Strozzi News

By Sally Helgesen
from strategy+business issue 49, Winter 2007

Is leadership an art or a science? The question has long been subject to debate. Which side you’re on probably determines whether or not you believe leadership can be taught. But for developing leaders who can respond to the challenges of today’s 24/7 business environment, perhaps the art-versus-science dichotomy is too theoretical to be of use.

Petaluma-area institute draws clients from around the world to hone mental, physical skills based on Eastern traditions
Published on March 14, 2001, © 2001, by The Press Democrat
BYLINE: RAYNE WOLFE

Among the dairies and sheep ranches west of Petaluma, something named Rancho Strozzi may sound like another farm. Far from it.

The Rancho Strozzi Institute is run by a former Marine and martial arts expert whose blend of mental and physical training is sought after by corporate chieftains and military leaders alike.

Richard Strozzi-Heckler on moving to the next level
Ubiquity, an ACM IT Magazine and Forum
Volume 3, Issue 26 - August 13-19, 2002

Richard Strozzi-Heckler has a fifth-degree black belt in Aikido and a Ph.D. in Psychology. He is the author of five books including the nationally acclaimed In Search of the Warrior Spirit. He appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in October of 2000 for his groundbreaking work in leadership training with the U.S. Marine Corps. He is the President of the Strozzi Institute, where he has been doing research and teaching in the areas of leadership development and self-mastery for the past 30 years.

UBIQUITY: Let's start by having you tell us about the Strozzi Institute.

From: Fast Company, Issue 03 June/July 1996, Page 146
By: Natalie Engler

Aikido teaches you not to resist force, but to harness it -- a technique that can prove invaluable in dealing with change, maintaining a positive attitude, and connecting with other people. "Aikido helps people refocus and regain their balance," says Richard Strozzi Heckler, a fifth-degree black belt. Heckler, cofounder of Tamilpias Aikido and Rancho Strozzi Institute in Petaluma, California, has initiated managers at AT&T , Cargill , American Express , and Bankers Trust in the way of Aikido. "By working with your body as well as your mind, you can learn how to better manage your reactions to stress and conflict."

By: GREG JAFFE
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
October 9, 2000

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Artillery fire booms from a nearby range. But in a dusty field, a dozen Marines sit motionless, eyes closed, breathing rhythmically.
Breathe. Boom. Breathe. Boom. Breathe. Boom.

After 15 minutes, the men spring to their feet. Asked what they're doing, Lance Cpl. Alex Pena barks out: "It's a concentration, breathing exercise, sir. ... We were meditating."