Newsletter May 2025
25 Years, Four Elements, Countless Stories!
A warm May welcome to our TetraMap community and this month we are all about making the most of what you have and working with what you’ve got. Things might be feeling uncertain around the globe, but our mission is to make your life a little brighter with more learning and sharing of TetraMap wisdom and an added sprinkling of courage.
If it feels as though budgets are tightening and we are pressed to do more with less, we have some great tips for holding a sustainable event that will turn you into the most brilliant event organiser! And we get the inside story on what it’s like to hold a workshop for over 70 people – where do you start?
Your stories continue to light up LinkedIn, and in this issue we spotlight Jack Wong in Singapore and discover his secret to keeping TetraMap in the family.
In Trust the Process we once again return to our resources, using TetraMap to guide recovery and leadership – ‘When Teams Need to Heal’. We help you make the most of what’s already available to you as a Certified TetraMap Facilitator.
Don’t forget to keep your stories coming to Louise, these are the true heart of our community – each one of you creating mini miracles each day with the magic of TetraMap. A quick reminder of our very first TetraMap of Leadership workshop on 24 June – don’t miss this new approach to leadership designed to match today’s organisations.
Dates for the diary:
UK Digital Cert Course – starts 9th June – Online Facilitator Certification Course – UK & Europe – Tetramap
Caribbean – In Person Cert Course – 18th – 20th June – Facilitator Certification Course – the Caribbean – Tetramap
Global Digital TetraMap of Leadership Early Adopters – starts 24th June – The TetraMap of Leadership, Early Adopter Programme – Tetramap
An Elemental Journey (Digital Course) – starts 6th June – An Elemental Journey – Tetramap
NZ In Person Cert Course – 1st & 2nd July – Facilitator Certification Course – New Zealand | Aotearoa – Tetramap
Tetra25 celebrations –You are invited to celebrate with us in Berlin, 13 and 14 June
London is now confirmed as 10 September
Singapore will take place on 20 September
More to follow on London and Singapore very soon, watch this space.
Turkey takes it to the next level
When we heard our Turkish colleagues had taken it to the next level with their latest workshop for a corporate client, we needed to know more. Facilitating a large TetraMap workshop can be a real challenge and it takes a lot of extra planning and creativity – something 41 North Business School in Turkey have in abundance!
Recently they held a workshop for 74 participants and the feedback was glowing – despite the large group. Making the most of their Air Element the team created inspired activities and grabbed everyone’s attention from the start in the form of a treasure hunt where each step was built around each one of the four Elements of TetraMap.
41 North Business School Dean, Nüket Güz, PhD, said:
“Each challenge had to be solved using the strengths of a particular element—some required the clarity of Fire, others the empathy of Water, and so on. The teams relied on participants whose dominant element matched the challenge, adding both structure and energy to the activity.
“With the help of our Head of Intermodal Expressive Arts and Creative Methodologies Chair, we were able to close the day with a hands-on creative task – building symbolic ‘monuments’ out of disposed materials. It brought the whole day together in an engaging, fun, and reflective way—true to 41 North’s immersive and gamified learning style.”
Feedback was great and participants said TetraMap helped them view their teammates through a new lens. Many participants found new ways to solve problems both as individuals and as a team, and the non-judgmental approach of TetraMap—no labelling of right or wrong, just understanding differences—was deeply appreciated. One shared, “This was different from our usual company-focused workshops. Today, we connected on a more personal level.”
All the materials used were the specially translated TetraMap resources and being able to use these in Turkish helped the team immensely – a fact that warms the heart of the TetraMap International team!
Nüket Güz; PhD, added:
“Using Turkish instruments in Turkey is always closer to the heart—and in this case, it was very helpful. Each language carries its own behavioral and value sets, and when words are expressed in participants’ native language, they are internalized much more effectively. English doesn’t always translate the emotional or cultural nuances we aim to convey in soft skills training. That’s why, in most of our programs, we prioritize working in the group’s native language. Turkish, being a rich and layered language, often has multiple meanings for a single English word—so using Turkish helped ensure clarity, emotional depth, and more meaningful engagement.”
The venue itself added a unique depth to the workshop experience.
Nüket Güz, PhD, explained:
“Istanbul is a truly magical place to host such immersive experiences. With its unique position bridging continents, the energy of the Bosphorus flowing between two worlds, and easy access to lush green forests, it offers the perfect blend of inspiration and grounding. Being surrounded by nature just outside the vibrant city allowed us to stay aligned with TetraMap’s nature-based metaphor while creating a memorable, energizing atmosphere for deep learning and connection.It was truly a day to remember, and we’re happy to see the lasting impact it’s had on the participants.”
“This was different from our usual company-focused workshops. Today, we connected on a more personal level.”
– Participant
Trust the Process – When Teams Need to Heal – Using TetraMap to Guide Recovery and Leadership
Recovery. It’s a word that can mean many things.
For a person, it might be surgery or illness. For a team, it could be change, conflict, or burnout. For a leader, it might be navigating disruption or rebuilding trust. But no matter the context – the process matters. And TetraMap gives us a way to make sense of it.
Earlier this year, one of our co-founders, Jon Brett, had both knees replaced. It was a big decision, and recovery didn’t go exactly to plan. But what stood out was what happened after: we mapped his recovery using the TetraMap of Behaviour– Firm, Clear, Calm, Bright – and discovered just how applicable it is to leadership and team culture.
Here’s how it shaped our thinking:
Earth – FIRM: Strong foundations build lasting recovery
Whether you’re recovering from surgery or rebuilding team momentum, the first step is the same: pause and stabilise. Rest isn’t a luxury – it’s necessary.
Jon reminded us to “let go of shoulds” and start from what’s already present.
– For leaders, this means honouring the current state of your people and processes – even if it’s messy – and resisting the urge to rush ahead.
Air – CLEAR: Clarity fuels meaningful progress
Air brings vision – but not pressure.
Jon used his recovery time to rethink priorities and adjust expectations. Teams can do the same. After a hard season or a failed project, it’s clarity that paves the way forward – not perfection.
– Leaders who create space for reflection (not reaction) help teams transform rather than just “move on.”
Water – CALM: Compassion connects and heals
In Jon’s story, setbacks came. There were delays, pain, and frustration. But it was kindness – from himself and others – that got him through.
Calm is not passive – it’s powerful.
– For leaders, emotional intelligence is recovery’s superpower. Recognising emotion, listening without judgement, and nurturing the team spirit allows healing to happen – well beyond the task list.
Fire – BRIGHT: Energy turns small wins into momentum
Jon’s small milestones – standing, walking, laughing again – kept the flame burning. He shared his story, and it sparked energy in others.
– In leadership, these bright moments matter. They show teams what’s possible and create forward motion. And in recovery, sometimes the most powerful question is: “What’s the smallest thing we can celebrate today?”
Leadership is a Recovery Practice
Jon’s story reminded us: recovery isn’t about returning to what was. It’s about becoming what’s next – with more awareness, more care, and more insight.
So we’ve started asking ourselves:
- What are we recovering from – as a team?
- Are we leading with Firm, Clear, Calm, and Bright intentions?
- What does a healthy recovery culture look like – and who needs us to model it?
As a leadership practice, recovery is about pacing, presence, and perspective. It asks us not to fix things fast, but to trust the natural cycles of renewal.
Want to read more?
Jon took this even further – applying these ideas through a nature-aligned lens called Emérgéntly, which spirals through the Elements in a regenerative way.
- Download the Four-Elements-Of-Recovery PDF
- See below: the Four Elements of Recovery to share with your teams.
TetraMap – a family business
As we continue to explore stories from our TetraMap community, we discover a first for Singapore – four TetraMap Facilitators in one family!
Jack Wong became a Certified TetraMap Facilitator in September 2017 and his passion for TetraMap led him to become one of Singapore’s four Master TetraMap Facilitators in 2020. It has become a huge a part of his life, but one thing he didn’t expect was his enthusiasm for TetraMap to have such a positive influence on the whole family. In March 2024 his wife Sharon was certified and just a few weeks ago daughters Isabelle and Zoe also became Certified TetraMap Facilitators.
It was the ultimate family certification course with Sharon co-facilitating with Jack, and Isabelle and Zoe both receiving their certificates. The Wong family now has four TetraMap Facilitators, taking family communication to the next level and making it one of the unique families in Singapore!
Jack said: “This would not have been possible without the family members being open to the idea of getting certified and already it has provided greater family insights. Sharon told me she had a deeper understanding of Isabelle and Zoe after the cert course. She was surprised to see the Elemental preferences of both of them even though they are now 20 and 19 years old.
“We are all excited and ready to work together to bring TetraMap to more people worldwide. I feel our job is to inspire this family approach to other families in Singapore and Malaysia. Our last family member is our son. I am looking forward to him joining the team when he’s ready!”
Louise Duncan, Global Brand Ambassador for TetraMap agrees that communication is the key: “Building mutual trust, reciprocity and respect across the generations is the foundation of strong families and strong relationships.
“TetraMap is way more than a tool used in workshops. It’s about a way of being, thinking, doing, that values our natural diversity – reflecting society as a whole. Thanks Jack, Sharon, Isabelle and Zoe for modelling a great message.”
Top tips for your event
With our 25th celebration events coming up this year we were on a mission to make the most of our precious gatherings in the most sustainable way possible. As promised in this issue, we are going to share our tips on getting more for less, and help YOU shine at your next event.
As a TetraMap Facilitator many of you will be experienced at organising and planning your workshops. For some it’s as simple as using the company meeting room, for others it’s the search for a venue that people will enjoy – that won’t break the bank! And more to the point how do you make it sustainable?
Learning and sharing is the foundation of TetraMap and when UK General Manager, Ruth Robinson, discovered an online workshop focusing on holding sustainable events she was delighted, and could not wait to share. Not only did it totally align with TetraMap values, it was smart and innovative.
Ruth said: “Some of us have our tried and tested ways of organising events and others are new to events and don’t have a clue. It turns out we can all learn something new, and like all the best ideas, it was brilliant in its simplicity. Ten simple and sustainable swaps that will save you money!”
Thanks to Emma Wellstead, events strategist from Warwick Events, for allowing us to share her wisdom with our TetraMap community. Follow her on LinkedIn.
“Sustainability isn’t a bolt on. Sustainability and people are always at the heart of my designs.”
– Emma Wellstead.
Ten simple and sustainable swaps that will save you money
1. SWAP FLOWERS FOR PLANTS
As of 2024, approximately 18% of cut flowers sold in the UK are grown in the UK. Why not use plants instead? The benefits of using locally grown plants – they look just as good, carry on growing and can be borrowed. Try your local garden centre or plant store to see whether you can rent and return.
2. COLLECTING FEEDBACK
Do you really need an app or feedback forms? Try a quick and easy way with recycled materials. Take a container for each question and ask them to add a bottle top or other throw away materials to indicate their feedback.
3. VENUES BUILT FOR PURPOSE
Why re-invent the wheel? Go for something which already has the infrastructure you need. Places and spaces to consider include theatres, cinemas, universities, schools, even breweries!
4. PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photos capture the moment. But the cost for a professional is too high? Ask at your local college and work with a university student or graduate for great value AND the experience helps expand their portfolio.
5. SPACE SAVING
Think efficiency and always question. Opportunities exist to reduce physical requirements like furniture, lines etc. By being smarter you save hire costs and reduce negative impacts such as transport, laundry and water consumption.
6. FURNITURE FROM TV, FILM, THEATRE HIRE
Rather than the default conference and corporate furniture, hire ‘props’ from the world of TV/Film/Theatre. And pre-loved items have so much more character!
7. VENUES THAT GIVE BACK
There are so many unusual and extraordinary venues when you look around. Galleries, independent cinemas, local theatres, art spaces – many won’t be listed in any directory. Interesting, often incredible value AND every profit supports a good cause.
8. CHOIRS, BANDS AND PERFORMERS FROM THE COMMUNITY
This can be a win, win scenario. It genuinely means something to these local groups – and your guests will feel their joy!
9. REDUCE PRINT WITH QR CODES
QR codes are great. Why print a menu card per person, per lunch or dinner when one code will cover all scenarios? Just remember to have the correct menu on the website!
10. PEOPLE POWER
People make events. There are so many ways to save money and give a fantastic experience to people. Volunteers, students and colleagues as greeters to get that smiley welcome and warm hospitality, or create your own ‘Insta’ opportunity with props to fire up the enthusiasm.