Judy Brown is a poet, leadership educator, writer and speaker, with a passion for helping people uncover their gifts and connect with one another. A native of northwestern Michigan, she writes from a deep love of the natural world and an appreciation for the power of place. Her poetry focuses on transitions and learning from nature. Her leadership work is in the fields of the arts, government, health and elder services.

She holds a PhD in Comparative Literature, is a former White House Fellow, and has been affiliated with The Aspen Institute and The University of Maryland. Her other books include The Choice, The Sea Accepts All Rivers, A Leader's Guide to Reflective Practice, Simple Gifts, The Art and Spirit of Leadership, and Flourishing Enterprise: The New Spirit of Business (with co-author Chris Laszlo and other colleagues at the Fowler Center at Case Western Reserve University). She lives with her husband David on a small tidal creek near the Chesapeake Bay, where they can kayak off their front lawn.