Layne Gneiting
PhD
AZ, USLayne has lived two lives. First- angry, addicted and depressed. Second- extraordinary adventures (cycling across India, smuggling bikes into Venice). What changed? A secret he now shares .
As Patrick Samphire cleverly acknowledged, writing about yourself is just wrong. So I’ll imagine us in an interview outside a cafe. You ask questions, I’ll answer. If you have more, send ‘em in!
Okay, so you’re a speaker. What is your message?
Take the fifth journey–the heroic journey.
That sounds very Joseph Campbell-ish. What exactly is a heroic journey?
An epic journey that shifts our world, transforming us into something worthy of the Elysian Fields (in Roman mythology, the abode of the heroic after death).
The fifth journey?
The first, vicarious adventure, is a pseudo journey (like reading a book). Second is a virtual journey (like certain time-consuming video games). Third is escape (like a vacation). Fourth is imposed (like getting caught in a tornado). Fifth–the highest level–is pursued (like cycling coast-to-coast). While that last one sounds like escape, the differences are striking. Heroic journeys, or journeys pursued, are marked by a strange, almost otherworldly beckoning, and involve great risk, physical rigor, and spiritual awakening.
What qualifies you to speak?
Having done it. And being sexy.
Sexy?
Okay, that’s relative. Maybe not.
Hmmm…interesting. What exactly did you do?
I studied the heroic journey theory for decades, then put it through several field tests. Several of them involved cycling: coast-to-coast across America with my family of 8, across Wales with a son, and a solo trek through Southern Europe.
How long have you been speaking?
My 35 year love affair with the artistry of language began in grade school, where I advanced to the District Civic Oration contest—and won (even beating that cute, talented strawberry blonde). As the story advanced, I racked up scores of awards, professional acclaim, and a PhD in communication. But the kid never left. I traveled far and wide, seeking tutelage of masters who shared their secrets…until at last I could share them with others. Now, when I speak and coach, I seek a little bit of that kid in my clients—that wonder and fascination—that energizes their message. Ultimately, that’s what makes their message soar!
How do you help clients?
To paraphrase an old mentor, I speak to those who are now like I once was. For those seeking something more in life, I coach through the hero’s journey process so they can save time, money, frustration, and years of wandering. For executives seeking to excel, I awaken and expand their natural communication gifts so they can energize their teams, advance their vision, and leave a lasting imprint. For organizations, I work to create innovative conditions--through internal narratives, rites, and rituals.
I’m curious. Where do I go next?
Check my site and zip me an email. I'm excited to work with you!
As Patrick Samphire cleverly acknowledged, writing about yourself is just wrong. So I’ll imagine us in an interview outside a cafe. You ask questions, I’ll answer. If you have more, send ‘em in!
Okay, so you’re a speaker. What is your message?
Take the fifth journey–the heroic journey.
That sounds very Joseph Campbell-ish. What exactly is a heroic journey?
An epic journey that shifts our world, transforming us into something worthy of the Elysian Fields (in Roman mythology, the abode of the heroic after death).
The fifth journey?
The first, vicarious adventure, is a pseudo journey (like reading a book). Second is a virtual journey (like certain time-consuming video games). Third is escape (like a vacation). Fourth is imposed (like getting caught in a tornado). Fifth–the highest level–is pursued (like cycling coast-to-coast). While that last one sounds like escape, the differences are striking. Heroic journeys, or journeys pursued, are marked by a strange, almost otherworldly beckoning, and involve great risk, physical rigor, and spiritual awakening.
What qualifies you to speak?
Having done it. And being sexy.
Sexy?
Okay, that’s relative. Maybe not.
Hmmm…interesting. What exactly did you do?
I studied the heroic journey theory for decades, then put it through several field tests. Several of them involved cycling: coast-to-coast across America with my family of 8, across Wales with a son, and a solo trek through Southern Europe.
How long have you been speaking?
My 35 year love affair with the artistry of language began in grade school, where I advanced to the District Civic Oration contest—and won (even beating that cute, talented strawberry blonde). As the story advanced, I racked up scores of awards, professional acclaim, and a PhD in communication. But the kid never left. I traveled far and wide, seeking tutelage of masters who shared their secrets…until at last I could share them with others. Now, when I speak and coach, I seek a little bit of that kid in my clients—that wonder and fascination—that energizes their message. Ultimately, that’s what makes their message soar!
How do you help clients?
To paraphrase an old mentor, I speak to those who are now like I once was. For those seeking something more in life, I coach through the hero’s journey process so they can save time, money, frustration, and years of wandering. For executives seeking to excel, I awaken and expand their natural communication gifts so they can energize their teams, advance their vision, and leave a lasting imprint. For organizations, I work to create innovative conditions--through internal narratives, rites, and rituals.
I’m curious. Where do I go next?
Check my site and zip me an email. I'm excited to work with you!
