Ed Self

I am thrilled to serve as Executive Director for The Narrative Enneagram! I first studied the Enneagram more than 20 years ago as part of the Ridhwan School Diamond Heart Training from 1992-2005 and continue to apply its guidance in my personal and professional life. Prior to TNE, I founded Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV), Boulder, CO, in 1999 and served as its Executive Director for 19 years. WRV grew to be one of the largest and most successful outdoor volunteer stewardship nonprofits in the U.S. and I left it in good hands after a carefully planned year-long transition. I resonate powerfully with TNE's core values and mission focused on transforming lives and creating a more compassionate world. This aspiration was always at the heart of the culture, values and work of WRV. We used our work healing the land as a context in which to foster personal healing, community, empowerment and transformative experiences. I’m excited about the opportunity to support TNE’s work that more overtly cultivates self-awareness and empathy to foster better communication and collaboration across generations, ideologies and cultures. I have a Masters in Volunteer Program Management and Environmental Education, and formal training in nonprofit executive leadership, bringing extensive experience in organizational development, program and project management, strategic planning, team building, coalition building, funds development, event planning, process improvement, and community organizing.  I live in Boulder, CO, with my wife and son, enjoying numerous outdoor activities, gardening, travel, deep conversations and potlucks with friends.