Authentic Alchemy - From Corporate Crisis to Personal Transformation

IN THE EPISODE

In this episode, Bard MBA student Anastasia 'Stacy' Gramotneva interviews Lenore Kantor, founder of Growth Warrior, about her journey from corporate marketing executive to transformational coach and author. Lenore shares her personal 'tower moment' that led to an existential crisis after 20 years in the financial technology sector, and how it sparked her mission to help others find alignment between their personal values and professional lives. She discusses her eight-step 'Authentic Alchemy Path' framework that combines business strategy, coaching methodologies, and holistic practices like Feng Shui and energy medicine. Lenore offers insights on recognizing misalignment, creating intentional space for change, and transforming breakdowns into breakthroughs, while emphasizing that 'we have more choice than we realize once we become aware of the ways we may inadvertently be blocking ourselves.

Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2024 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes brought the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Lenore Kantor: 

Lenore is a former high-performing fintech executive turned compassionate space holder for deep transformation and growth. Drawing from her own journey, from results-driven leadership to inner liberation, she supports others in uncovering their true essence and sharing their voice with the world.

Her work blends practical business strategy with intuitive healing practices, integrating marketing, branding, startup mentorship, executive coaching, and career advisory with insights from energy medicine, shamanic healing, and other holistic modalities.

Influenced by diverse traditions including Core Energetics, chakras, yoga, plant medicine, and the Mayan cosmovision, Lenore honors the interconnectedness of all things and the ancestral wisdom that informs her practice. She is committed to creating meaningful, honest, and impactful change for individuals and the collective.

Lenore also serves as the Career Advisor for the Bard MBA in Sustainability program.

Anastasia 'Stacy' Gramotneva:

Stacy is a dedicated advocate for land and environmental stewardship, deeply passionate about circular economies, climate justice, sustainable business practices, and empowering small to medium-sized businesses. Her work centers on nurturing local economies, cultivating community sovereignty, and integrating ancient wisdom with creative, innovative solutions.

With over 10 years of experience in product marketing and communications, Stacy specializes in growth marketing, brand communication strategy, team operations, business development, and digital advertising. After more than seven years at Google, she transitioned into sustainability consulting, supporting entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small businesses in the wellness and green spaces across Costa Rica and the United States.

She is also the co-founder of La Finca de Hadas (The FairyLand), a permaculture hospitality project that bridges cultural and socioeconomic divides through biophilic living and inclusive, culturally competent experiences accessible to both locals and visitors.

Renay Loper:

Renay is a Clinical Faculty in Organizational Leadership for the Bard MBA in Sustainability, where she focuses on justice-centered transformation in the workplace. Previously, she was the Vice President of Program Innovation at PYXERA Global where she served on the Executive Leadership Team, led five country offices, drove the development of new business and programs, co-led the organization's work on inclusive circular cities, and advised corporate clients on their social impact strategies. Renay also led the organization’s ARC (Antiracist Collective) initiatives, which included internal and external efforts toward dismantling unjust systems. To this end, Renay created Rhetoric to Action, a series of conversations to bridge sectors toward collective action around social and racial justice.

Prior to PYXERA Global, Renay led the grassroots exchange and education grant portfolio at the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, and has served in a variety of leadership roles in higher education, nonprofit, and business prior to that. Renay is an avid speaker and facilitator, has authored and edited numerous publications, including a resource journal, Student Affairs Professionals Cultivating Campus Climates Inclusive of International Students (Jossey Bass). Renay serves on the board of directors of nonprofits including Community Change, Harpswell Foundation, and Girl Rising.