Info About the Association of Transformational Leaders® (ATL®)

How did the ATL® begin?

The ATL® grew in response to an identified interest emerging from the success of the Transformational Leadership Council (TLC). The TLC was originally convened in July, 2004 by Jack Canfield when he called a couple dozen colleagues together who were engaged in doing transformational work on the planet. Since that time, membership in TLC has grown by invitation only, to approximately 120 individuals, and is strictly limited.

Whereas TLC membership is limited to individuals who are owners of a transformational company or who have made a contribution to the transformation industry, ATL® is regionally organized and open to high-functioning individuals of influence who have a history of facilitating transformation in their fields.

The first regionally organized ATL® event was held in Minneapolis on Thursday, July 10, 2008 and organized by Paul Scheele, founding member of TLC. ATL SoCal® was the second ATL® group formed and had its first meeting September 18, 2010. Founded by TLC members Scott Coady, Terry Tillman and Robert MacPhee, ATL SoCal® now has over 125 members. Since then, other ATL® groups have formed in various locations around the world.

What is the purpose of the ATL®?

Learning, Networking and Mutual Support

The Association of Transformational Leaders® (ATL®) is a forum for individuals of significant influence in artistic, academic, social, political, corporate and humanitarian endeavors, devoted to doing transformational work in their respective fields.

Our purpose is to join with like-minded people to initiate and sustain on-going dialogue and education that enhances our transformational leadership capabilities.

Our members have the intention and desire to attend our two meeting each year because they embody a commitment to foster community and relationship with and among other members, and develop and grow themselves to be of maximum value to others and the planet.

By attending ATL® events, transformational leaders interested in up-leveling their work have an opportunity to stay engaged with high-level information and processes while networking with other leaders who have made significant contributions in the world. ATL® is open to high-functioning individuals that have been identified by their peers as having a history of facilitating transformation in their fields and invited by a current member. Participation is by invitation only.

Who are the members?

The full list of current members is available on our members page.


How do I apply for membership?

Membership in the ATL® is by invitation only.  If your life’s work is a commitment to transformation (for people, for business, for the planet, for the arts) and you are well-acquainted with one of our current members, then ask them to discuss whether ATL® is a good fit for you, and whether or not they would be willing to nominate you as a new member candidate.


Where are the chapters of ATL™ located?

There are currently active ATL® chapters in the following locations:

  • Minneapolis, MN, USA (ATL Midwest™)

  • Los Angeles, CA, USA (ATL Southern California®)

  • Toronto, ON, Canada (ATL Toronto™)

  • Costa Rica (ATL Costa Rica™)

  • New York City, NY (ATL NYC™)

  • Australia (ATL Australia™)

Additional groups are in various stages of forming in the following locations:

  • Japan

  • Hong Kong

New Member Questions

I got an email saying I am invited to join. What do I do now?

There are great answers to a lot of questions here, or you can definitely get a strong feeling about the organization from the person who invited you.  If you’re interested in attending the event, then click the link in the email you received and purchase a ticket through Eventbrite.  There are no membership dues required to attend your first event.

We’ve decided you’re a Yes for us. Come see whether we’re a Yes for you!



Are there annual dues in addition to the event tickets?

The annual dues for members are $400, due between January 1st and the day before our March event each year.  As a new member candidate, you get to attend your first event without paying dues.  Just get an event ticket, come to the event, and then if you decide that ATL™ membership is a good fit for you the dues can be handled after the event.


Can I bring a guest to the event?

The guests we welcome you to invite are your significant loving partner and/or one of your adult children (16+ years old).  We especially love it when these significant others and children come to play full-out for every presenter, every activity, and every meal. It’s a pleasure to meet them, as a way of knowing you even more. Be sure to purchase a ticket for your partner when you get your own (there is a category called “Guest Ticket”).



Who can I contact if I have questions?

The person who invited you to become a member is a great resource for you.  In addition to them, the organization is here to help you get all the information you need.  Just email us.  support (at) atlsocal (dot) org.



How long will my invitation be good for?

Your invitation stands open for two consecutive events (for example, our events are held in March and October each year, so if you received your invitation in June you would be welcome to attend in either October of that year or March of the following).



If I can’t accept the invitation now, can I be re-nominated later?

It’s possible. The same member who nominated you this time could choose to use their annual nomination to nominate you again, or a different member could nominate you.  The vetting of member candidates happens as a comparison of the pool of available nominees, as we only accept a certain number of new members per year.  Therefore, there is no guarantee that your nomination would again be accepted.

Existing Member Questions

What are the event dates for the next couple years so I can lock them into my calendar?

We keep a list of future event dates at the bottom of the Event Details page, as well as on the current Eventbrite page.


Can I bring a good friend or business partner to an event as a guest?

Friends and business associates are not appropriate guests to bring to ATL™ events. On a case-by-case basis, our presenters are allowed to bring guests to see their presentation, so if you’re a member who is presenting you can inquire with your Programming Council contact about this.


What is the refund policy on an event ticket?

If the refund is requested 15 or more days before the event, a full refund or a “roll-over” is available.  A “roll-over” allows you to apply the ticket payment you’ve made to the following event.

If the refund is requested 14 or fewer days before the event, a $150 deposit will be held back to cover expenses, and the remaining funds will be refunded to you (or rolled over).



What is the refund policy on my annual dues?

Payment of your ATL™ dues is an expression of your desire to support this organization’s on-going stability, and a statement of your belief in what ATL™ provides to its family of members.  As a result, the ATL™ dues are non-refundable.



If I decided to take a break from ATL™, can I come back later?

Members who continue to pay dues, but who take a break from attending meetings, are still considered active members.

Members who do not pay dues, and do not attend any meetings for one full year, will lose their status as a member.  Once that status is lost, a former member may contact the Membership Council at any time and request to be considered for re-admission.  Re-admission is allowed solely on the basis of the Membership Council’s review and approval of each individual request.



Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

Any questions you have can be directed to our email address.  support (at) atlsocal (dot) org