From Silence to Service: A Journey into Heart-Centered Leadership

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Aaron Stryker, co-founder and executive director of Dharma Gates, a nonprofit making deep meditation retreats accessible to young adults. Aaron shares how his journey—from discovering Ashtanga Yoga at 18 to practicing at a Zen monastery—inspired him to create spaces for young people to explore meditation as a tool for resilience and self-discovery. He reflects on his unexpected path to leadership, lessons learned while building Dharma Gates, and how Buddhist values like wisdom and compassion guide his approach. Aaron also offers advice on navigating life with intention, the importance of adaptability, and what it means to lead from the heart.

Learn more about Dharma Gates at dharma-gates.org. You can also check out their Instagram page @dharma.gates.

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Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.