Newsletter February 2025
Welcome to our February 2025 TetraMap Newsletter
February has seen many of you hit the ground running with so much TetraMap activity – from certification courses to workshops around the globe. We’ve already seen six new UK and Europe TetraMap Facilitators certified! At TetraMap central, we’ve been hard at work on the next phase of TetraPanel incorporating some exciting new features. More to come next month!
As we continue to celebrate our quarter century, this month we go back to our founders Jon and Yoshimi Brett to reflect on their proudest moments, key TetraMap milestones, and vision for the future. It’s a great time to appreciate how far we have come.
As ever our Trust the Process feature is designed to deepen your learning – and this month we focus on Understanding the Four Elements to help you uncover how individual preferences shape behaviour and interaction. Our experts share their tips and tricks that will enrich your sessions.
Highlighting our theme of KINDNESS, we have a fantastic example of our upcoming work with the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), where we help nurture future young leaders. We are so impressed with RYLA’s culture of kindness in leadership – a perfect fit with TetraMap! If you are working with TetraMap and young people we would love to hear more about it, let us share your stories.
Last month we heard how our trailblazers in Germany and Europe are supporting a growing TetraMap community. This month we look at the key players behind the impressive expansion in Asia, with TetraMap certification courses and workshops taking place in eleven countries throughout the year from Indonesia to Thailand to Japan.
We also congratulate our newly certified facilitators Arelie Razo, David Tappenden, Alison Craggs, Johnathan Benson, Russ Clements and Nthabiseng Marepula. Congratulations on joining the TetraMap tribe!
You can stay up to date by joining us on our TetraMap International LinkedIn page for all the latest news and check out our Certified Facilitators group for the community gossip or visit our website to read our previous newsletters.
Dates for the diary:
- Community Meet Up 28th March – Join us to connect and immerse yourself in a TetraMap learning experience. Our diverse community is a huge resource and offers a stimulating way of sharing and expanding our knowledge. Open to all.
- Facilitator Certification Course – March 2025 New Zealand, Wellington | March 24 UK & Europe, London | March 28 Asia, Singapore. Check out our website for all the latest courses and events.
- Join us on 12th or 13th March 2025 to learn more about the Master TetraMap Facilitator (MTF) Programme
25 years on – a thank you to our founders
It would be impossible to celebrate TetraMap’s 25th anniversary without thanking our founders Jon and Yoshimi Brett for their legacy.
Their aligned passions around learning, technology, health and the environment drew them together and 25 years ago instead of rearing children, Yoshimi and Jon gave birth to TetraMap. They looked to nature to create a learning model that increases personal wellbeing and team cohesion.
As you might expect Jon and Yoshimi never stop thinking and continue to develop and build on the principles of Nature. True to their own values they have developed Emérgéntly, a tool to think bigger picture, longer term. Their latest project applies the principles of TetraMap to the nature of systems, and focuses on the evolution of relationships and their interdependencies for a better understanding of whole-systems thinking.
“In this anniversary year we reflect on the timeless wisdom of nature and its lessons in harmony amidst change and uncertainty. Jon and Yoshimi’s insight and vision has had a huge impact on the working and personal lives of so many people around the world, increasing understanding and encouraging interdependence. They illustrate how nature’s principles guide us in creating stronger connections and inspire us to navigate complexity with clarity.”
– Madelize Bekker, Managing Director TetraMap International
The couple’s goals for the sustainability of humanity and the planet remain the same today, and we explore their personal milestones and the proudest moments of their 25-year TetraMap journey.
Jon and Yoshimi answer in true TetraMap fashion!
1990’s – Studying Bucky and committing to his vision ‘to make the world work…’
(2000) Taking more than a year off to write our book: TetraMap – Develop People and Business the Way Nature Intended. (2016) Building a sustainable home, creating Tanglewood – our eco-sanctuary.
Developing and sharing TetraMap globally for the past 25 years, creating a network of people and organisations who care.
(2020) Birth of our mokopuna (grandchild) – Emérgéntly… a tetrahedron, a spiral, a process to apply Nature’s principles to ‘make the world work … without ecological offense or the disadvantage of anyone.’
Emérgéntly Intentions
EARTH: Give nature a seat at the table | AIR: Develop an eco ego |WATER: Collaborate for shared-sufficiency | FIRE: Be a good ancestor
Jon and Yoshimi describe how their new ideas have evolved:
“TetraMap supports us to understand the diversity of egos and how human nature is firm, clear, calm and bright. Emérgéntly builds on that, empowering us to make the shifts necessary to energise, solidify, unify and transform not just individuals, but whole systems. This requires trust in self, in each other and in Nature to be more ECOcentric and less EGOcentric.
“The onus is on each one of us to BE Nature. Watch the parable, Nature at the Table, several times until you recognise your contributions and responsibilities to speak as Nature, speak as a leader”
Trust the Process – the language of the Elements
This month’s Trust the Process explores how we use the language of the Elements in TetraMap facilitation – describing Earth, Air, Water, and Fire in ways that are engaging, accurate, and open-ended, encouraging exploration rather than fixed definitions.
A key learning curve for every new TetraMap facilitator involves developing our fluency when describing Earth, Air, Water and Fire preferences as we guide participants in exploring the Elements for themselves.
Which Element do you recognise here?
“Looking at the positive side of life, they love to explore possibilities and inspire others to see bright futures” FIRE of course!
It might be tempting to repeat the simple phrase – ‘these people are positive and inspire others’ – and while this also suggests Fire, it shifts the focus to actions rather than Elemental perspectives, making the description feel more fixed rather than inviting interpretation.
TetraMap is not a personality profiling tool. It is a learning experience designed to strengthen collaboration, relationships, and connection. As facilitators, many of us work with different tools that explore personality, and it can be easy to borrow language from those models. That’s why it’s essential that we use language that encourages curiosity, allows participants to discover their own insights, and reinforces the interdependence of all four Elements.
Finding your words – why facilitator fluency matters
The leader guides and participant workbooks are crucial support tools for becoming more articulate in how we talk about the TetraMap Elements. So, this month, we invite you to pick a TetraMap resource and check back in with the language of the Elements and see what unfolds for you.
TetraMap: develop people and business the way nature intended by Yoshimi and Jon Brett is another fantastic resource for extending your fluency and understanding about this, for example around non-verbal cues like voice tone and body language: “People display and speak their Elements all the time, it’s just a matter of listening and watching.”
As a facilitator, your language shapes the learning experience. The way you describe the Elements can either open minds or reinforce stereotypes. Using precise, flexible language avoids boxing people in and instead helps them see the full spectrum of how Earth, Air, Water, and Fire interact.
Encouraging self-discovery rather than being prescriptive
TetraMap encourages self-directed learning and creativity too – particularly when participants start to play with metaphor. Guided by a certified facilitator, the TetraMap materials intentionally offer light explanations that are just enough for groups to discover the Elements for themselves.
“Part of the magic of TetraMap is its playfulness and intuition. When we let participants explore the Elements through their own lens, rather than telling them what each one ‘means,’ the learning sticks in a much deeper way.”
Louise Duncan, TetraMap’s Global Brand Ambassador
When participants discover the Elements for themselves, the learning becomes more meaningful and lasting. Telling someone they are ‘Fire’ or ‘Air’ limits their perspective, whereas guiding them to experience the Elements creates deeper insight and ownership. Instead of providing answers, facilitators spark curiosity and create space for exploration – this is where the true learning happens.
The language of inclusion – three things to remember
Remember too that TetraMap is a blunt instrument. The aim is not to categorise people but to embrace diversity, celebrate what makes each of us unique and commit to creating synergy.
- Avoid labelling – The Elements are preferences, not fixed traits. Instead of saying, “You’re Fire, so you must love risks,” try, “How does Fire show up for you?”
- Make space for all voices – Some Elements speak more naturally than others. Intentionally invite the quieter perspectives into the conversation.
- Emphasise synergy – No Element works alone. Help participants see how their preferences connect with others, rather than seeing differences as divisions.
Igniting Future Leadership
TetraMap International has once again pledged to support RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award), sponsoring the January 2025 event by providing communication skills and leadership training.
RYLA is a week-long leadership development programme for 18-24 year-olds in the lower North Island. The programme brings together a diverse group of young leaders across industries, cultures, genders, and ethnicities, developing their teamwork and communication skills.
“For the past 21 years we have enjoyed sharing our time, resources, and expertise, meeting some of the brightest future leaders from New Zealand on the RYLA programs. Many young people experience their first structured communication training at the event, which can be a significant personal breakthrough. The transformational learning experience sees participants not only gain insights into communication but also develop confidence in expressing themselves.”
Madelize Bekker, Managing Director of TetraMap International
RYLA participants often describe the experience as life-changing. Many arrive unaware of the depth of self-awareness and communication insight they will gain. By the end of the programme, they leave with new perspectives, practical tools, and a stronger sense of their own leadership potential.
Certified TetraMap Facilitators Kararaina McLean and Esther Buckholt, who are involved in the workshops, added:
“For us, it’s very rewarding – the energy and enthusiasm of so many young leaders is incredible. Not only that, TetraMap aligns perfectly with RYLA’s culture of kindness in leadership, which extends to both facilitators and participants. And we love RYLA’s commitment to integrating te ao Māori and fostering inclusive leadership.”
A Long-Standing Commitment to Leadership Development
TetraMap’s involvement with RYLA started in 2005, sparked by a shared belief in empowering young people with the skills they need to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Since then, TetraMap has provided ongoing support, ensuring that future leaders have access to world-class communication and leadership training.
John Williams, RYLA Lead Facilitator, reflects on the partnership: “My role at RYLA is Lead Facilitator, so I glue the sessions together during the five days, and facilitate unique sessions as well. As a TetraMap Certified Facilitator, I add additional material and support the TetraMap narrative that Esther and Kararaina have excellently introduced to the programme. They are absolute rockstars.”
Testament to the success of TetraMap at RYLA is the high evaluation scores it receives from the participants. I personally want to thank TetraMap for the continued long-standing partnership that was initiated by Yoshimi and Jon Brett all those years ago.”
As TetraMap continues its mission to shape the leaders of tomorrow, the collaboration with RYLA stands as a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and values-driven leadership. The future is bright, and these young leaders are ready to take on the world.
Celebrating 25 years of TetraMap in Asia: Strengthening our Community
As TetraMap marks its 25th anniversary, our Master TetraMap Facilitators (MTFs) in Asia are leading initiatives to strengthen the facilitator network and expand our global impact across this new region. These efforts reflect our commitment to fostering meaningful connections, collaboration, and growth.
This month we look at the invaluable work Master TetraMap Facilitators Raymond Yap and Jack Wong are doing in ASIA.
To celebrate TetraMap’s 25th anniversary Raymond has organised a hugely impressive tour of Asia – ConneXion25 – visiting a country a month throughout the year! His visits will include running certification courses and TetraMap workshops in eleven countries including Indonesia, Thailand and Japan.
Raymond has been an enthusiastic supporter of TetraMap since its very early years. In 2006 he was certified by founders, Yoshimi and Jon Brett, and has never looked back, becoming a trailblazer in the TetraMap community. Based in Singapore, Raymond has led the way in certifying hundreds of new facilitators across South East Asia and spreading his passion for TetraMap to the growing community.
Not only that, Raymond will reach out to even more of the TetraMap community with a series of TetraConnect zoom sessions on the last Monday of each month, on a whole range of subjects such as ‘TetraMap for Wellness’ and coaching on personal and leadership development.
Raymond shares a powerful reminder: “Don’t measure success by the harvest – focus on the ploughing.” or, put simply: “Effort matters more than outcome.”, which reflects his belief in the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, rather than fixating on results.
Jack, who became a CTF (Certified TetraMap Facilitator) in 2017 and qualified as an MTF (Master TetraMap Facilitator) at the end of 2020, continues to drive TetraMap’s growth in Singapore by running certification courses and supporting newly certified facilitators, helping them develop their facilitation and business skills alike.
Jack is all about integrity!
“I do my best to ensure that the active CTFs I work with uphold STRICH (the TetraMap values) and live by the ‘responsibility flip chart’, but it’s a shared effort. Everyone has a role to play, and regular reminders are essential.”
Jack is planning three TetraMap Certification Courses in Singapore for 2025, scheduled for March, August, and November. These sessions will provide new facilitators with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate TetraMap into their work effectively.
Recently, Jack encouraged and supported Certified TetraMap Facilitators, Brandon Tan HL and Sharon Lee to run a bilingual workshop for international youth. Using the ‘My Nature, Your Nature’ (MNYN) workbook, they created an engaging, interactive learning experience in both English and Mandarin. The positive feedback has led to discussions about expanding these workshops further.
“TetraMap MNYN has given an easy learning and wonderful experience for teachers to understand the students’ preferred behaviour. Lots of laughter and awareness of “Now I know why you are like that!” between teachers and students!”
Brandon Tan HL, Certified TetraMap Facilitator
With these initiatives, Raymond, Jack, and our TetraMap community are strengthening facilitator networks across Asia. As we celebrate 25 years, we look forward to meaningful connections, professional growth, and the continued impact of TetraMap in the region and beyond!