Why a Holistic Approach to Learning Matters: Insights from Odyssey Teams’ Bill John

Why a Holistic Approach to Learning Matters in Today’s Workplace

In the August 10, 2018 issue of Training Magazine, Bill John—President and Co-Founder of Odyssey Teams—shared a powerful perspective on what it takes to build effective, lasting learning experiences in the corporate world. His message was clear: if organizations want to develop strong teams and meaningful collaboration, they must embrace a holistic approach to learning.

This isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. As companies face rapid change, generational shifts, and increasing demands for purpose-driven work, traditional training methods are falling short. Employees want more than information—they want transformation. And that’s exactly what a holistic approach delivers.

The Challenge: Making Learning Stick

Organizations today are struggling to create learning environments that truly resonate. With multiple generations in the workforce—each with different expectations, learning styles, and motivations—one-size-fits-all training no longer works.

Bill John explained that many companies are still relying on outdated models:

• Lecture-heavy sessions with little interaction
• Generic content that lacks emotional relevance
• Short-term workshops with no follow-up or integration

The result? Low retention, disengaged teams, and missed opportunities for growth.

That’s why Odyssey Teams champions a holistic approach to learning—one that engages the head, heart, and hands.

What Is a Holistic Approach to Learning?

A holistic approach to learning goes beyond technical skills or knowledge transfer. It’s about creating experiences that:

• Engage emotionally – People learn best when they feel connected to the content and each other.
• Involve physical participation – Hands-on activities help reinforce concepts and build muscle memory.
• Encourage reflection – Learning sticks when people have space to process and personalize it.
• Align with purpose – When training connects to a deeper mission, it becomes meaningful and memorable.

This approach is especially effective in team building, leadership development, and culture transformation—areas where emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaboration are key.

Odyssey Teams: Pioneers in Experiential Learning

For over 30 years, Odyssey Teams has been designing and delivering programs that embody this philosophy. Their signature experiences—like Helping Hands®, Life Cycles, and Team Mosaic—combine professional development with real-world impact.

Here’s how it works:

• Teams engage in a challenge (e.g., building a prosthetic hand or assembling a bike).
• The product is donated to someone in need, creating a tangible outcome.
• Participants reflect on the experience, drawing connections to their roles, relationships, and values.

This model doesn’t just teach—it transforms. It’s a living example of a holistic approach to learning in action.

Why It Works Across Generations

One of the key benefits of holistic learning is its cross-generational appeal.

• Millennials and Gen Z value purpose, impact, and collaboration.
• Gen X appreciates practical application and autonomy.
• Boomers bring wisdom and a desire for legacy.

Odyssey Teams’ programs meet all these needs by blending challenge, meaning, and connection. Participants leave not only with new skills—but with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

Bill John’s Vision: Learning That Lasts

In his interview with Training Magazine, Bill John emphasized that learning must be more than a checkbox. It must be an experience that stays with people long after the session ends.

“We’ve seen that when people are emotionally engaged, physically involved, and connected to a greater purpose, the learning sticks. It becomes part of who they are—not just what they know.”

This insight has shaped Odyssey Teams’ approach for decades. And it’s why their programs continue to resonate with companies around the world—from startups to Fortune 500s.

The Future of Training: Purpose + Practice

As the workplace continues to evolve, the demand for holistic learning will only grow. Remote teams, hybrid models, and global collaboration require training that’s adaptable, inclusive, and deeply human.

Odyssey Teams is leading the way by:

• Offering virtual and hybrid formats that maintain emotional impact
• Customizing content to align with organizational goals and values
• Integrating CSR components that connect teams to community and cause

Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a team-building event, or a company-wide initiative, their programs deliver more than skills—they deliver transformation.

Final Thoughts: Learning That Builds Culture

If your organization is looking to improve collaboration, strengthen culture, or develop leaders, consider the power of a holistic approach to learning.

It’s not just about what people learn—it’s about how they learn, why they learn, and who they become in the process.

Odyssey Teams offers a proven path to that transformation. Through experiential learning, emotional engagement, and purpose-driven action, they help teams grow stronger, more connected, and more inspired.

About Odyssey Teams

Odyssey Teams has been designing radically different approaches to leadership development, team building, and organizational culture since 1991. Their programs are global, award-winning, and rooted in purpose.

• Over 80,000 prosthetic hands delivered to amputees in 75+ countries
• Over 20,000 bicycles built and donated to underprivileged children
• 80% of clients are repeat or referred—a testament to lasting impact

To learn more or bring Odyssey Teams to your next event, contact learn@odysseyteams.com or call (800) 342-1650.