Kick off your Ojai conference with a Sunday group visit to the renowned Ojai Farmers Market. Together, we’ll explore vibrant stalls of local produce, artisan goods, and handcrafted treasures unique to this charming town, then enjoy a farm-to-table brunch at Zaidee's Bar and Grill
Meet in front of Milo + Mimi on the Ojai Arcade by 10 am.
After brunch, explore the Ojai Arcade, where unique boutiques and local flavors offer an unforgettable shopping experience under its historic arches
6:00 - 8:30pm Open Informal Dinner Ojai Rotie
Join us for a relaxed and welcoming evening at Ojai Rotie, one of Ojai’s most beloved dining spots. This outdoor informal dinner offers the perfect chance to unwind, mingle with fellow attendees, and enjoy a menu inspired by local flavors and seasonal ingredients Whether you ’ re reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, this casual gathering sets the stage for a week of collaboration, inspiration, and meaningful connections.
Meet at the restaurant by 6:00 pm
Performing
What is Performing?
"
v a p g g showcasing leadership skills, to embracing innovative thinking and personal development. This theme aims to inspire a harmonious blend of preparation, practice, and the spontaneous magic that happens when theory is transformed into action. "Performing" is about excelling, innovating, and bringing one ' s best self to every endeavor
The Influential U 2025 Global Conference in Ojai, California, marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. Scheduled from January 13-17, this annual flagship event begins with the Founder’s Studies on January 13-14, offering a deep dive into the origins and ethos of our philosophy. The main conference follows from January 15-17, providing an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to focus on future-oriented goals and innovations.
Set in the picturesque location of Ojai, the Inn has consistently been honored in the prestigious, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine Top 100 Hotels in the World, editor-selected Gold List. The Inn has also been chosen by Travel + Leisure publication readers as one of the Best Hotels in the World, affirming the Inn as a treasured destination that authentically combines the region's unspoiled spirituality with 21st century modern luxury. Welcome to
Thank you for making us all just a bit better. OUR BEST CUSTOMER FOR OVER A DECADE
Celebrating 15 Years Inspired by You
As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary at Influential U, we are filled with profound gratitude for you, our clients. For 15 incredible years, you have inspired us, challenged us, and partnered with us to build something extraordinary.
To those who joined us at the very beginning and have been with us since inception, you are the foundation upon which Influential U was built. Your commitment, trust, and belief in our vision set the stage for everything that has followed.
To those who have gone on to join our faculty or become licensed IU Consultants, you embody the very essence of our work. You carry forward the principles of Transactional Competence™, spreading this education to new audiences and creating ripple effects we could only dream of.
To those who are trusted partners or have formed joint ventures with us, your collaboration and ingenuity have helped us expand our reach and impact. Together, we have created solutions, built partnerships, and tackled substantial breakdowns in countless ecologies.
To those who have founded and served the Institute of Transactional Philosophy, you are the keepers and cultivators of this philosophy, ensuring it lives on and evolves for generations to come. Your dedication to advancing this body of knowledge fills us with pride and optimism for the future.
And to those who continue to refer your most ambitious colleagues, friends, and family to us, you are the lifeblood of our growth. Your trust and advocacy remind us why we do what we do to make a meaningful difference in the lives of ambitious professionals worldwide.
For all of this, and for being an essential part of the Influential U journey, we thank you. We wouldn’t be here without your contributions, and as we celebrate 15 years of profound satisfaction and life-long connections, we are deeply honored to have you as part of our story.
Here’s to you and to the next 15 years of mutual respect, extraordinary results, and lasting impact.
With heartfelt gratitude, The Influential U Team
Rebekah Tucker Adelaide FOT64
Michael Pape Denver FOT89
Embark on a journey of creativity, inspiration, and outrageous fun with the Thursday Performance Excursion, a group outing that celebrates the perfect harmony between preparation, practice, and spontaneous magic. This off-site event invites you to step beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening where art and expression take center stage. Featuring Drag Queen Bingo with a cash bar, exciting prizes, life-changing musical numbers, witty banter, and playful interactions, this vibrant experience will ignite your spirit of creativity. The Performance Excursion is not just an outing it’s a celebration filled with laughter, energy, and inspiration to carry you forward into the days ahead.
Thursday, Jan 16, 730 PM
INSTITUTE STUDIES
2025: Embracing Our Roles in CoCreating Our Future
1:00 - 2:45 pm From cellular collectives to human organizations
Join Dr. Segall as we explore how new value can be created through coactive decision-making as we elevate our understanding of our own interests.
3:00 - 5:00 pm Introduction to Transactional Interpretation of Quantum
Physics
Join Dr. Kastner to learn more about how transactions begin with the infinitesimally small aspects of our universe and the broad implications of fundamentally relation and process-based reality
6:30 - 8:30 pm Pennies, Particles, and Philosophical Propositions
A salon-style dinner to benefit The Institute of Transactional Philosophy
Dr. Matt Segall
Matthew D Segall, PhD, is a transdisciplinary researcher, writer, teacher, and philosopher applying process-relational thought across the natural and social sciences, as well as to the study of consciousness. He is Associate Professor in the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness Program at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA and the Chair of the Science Advisory Committee for the Cobb Institute. In 2016, he received his doctoral degree from the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness program at the California Institute of Integral Studies He blogs regularly at footnotes2plato.com and footnotes2plato.substack.com
Dr. Ruth E. Kastner
Ruth E. Kastner earned her M.S. in Physics and Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Maryland. Since that time, she has taught widely and conducted research in Foundations of Physics, particularly in interpretations of quantum theory. She was one of three winners of the 2021 Alumni Research Award at the University of Maryland, College Park (https://alumni.umd.edu/news/research-award-ruth-kastner-82-ms-92phd-99) She is the author of 3 books: The Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Theory: The Reality of Possibility (Cambridge University Press, 2012; 2nd edition just published, 2022), Understanding Our Unseen Reality: Solving Quantum Riddles (Imperial College Press, 2015); and Adventures In Quantumland: Exploring Our Unseen Reality (World Scientific, 2019). She has presented talks and interviews throughout the world and in video recordings on the interpretational challenges of quantum theory, and has a blog at transactionalinterpretation.org. She is also a dedicated yoga practitioner and received her 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Instructor Certification in February, 2020.
The Institute of Transactional Philosophy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to the continual development and education of transactionalism. Our mission is bringing the research, study and applied learning of Transactional Philosophy to a global audience.
Our aim is to foster the adoption of the philosophy of transactionalism so that people can think and act together.
We envision a world embodying an integrated worldview of cooperation, participation and help. We believe that transactionalism is sufficiently robust to address what ails us the most, which is the fragmented and isolated ways in which the world operates today.
In 2023, The Institute of Transactional Philosophy drafted its strategic plan that charts its future. The work of the Institute is focused in promoting transactionalism through three approaches:
Developing Philosophical Propositions that make transactionalism accessible. Cultivating a network of Interlinked Ecologies who practice and value transactional approaches. Delivering Powerful Learning Experiences through various mediums.
We invite you to participate with the Institute as a member, a board director, a volunteer, as a donor or as a scholar. To become a member, please use the QR code below. For all other inquiries, please contact a board director or email us at info@transactionalism.org.
BoardofDirectors
TrishaTyler|BoardChair
SueRhomberg|ViceChair
AnaAthanasiu|Treasurer
SarahShepherd|Secretary&ProgramsCoChair
JennOliver|InternalAffairsChair
AndrewCrellin|ExternalAffairsChair
ChristopherPries
DaphneThompson,PhD
Dr.GaryWard
JasminePlatt
NicoleBriones
AdvisoryBoard
KirklandTibbels
MattSegall,PhD
Thanks to the support of our generous donors, the Trevor J Phillips Memorial Fellowship was created. The fund grants aspiring philosophers a $5,000 stipend to pursue Transactional Philosophy in their academic studies. A rigorous application and interview process are required.
Join the Institute's Membership Program to support applied transactionalism and enjoy other member benefits. Your gift is fully deductible as recognized by law.
Fellows
Gershom Delva
Daniel Luna
Hanifah Walidah
With Special guests
Dr. Matt Segall and Dr. Ruth E. Kastner
Step into a world of intellectual exploration at the Tuesday Philosopher's Lunch, a unique gathering where thought-provoking conversations take center stage. This exclusive event invites you to dine with fellow thinkers and influencers, engaging in deep discussions that challenge conventional wisdom and inspire new perspectives. Over a catered lunch, you'll explore the philosophies that drive innovation and success, all in an atmosphere of camaraderie and curiosity. The Philosopher's Lunch is more than just a meal it’s a journey into the heart of critical thinking, where ideas are shared, minds are sharpened, and inspiration flows freely.
Tuesday, Jan 14, 12-130 PM
Founder’s Studies started as an intimate gathering around a conference table, but it has since evolved into a cornerstone of our Annual Conference, setting the gold standard for what’s to come. On Tuesday before the conference, we invite you to explore the philosophies that form the backbone of Transactional Competence™. This must-see session delves deep into the foundational principles and offers an exclusive preview of the cutting-edge strategies and insights that Influential U has meticulously crafted for you.
1:30 - 4:30pm Getting Fit to Perform Co-Founders' Kirkland Tibbels & John Patterson
6:30 - 8:30pm VIP Private Dinner The Oak
What is the Philosophy of Transactionalism?
wikipedia.org/wiki/Transactionalism
Influential U is the commercial application of a body of work grounded in the philosophy of Transactionalism. The relationship between Influential U and the Institute of Transactional Philosophy is crucial, as both explore this philosophy in complementary ways While the Institute focuses on advancing the philosophy without the constraints of commerce, Influential U is dedicated to teaching the world how to transact together with competence Through earmarked donations to the Institute, scholarships are offered to Influential U programs, empowering marginalized communities to access this transformative business education This partnership ensures that the research conducted by the Institute will continue to inform and benefit us all while fostering greater inclusivity and opportunity
Founders' Studies will serve as your bridge from scholarly insight to real-world application, preparing you for a transformative conference experience centered on Performing. Drawing some inspiration from Dr Ratey’s book Go Wild, we'll explore how our existence is fundamentally grounded in the biological, linguistic, and transactional dimensions of life Most importantly, this session will restore our understanding of ourselves as environment-bound beings who cannot escape or deny the 'transactional whole. '
“Deny your nature, and it will erupt in some other, uglier way.”
Christopher
McDougall, Born to Run
In the context of Performing, where the emphasis is on the process (the activity of doing something at the moment) true mastery requires engagement and adaptability. We'll examine why self-action (acting as if we are independent overlords) and inter-action (using force or causation) fall short and why trans-action (exchanges that consider the 'whole') is essential. Whether selling, presenting, or performing, ignoring the needs of both/all parties and the larger environment leads to costly consequences
Founders'' Studies will equip you with this essential framework, enabling you to approach performance as a dynamic process that is thoughtful, adaptive, and deeply connected to the whole. This preparation ensures you'll engage with the conference theme at its fullest, ready to perform with impact, precision, and care.
12:00 - 1:30pm Lunch Break / VIP Resources and Connections Lunch Shangri La Pavilion
1:30 - 3:00pm Unleash the Beast 3:30 - 5:00pm The Dance of Give and Take 5:30 - 7:00pm Consultants Social* Wallace Neff Heritage Bar 7:30 - 9:00pm Informal Social* Agave Maria Mexican Restaurant
l guests, spouses, or colleagues for - all times are Ojai Time):
o 12pm 30 to 7pm 5am 1:30 to 3:30pm e paid by participants/guests wise
Elevate your conference experience with the Wednesday Resources and Connection Lunch, an exclusive gathering designed for our VIP attendees. This isn’t just a meal it’s a curated opportunity to forge influential connections and access invaluable resources in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. Engage in meaningful conversations with fellow influencers and thought leaders while enjoying a catered lunch. This event is your gateway to expanding your network, exchanging ideas, and discovering new opportunities, all in the company of those who share your drive for success. The Resources and Connection Lunch is where relationships are built and future collaborations are born.
Begin the conference by exploring the critical role of practice in performance. Consistent practice not only builds skill but also prepares individuals to fully engage in the moment. Performing is an others-oriented phenomenon it’s about connecting with and impacting others. Those who do their homework and are ready to perform win. This session will emphasize the importance of preparation, engaging others, and the dynamic interplay between practice and performance.
What is the difference between performance and performing?
1.
Performance is the result or outcome the finished product that can be measured or evaluated.
2.
Performing is the process the activity of doing something at the moment, emphasizing engagement and adaptability.
Performance is about results; performing is about action Both are essential but performing focuses on the journey, while performance highlights the destination.
Notes:
Immersive Practice
Unleash the Beast
Select one of five nursery rhymes to Perform:
1. Mary Had a Little Lamb
Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow, And everywhere that Mary went, The lamb was sure to go
2. Jack and Jill
Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown, And Jill came tumbling after
3. Humpty Dumpty
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again
4. Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
Baa, baa, black sheep, Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full. One for the master, one for the dame, And one for the little boy who lives down the lane.
5. London Bridge Is Falling Down
London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, falling down.
London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady.
Collaborative Performing
The Dance of Give and Take
Performing is an others-oriented phenomenon it’s about connecting with and impacting others Whether selling, presenting, or performing, ignoring the needs of both/all parties and the larger environment leads to costly consequences.
*You are welcome to include special guests, spouses, or colleagues for the following (in person or virtually* - all times are Ojai Time):
Wednesday Morning from 9am to 12pm
Consulting Social Wednesday 5:30 to 7pm
Thursday Group Photo 8:15-8:45am
Friday afternoon (final day) from 1:30 to 3:30pm
Where fees apply, these are to be paid by participants/guests Guests are not permitted otherwise
Experience an unparalleled opportunity at the Thursday VIP Founder Lunch, an intimate gathering where you'll dine alongside the visionary Co-Founders' of Influential U. This exclusive event is more than just a meal it's a chance to engage directly with the minds that shaped the very philosophy driving Transactional Competence™. In this rarefied setting, you'll enjoy a catered lunch, candid conversations, insider insights, and the chance to exchange ideas with the trailblazers who set the course for success. The VIP Founder Lunch invites you to connect, collaborate, and be inspired by those at the pinnacle of influence and achievement.
Thursday, Jan 16, 12-130 PM
The Performance Showcase
Transactional Olympics
A powerful and memorable culmination for the Influential U conference is The Performance Showcase: Transactional Olympics a dynamic, interactive competition where attendees demonstrate their mastery of Performing by tackling real-world-inspired challenges that demand transactional competence, teamwork, confidence, and the willingness to adapt and take risks.
The Performance Showcase is designed as a series of high-stakes, fun, and engaging challenges where participants apply the skills and principles learned during the conference. These challenges are both individual and team-based, reflecting the balance of personal mastery and cooperative performance.
Notes:
Pitch Perfect Select an Offer to Pitch
A self-tying shoelace 1.
A pen that writes in space 2.
A jacket that changes colors 3.
A chair that adjusts posture automatically 4
A watch that tracks hydration levels 5.
A smart pillow that monitors sleep patterns 6. A solar-powered phone case 7
A backpack with a built-in seat 8.
A plant that waters itself 9.
Sunglasses with real-time translation 10
A lamp that mimics natural daylight 11.
Shoes that never wear out 12.
A keychain that finds lost items 13
A coffee mug that keeps coffee at the perfect temperature 14.
A car mat that cleans itself 15.
A blanket that cools and heats as needed 16
An umbrella that never turns inside out 17.
A water bottle that purifies water on the go 18.
A desk organizer that charges devices wirelessly 19
A smart mirror that gives daily affirmations 20.
A notebook that syncs notes digitally 21.
A scarf that adjusts its thickness 22
A fitness tracker that offers live coaching 23.
A ring that serves as a digital wallet 24.
A planter that grows herbs automatically 25
A drone that delivers groceries 26.
A mousepad that doubles as a charger 27.
A reusable straw that cleans itself 28.
A belt that tracks your waist size over time 29.
A yoga mat that provides real-time feedback 30.
Prepare to Perform Team Strategy Session
This session will explore the concept of synergy in performance, where the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
Notes:
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
9:00 - 10:30am Challenge Rounds
11:00 - 12:00pm Fit to Perform
12:00 - 1:30pm Lunch Break
1:30 - 3:30pm The Performance Showcase*
5:00 - 6:00pm Cocktail Reception
6:00 - 7:00pm Annual Gala Dinner
7:00 - 8:00pm Special Presentations 8:00 - 9:30pm Dancing!
*You are welcome to include special guests, spouses, or colleagues for the following (in person or virtually* - all times are Ojai Time):
Wednesday Morning from 9am to 12pm
Consulting Social Wednesday 5:30 to 7pm
Friday afternoon (final day) from 1:30 to 3:30pm
Where fees apply, these are to be paid by participants/guests
Guests are not permitted otherwise
Step into an unforgettable Friday evening at The Annual Gala Dinner, where elegance meets celebration. Begin the night with a sophisticated cocktail mixer, the perfect opportunity to mingle and connect in a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a captivating presentation that sets the tone for an exhilarating night. Witness the recognition of excellence with our prestigious awards ceremony, then let loose on the dance floor as the night crescendos into a joyous celebration. This is more than just a dinner it’s the highlight of the conference, where memories are made and milestones are celebrated.
Friday, Jan 18, 5-930 PM
Challenge Rounds
Three Challenges
Each of the 10 teams rotates through the three challenge stations, with 20 minutes allocated per station Teams are split into three groups (3 teams per group, Virtual as 1 group) and rotate simultaneously to ensure efficient use of time. Each station is facilitated by a challenge moderator who ensures smooth transitions and keeps time.
Challenge 1: Pitch Perfect Teams create and deliver a 2-minute pitch for a randomly selected offer to pitch
Challenge 2: The Influence Relay Teams must persuade the stakeholders to adopt a new sustainability initiative for the fictitious company. A sustainability initiative is a strategy that aims to promote responsible and efficient use of resources to improve the chances of long-term success.
Challenge 3: The Confidence Gauntlet Teams must perform a randomly selected confidence challenge.
Notes:
Fit to Perform
Can you evidence fitness?
Notes:
The Performance Showcase
Transactional Olympics
Concluding the conference will be a session on the spontaneous magic that emerges when practice meets opportunity and collaboration. This session will inspire attendees to embrace shared performance's unpredictability and trust in the process.
Notes:
50% Coupon Code “LMS”
Unlock exclusive access to our On-Demand Recordings in your course dashboard.*
Re-experience the best conference takeaways again and again.
Unlock exclusive access to our On-Demand Recordings reserved for VIP pass holders and those who activate this perk. Whether you missed a session or want to relive the brilliance of your favorite presentations, these recordings ensure you stay connected to every moment of insight and inspiration. Seamlessly revisit key moments and talks from the comfort of your home or office, and immerse yourself in the content at your own pace. With this VIP access, the knowledge and connections gained at the conference will be within reach long after the event.
*Already included for VIP pass holders.
September 21-26, 2025
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