on October 18.
If you are interested in the upcoming cohorts, please sign up for Samir's free TURN Newsletter and get updates and be the first one to receive course dates and special bonuses.
How much does the TURN Lab cost?
We will announce the price of the net TURN Lab Cohort soon.
The attendance will be limited 50 people.
NOTE: This can sound like some fake scarcity or marketing tactic, but it's the last thing on our minds. We will close enrollment when the attendance limit is reached. We do that for the legitimate reason of maintaining the quality of the experience. As spots can fill out quickly, we encourage you to register as feasible. Thank you. 🙏🏼
Who is the TURN Lab for?
This experience is for you if you are involved in any personal or professional development care for yourself or if you are leading an organization, community, team, family, or group of friends to instigate and achieve a meaningful impact in the world.
Specifically, it's designed for:
- life, leadership, and executive coaches
- artists
- corporate or community leaders
- entrepreneurs and activists
- parents, grandparents, and other such world-class influencers!
Am I at the right level of experience for this?
This is for you, whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced guide in leading yourself and others through change.
Similar to martial arts or yoga, there's no hierarchical system here. Masters prioritize the basics. Beginners have their way of teaching everyone else.
Experienced change artists who have taken the TURN Lab have benefited from:
- Having a framework that organizes their knowledge, experience, and even their unknown
- Experiences that anchor their head knowledge into their bodily, social, and narrative memory for easy access
- Getting a toolbox packed with insights, activities, and micro-practices they can use in diverse contexts
- Bonding with other change artists and future collaborators from around the globe
I don't hold a leadership position in an organization, corporation, or community, but I am interested. Is this for me?
You are a leader if you love something and want to see it make a difference in the world. All true lovers are leaders. Leadership is not about your position.
And oh, you know who makes the biggest difference in the world? Our mothers, teachers, friends, neighbors, and other such beings sent to us from beyond.
Is this about personal development or professional development?
This is going to get a little technical. :)
Both! Life on earth is changing much faster than our organizations and institutions. We realize that what's most valuable about us is that we are persons and that professional development is personal development.
Ignoring the fact that we are human first, traditional leadership competencies training has become unrealistic, slow, and heavy.
Instead, we want to become competent human beings. That changes everything, professionally or otherwise.
What communication tools will we be using?
We will use the Circle platform that you can access via desktop or a phone app (which is ah-mazing)! It is fully customizable by you, so you can banish overwhelm and hit your sweet spot.
Live sessions will be on Zoom or native to Circle (working on it now). We will also explore other tools to help us connect better and focus on real life in our bodies, relationships, and cosmos!
What time commitment do I need to make for the course?
You can find the outline of time commitments above, under the title "EXPECT WEEKLY..."
That being said, we live different lives in different time zones at different speeds. So, we will each:
- Do what we can to accommodate the cohort schedule and structure
- Be responsive to others' needs and circumstances
Deal?
What if something unexpected arises, and I cannot attend the session or complete an activity?
Tracking the cohort's activities will keep your momentum.
If you lose momentum, you can restore it at any time. You have ongoing access to the recordings, materials, and the community. You can always go at your own pace and drop your creations for feedback from the community!
Can I receive or give a scholarship?
Yes, there are a limited number of scholarships available. Scholarships are granted based on financial needs and candidates' potential to create social impact. Scholarships requests are by application. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please send a short email to info@turncommunity.com explaining why you'd be a great candidate.
If, on the other hand, you would like to make a contribution to sponsor others, please let us know at info@turncommunity.com.
We cannot guarantee scholarship funding for all scholarship applicants. There are free resources available via Samir's free TURN Newsletter.
Will this be too spiritual? Or too corporate?
We will bypass both spiritual and corporate lingo (there are easier ways to talk about "manifesting abundance" or "mission-critical strategy"), helping us each focus on the conversation that each of us needs to have with reality. We are after common, clear, and direct language. Our own lives will be our authority.
I have failed at this "change thing" before. What if I fail again?
Not if, but when. You will fail again, which is a necessary part of love and leadership. Great change artists fail regularly and fail spectacularly. But they learn to do it with humility, joy, and determination to learn. Our cohorts are a safe place to reframe failure as learning. Once you leave behind the all-or-nothing mindset and learn one small soul skill after another, you are up for the great surprise of encountering your own genius!
What if I'm not sure if this course is right for me?
You can find detailed information about the course on this page, including a description of who the course is for.
You can also sign up for Samir's free TURN Newsletter to get updates on the course.
Should I do this later?
Maybe you should. But that's unlikely. Our problem is not too much action but too much waiting for the world or our lives to change.
What happens to us, to the people we love, and to the earth when we put off improving what makes us human?
If the TURN Lab is not your cup of tea, that's not the end of it. Go and find your cup, a glass, or a pint!
I have more questions!
If you can't find answers on this page, we would love to hear from you. Just email Samir.
It's your turn to help change the world. We can hardly wait to welcome you, learn with you and from you, and create something extraordinary together!