Leslie Hubbard

Leslie Hubbard is the Founder and CEO of OLEL Leadership, an interdisciplinary approach that integrates contemplative science, systems thinking, and leadership development to support individuals and organizations in navigating complexity and contributing to meaningful change. She lived and practiced as a fully ordained Zen Buddhist nun with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh for eight years in monastic centers in France, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and New York. Her ordained Dharma name, given by Thich Nhat Hanh, is Chan Nhu Nghiem (Sister Suchness). She is also a founding member of Blue Cliff Monastery, where she served as Director of Programming supporting international teaching tours and the Wake Up movement for young adults. Leslie holds an MBA in Sustainability from Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability, an MDiv focused on East Asian religions and global ethics from Harvard University, and certification in Climate Change and Health from Yale University. She has held leadership roles at the University of Virginia's Contemplative Sciences Center and the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University, designing programs on contemplative science, human flourishing, and climate and sustainability. She holds a BA in Dance Performance from Codarts Rotterdam and is a certified yoga instructor, reflecting an early foundation in embodiment and creative expression that continues to inform her teaching.

Read more