Maia Duerr

Maia Duerr is a mindfulness advocate who helps people navigate through career changes, create better work cultures, and build intentional livelihoods. She is globally recognized as an author, coach, and consultant who has been involved in bringing mindfulness to mainstream awareness since the early 2000s. She is the author of "Work That Matters: Create a Livelihood That Reflects Your Core Intention." Maia's work is grounded in mindful awareness and helps individuals and organizations establish an intentional and effective work culture.

Maia has an academic background in social and cultural anthropology and a Bachelor of Music in music therapy from the University of the Pacific. She studied Buddhist chaplaincy and has earned a Professional Certificate in Integrative Marketing from San Francisco State University's College of Business.

Maia has a broad range of experience working in different fields, including research, communications, and outreach. She served as the Executive Director and Director of Communications and Outreach at the Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF) and was the Research and Communications Director at the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society. Maia conceptualized the "Tree of Contemplative Practices," which has been used with hundreds of individuals and groups. She also helped establish the Upaya Zen Center Chaplaincy Training Program and served as its Director.

As the founder of Five Directions Consulting, Maia supports people globally in navigating career transitions, reflecting on work, and implementing effective work practices. Maia is an avid writer and has contributed to a variety of publications, including Buddhadharma, Tricycle, and Mindful.org.