Christopher Grygo

Christopher Grygo, better known as Chris, had his life fundamentally changed years ago during a Courage and Renewal program. Unsatisfied at work and facing the end of his first marriage, Chris signed up for a four-part seasonal Circle of Trust retreat series. It was exactly the “Journey Toward Wholeness” it claimed to be; an oasis in the desert of Chris’s life at that time. After that retreat series, Chris was accepted into CCR’s Facilitator Preparation Program. He not only became a retreat facilitator; Chris also met his life partner, Katie in that circle. Chris knows the power and potential of Courage work firsthand, which animates his work as a board member, retreat facilitator, leader, spouse and parent.

Chris is committed to unlocking compassionate and courageous leadership needed to create a more just world. He is the Ford Foundation’s Global Director of People and Organizational Development. He works on global programs that enable the foundation’s strategy, enhance its culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, promote values-based team effectiveness and aid colleagues in reaching their full potential. Chris has served in leadership and organization development roles throughout his career and across sectors at such organizations as the Bell Laboratories, Columbia University, Visiting Nurse Service of New York and the Rockefeller Foundation. Chris has taught graduate courses at the City University of New York’s Brooklyn College and at Columbia University’s Teachers College.

Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his master’s in organizational psychology. He is a somatic or embodied leadership coach. Chris holds certificates in leadership coaching, mediation and conflict resolution among other things.