By: Daniel Ebert, President, Greenheart International
Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change.” Nothing could be truer. At some point, we all come to realize that change will happen—whether we welcome it or not. What matters most is how we respond: how we learn from it, adapt to it, and even shape it into something that benefits our mission, our people, and the communities we serve. Change often arrives disguised as a challenge, but with humility, resilience, and determination, it can become a catalyst for growth.
In my nearly three decades at Greenheart, I have seen firsthand how change can reshape not only an organization but the lives it touches. Beyond planned initiatives like new systems, organizational structures, program enhancements, or navigating shifting regulations, we have weathered global events that few could have predicted: the aftermath of 9/11, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recessions, and political unrest. Greenheart in 1999, then the Center for Cultural Interchange, looked very different from the organization we know today. And yet, through every chapter, we have adapted while staying true to our mission: Connecting people and planet to create global leaders.
Our vision is bold: A world where communities come together as agents of change, building a more peaceful and sustainable future for all. Change management is so vital to us that adaptability is embedded in that vision.
So how do we adapt successfully in a world where change never stops? We remain learners—always curious, always open. Adaptation at Greenheart has often come through trial and error. It’s about listening deeply, learning continuously, and leading with care, clarity, and empathy. It’s about stepping beyond our comfort zones, meeting adversity with confidence and grit, and being willing to reimagine what’s possible.
Adaptability begins with communication. Transparency builds trust, and trust reduces anxiety during uncertain times. We share not only what decisions we make, but why … drawing on the lessons we’ve learned and the experience we’ve gained. We innovate, whether through new program models, technology integration, or exploring fresh destinations and partnerships. We care for our community’s well-being, knowing that resilience is sustained when people feel supported and valued.
We also recognize that our strength lies in partnership. Our relationships with schools, host organizations, families, communities, and government agencies form the foundation that allows us to navigate change more effectively. These partnerships remind us that we never face challenges alone.
And above all, we keep perspective. We celebrate successes, no matter how small, and view setbacks as opportunities to learn. Our cultural values keep us grounded:
- We are driven by our mission
- We are focused on our impact
- We empower action
- We explore other worldviews
- We are dynamic
Greenheart celebrates 40 years of cultural exchange in 2025!
This year, as we celebrate Greenheart’s 40th anniversary, our theme— “Driving Change. Building Bridges.”—perfectly captures both our history and our future. We are driving change by embracing new ways of working, thinking, and connecting. We are building bridges between people, cultures, and ideas that will carry us into the decades ahead.
If we continue to meet change with humility, openness, and the conviction that we are always learning, then I am confident our impact will not only endure but deepen—one bridge, one connection, and one act of courage at a time.
Greenheart envisions a world in which communities come together as agents of change to create a more peaceful and sustainable future for all. Since 1985, Greenheart International has been a catalyst for global transformation through the facilitation of cultural exchange programs. Greenheart International connects people and planet to create global leaders through personal development, volunteer service, environmentalism, and of course, cultural exchange. Our mission drives all that we do in Greenheart Travel and Greenheart Exchange.
To learn more about Greenheart exchange programs, please visit our website.