Desmond Purpleson
CEO
Locavore pinterest chambray affogato art party, forage coloring book typewriter. Bitters cold selfies, retro celiac sartorial mustache.
Reality > Performativity
For the leaders, teams, and humans who are done performing and ready to build something real. Body: This is a working site. Not a brochure. There's a practice here — twenty years of it — built around the idea that the most dangerous thing a leader can do is lose their humanity in the pursuit of their brand. If that sentence landed somewhere, you're in the right place.
The Work (Together)
Coaching for teams and individuals and consultation services to help move forward when you feel stuck.
The Lab
Frameworks and application of organizational and leadership theory to help make durable changes for individuals and teams.
The Library
Reflections on life, leadership, culture, and meaning making for the world we live in today. The thoughts that guide the work.
Help Is Here
How We Can Work Together
We offer a variety of tools and frameworks for teams to grow and move forward. For individuals looking to grow, individual coaching can be a great way to get from where you are to where you want to be.
The frameworks
(a non-exhaustive list)
(a non-exhaustive list)
The Tools You Need
Tailored for You
WHISK-Y Business
learn moreUsing the WHISK-Y model, leaders learn new ways of understanding their teams, communicating effectively, and moving forward with purpose.
The Enneagram – Understanding Motivation
learn moreUsing the Enneagram typology, leaders and teams are guided through the work of understanding themselves and what drives them and how it can help them be better leaders and team members.
Relearning to Sing
learn moreFor teams and organizations who are on the edge of burnout or have already fallen off the cliff. An exploration of how to recognize burnout and how to start the work of finding health again.
Local guides, always
Every trip is led by someone who grew up there — not a script.
Ten travelers, max
Small enough to fit around one dinner table. Most groups leave as friends.
Book with confidence
Free date changes up to 30 days out, and a full refund if we cancel.
12
countries
94
itineraries
4.9
average rating
15k
happy travelers
Our guide knew every back alley and every grandmother selling dumplings. It felt nothing like a tour and everything like visiting an old friend.
Priya S. — Hidden Venice, 2025
Your next story starts here
Seats for the autumn season are open now — most trips fill within a month.
Parsley Pepperspray
Marketing Specialist
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Desmond Eagle
Graphic Designer
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Ruby Von Rails
Lead Developer
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Inverness McKenzie
Business Owner
"We have no regrets! After using your product my business skyrocketed! I made back the purchase price in just 48 hours! I couldn't have asked for more than this."
Hanson Deck
Independent Artist
"Your company is truly upstanding and is behind its product 100 percent. Hestia is worth much more than I paid. I like Hestia more each day because it makes easier."
Natalya Undergrowth
Freelancer
"Thank you for making it painless, pleasant and most of all hassle free! I am so pleased with this product. Dude, your stuff is great! I will refer everyone I know."