Russ Hudson

Russ Hudson has established himself as one of the top teachers and developers of the Enneagram personality typology in the world today, and is known for his deep, integrative approach to psychological and spiritual growth. For over 30 years, he has taught internationally and co-authored five bestselling books with Don Richard Riso, including The Wisdom of the Enneagram, considered a groundbreaking contribution to both Enneagram studies, and the broader literature on psychological type.

He is the co-founder of The Enneagram Institute and President Emeritus and also Founding Director of the International Enneagram Association. Russ helped develop the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI), a widely used and scientifically validated Enneagram assessment tool.

Having graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University, with a degree in East Asian Studies, Russ brings a rich background in science, religion, and philosophy to his work. His teaching emphasizes presence, inner work, and the Enneagram as a map for transformation rather than just a typology system.

Russ has appeared in national media and spoken at major conferences and centers including Esalen, Wisdom 2.0, and SAND. Russ is also a musician, a lifelong student of culture, and a longtime resident of New York City.

Michael Naylor

Michael is the CEO of The Maine Enneagram Center for Transformation and Well-Being and a longtime Professional Member and Teacher with the International Enneagram Association. A regular presenter at IEA conferences since 2010, he has trained through the Enneagram Institute and worked closely with foundational teachers Don Riso and Russ Hudson.

A certified co-active coach, licensed addictions counselor, and clinical supervisor, Michael brings over three decades of experience to his work—supporting transformation through the Enneagram across corporate, coaching, spiritual, and recovery settings. His global teaching spans corporations, leadership teams, and coaching organizations in the U.S. and Europe.

Michael draws from a rich background in contemplative and transformational practices, including Zen Buddhism, 12-Step recovery (with 37 years of continuous sobriety), Diamond Heart, and the Gurdjieff Work. His approach integrates presence-based insight with deep emotional and spiritual work.

Michelle Joy

Michelle is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, certified Enneagram teacher, and a recognized leader in integrating the Enneagram into couples therapy. Since 2002, she has been a core member of The Couples Institute in Menlo Park, CA, where she leads therapy intensives, communication workshops, and premarital programs for couples at every stage of relationship.

A graduate of the Advanced Level in the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, Michelle trains and consults with therapists nationwide. She is a frequent speaker for professional associations including CAMFT and PESI and serves as a guest expert in Dr. Ellyn Bader’s global training platform for couples therapists.

Michelle is known for her ability to help couples transform deeply rooted patterns using the latest insights from neuroscience, differentiation theory, and personality systems. Her writing appears on Marriage.com, and she continues to be a trusted voice in both clinical and Enneagram communities

Karl Hebenstreit, PhD 

Karl is an IEA Accredited Professional with Distinction and a certified Enneagram teacher. He is the author of The How and Why: Taking Care of Business with the Enneagram (now in its third edition), as well as Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision, a multilingual children’s book introducing the Enneagram to younger audiences. He regularly speaks at Enneagram and organizational development conferences worldwide, helping professionals integrate Enneagram insights into leadership, communication, and team development.

With more than 25 years of experience in organizational and leadership development, Karl has held strategic roles across industries including biotech, healthcare, tech, and real estate. His career includes work with Merck, AT&T, Genentech/Roche, Kaiser Permanente, and Cushman & Wakefield. He is certified in a broad range of coaching and assessment tools—including MBTI, Hogan, Scrum/Agile, and Leadership Circle—and received his executive coaching training through Fielding Graduate University.