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CSW Tribe Member Jim Francek "Red Hawk"
I am a Euro-American of Celtic and Slavic tribes. I am the eldest of ten children nurtured and gifted by generous and loving parents. The farmlands and urban areas of Michigan were the place of my development. Early in life I spent a lot of time on our farm walking through the fields and woods, sitting by the streams and there came to see that Mother Nature was an inspiring teacher about life. My soul is fed when I am fully present to her beauty and diversity. Raised a traditional Catholic I followed a path to the seminary leading me to being a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit. My academic training includes a BA in Philosophy; postgraduate studies in Theology and Psychology, and a MSW in Social Work. From 1973-1986, I worked in corporate settings: Kelsey Hayes Co., the Ford Motor Co., and Exxon developing employee assistance programs focused on creating systemic interventions with individuals impacted by alcohol, drug and mental health issues. From 1986 to 1996 I managed a virtual team of organizational consultants in delivering initiatives addressing the human factors generated by organizational change in a wide variety of companies throughout North and South America and Europe. From 1996-2007 I have served as a senior enterprise faculty in Custom Solutions for the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) in Colorado Springs, CO. In that capacity I have facilitated a comprehensive assessment of organizational leadership needs, and then created and delivered innovative designs to address those needs. In May of 2007, I will transition to adjunct faculty status for CCL and be moving to CT to be near our family. My current and future work entails creating innovative applications of the Appreciative Inquiry process to the development of leaders, executive teams, organizations and communities experiencing change. I am a seasoned group facilitator, executive coach, innovative designer, motivational speaker, and poet. I feel I am in true alignment with my sense of purpose when I can engage community leaders around the issue of their community’s sustainability and the common good of their people. Traditional indigenous leaders teach that we should be making our current lifestyle choices with the focus of avoiding negative impacts on the Seventh generation yet to come. I am married to Pat, my wife of 35 years. Together we love to create and facilitate reflective creative experiences for groups that assist them in identify who they are at their positive core. We are currently developing a retreat entitled “Call to Eldership” which will focus on assisting those in the third trimester of their life to live passionately focused on their vision for giving back to society. We are currently being trained to deliver “Circle of Trust” Retreats as developed by Parker Palmer. My spiritual journey has taken me from a traditional Catholic initiation to my current path following the teachings and traditions of Lakota spiritual teachers such as Black Elk, Frank Fools Crow and Eagleman. The simplicity and clarity of being in touch with all creation as a reflection of Great Mystery brings solace and inspiration to my heart. From our marriage, Pat and I brought a daughter Kate and a son Peter into this earthly walk. Kate & her husband Todd have brought two beautiful daughters (Ella & Zoe) into our life. They have made it possible for us to enjoy the desert of life (sometimes called grand parenting). Our son Peter returned to the Spirit world in 2001. Our journey of grief around his loss has deepened our appreciation for living fully in the present; making everyday filled with joy and gratitude. I am an indigenous drummer and flute player which often leads to writing poetry. I have many names: Jim aka Redhawk or Ceta Luta ......
and was recently named by my granddaughter… "Papa Jimbo". With this latest name I think I should be looking for an Italian restaurant to buy. I will respond to any of these names with energy and focus!
Contact Information: Jim Francek: EMAIL: jimfrancek@msn.com; PHONE: 719.686.9793
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