Training Leaders
One of the most common and complex challenges an organization faces is developing leadership, that ineffable quality that goes beyond just managing well, or reacting effectively to circumstances, but that inspires others to action and brings about extraordinary results.
We all know great leaders when we see them. They step outside their comfort zones, they take risks and they explore new possibilities and they inspire others to do the same. They are authentic and effective communicators.
The Next Level has been developing leaders for over 18 years.
From the heart of me. The Next Level staff was supportive and accepting … and so willing to go to the edge with me. I know now that I can accomplish anything… that … only my fears …held me back and The Next Level taught me ways to overcome them. Working with your team brought me insights through experiential learning. I now cast a bigger shadow.
Grace Daniel
Elk Grove, California
just want you and your staff to know how much my experience on the ropes course meant to me. It literally changed my life. Thank you so much for what you do for people out of love and kindness. It does make a difference in people's lives and I certainly am a testament to that!
I remember as if it was today, standing on the tree attempting to have my spirit fall into the spirits of my team mates. I remember you asking me if I could feel your spirit and I honestly said "no". You then asked me to look at you until I felt your spirit. It seemed to take a long time, but all of a sudden I remember feeling the warmth and love of your spirit simply engulf mine. When I said I could feel it, you asked me to look at the others until I could feel theirs. I did and the energy and warmth of their spirits were such that I will never forget that moment. It was the first real time I had let anyone into my soul. Your spirit and those of my team mates will always be with me...and that means I will never be lonely again. Thank you….for the love and life you have given me.
David Bernard-Stevens
North Platte, Nebraska
Author of "A Leader Within"
How it is possible to sum up in words the impact that Tom Courry and the staff at The Next Level had on my leadership? To say it has been profound is an understatement. To say that it changed my life is true beyond description. I vividly remember moments on the ropes course, … kernels of wisdom that Tom and the people who work alongside him said. Those words guide me in times of confusion and despair; they inspire me in moments of passionate creation, and they remind me of who I am at my core when I need that reminder. Certainly the high ropes elements had the most drama and yanked me (in a beautifully healthy way) out of my complacency… the exercises we did as part of our group processes back at the retreat center also speak to me today, almost three years later. The ripple of The Next Level and the folks who blessed me with their skills and spaciousness to discover my own truths continue, and I remain so grateful.
Margaret Graham
Fort Collins, Colorado
Tom Courry and his team at The Next Level create phenomenal experiences for learning and growth. I participated in a leadership program that incorporated high ropes and low ropes courses with The Next Level. With both eyes on safety at all times, they facilitated group activities and individual challenges that had me doing things I’d never thought I’d be able to do. I can see that Tom is a master of creating experiential games and debriefing experiences, and I’m grateful to have benefitted from his wisdom, creativity, and care. Thank you to Tom and The Next Level team for your inspiration and tenacity. You have helped me become the man I am today.
Paul Plamondon
Glendale, California
Thank you so much for the amazing experiences you have provided for me and my leadership team. I have grown so much as a result of the experiential learning that I've participated in with you and your team. I have grown personally, as a team member, as a community member and as a leader. The most significant result that I have to share is that I have lost 40 pounds in the last 3 months. The reason that I am finally ready and able to lose this weight is largely because of the work that I did with you.
Prior to my experiences with The Next Level, I hated my body and avoided it except to punish it with diets and exercise. Through my work with you on the high and low ropes courses, I learned how to be in my body and to notice what's there and what's going on. I moved through being in my body and not liking it, to being in my body and loving it. It is important to note that my weight and my habits didn't have to change in order for me to make that shift, but my weight and my habits have changed dramatically as a result of that shift.
Thank you, again, for providing a way for me to learn who I am and what I'm about and how I want to show up in this world in order to do the work I am here to do. I highly recommend The Next Level for team development, leadership development and personal development, but most importantly for human development.
Carrie Kish
Valencia, California