In the early 1970s, Father Michael Doyle arrived in Camden, New Jersey, a city plagued by poverty and violence. Over the next five decades, this humble Catholic priest transformed the community through his deep commitment to social justice, compassion, and advocacy. His remarkable journey is captured in the award-winning documentary "The Heart of Camden – The Story of Father Michael Doyle," which I had the privilege of producing and directing. The film, narrated pro bono by the legendary Martin Sheen, has resonated deeply with audiences across the globe, with Sheen himself calling Father Doyle "The Mighty Saint of Camden."
Thanks to the support and vision of Mark and Ann Baiada, who funded the project and originated the idea, the film premiered in October 2020 and has since been accepted to 20 film festivals, winning top honors at many. While it chronicles Father Doyle’s life of service in one of the most economically challenged cities in the U.S., the film has transcended its local focus and is now the foundation of a powerful leadership development workshop known as The Heart of Leadership.
The Heart of Leadership Workshop: Bringing Values to Life
My inspiration to use films as a learning tool began during my post graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania in their PennCLO doctoral program. It was through this program that I realized the profound impact storytelling and visual media can have on developing leaders. This insight has shaped my approach to leadership development, and the use of film has become a cornerstone of the workshops I design.
The Heart of Leadership workshop has reached over 250 leaders across the U.S. and Europe and has become a cornerstone for those seeking to build stronger, values-based leadership in their organizations. Designed as a highly interactive experience, the workshop encourages participants to reflect on their own leadership strengths and challenges while connecting what they see in the film to their organization’s values and mission.
The full-day format allows participants to dive deep into the lessons from Father Doyle’s life, with group discussions, self-reflection exercises, and hands-on activities designed to drive home key leadership principles. Many participants are inspired by Doyle’s resilience, humility, and steadfast dedication to serving others. They walk away from the workshop not only with insights but also with actionable steps to improve their own leadership practices.
One executive who attended the workshop praised its unique approach, saying: “The workshop ingeniously brings the power of storytelling and film into our leadership development program, framed it convincingly in the context of our business goals and culture, and delivered a truly remarkable training session that has impacted participants well beyond the classroom.” This sentiment is echoed by leaders across industries who appreciate how the workshop aligns personal reflection with organizational mission.
In addition to the full-day format, The Heart of Leadership workshop is also offered in condensed versions, lasting four, three, or even two hours, making it accessible to organizations of varying needs and schedules. The flexibility of the program ensures that leaders from different sectors and time zones can benefit from its teachings, whether they are seeking a comprehensive immersion or a quick but impactful session.
Hands-On Leadership and the Power of Community
The most dynamic feature of the workshop is the Leadership Film Festival, which participants engage in as part of the full-day experience. Teams of three work together to create micro-short documentaries about inspiring leaders in their own communities or organizations. This hands-on activity not only reinforces the leadership lessons from The Heart of Camden but also empowers participants to craft and share stories that celebrate impactful leadership within their spheres of influence.
In each session, participants are introduced to the concrete projects Father Doyle helped bring to life in Camden, such as The Heart of Camden organization, which has restored hundreds of homes in South Camden, giving dignity and hope to residents. Leaders are encouraged to identify similar community needs and to take actionable steps inspired by Doyle’s unwavering dedication to service.
The workshop's ability to transcend cultural and religious boundaries has been especially striking. Leaders from diverse backgrounds, including Muslim, Jewish, and Christian participants, have all found powerful connections between Father Doyle’s story and their own leadership journeys. One participant, a Muslim business leader, remarked that he wanted to share the film with his sons to inspire them. Another attendee from Israel, after experiencing the workshop, said he was motivated to return to Tel Aviv and improve his community, quoting Doyle’s call to “do my bit.”
One participant eloquently summed up the workshop’s transformative nature: “My eyes are now open to ‘do my bit’ and allow ourselves to explore, use all senses, problem solve, understand community, and so much more.”
In September 2024, I had the privilege of conducting The Heart of Leadership workshop in Cannes, France, just across the street from where the famous Cannes Film Festival is held. It was a particularly memorable experience, as I stood on the iconic red-carpeted steps that have hosted some of the most celebrated figures in cinema. This location was fitting for a workshop rooted in film, storytelling, and leadership. The workshop participants—leaders from around the world—found themselves deeply engaged with Father Doyle’s story and left with a renewed sense of purpose and connection to their own leadership journeys.
A Workshop That Inspires Change
At its core, The Heart of Leadership workshop is about igniting change—not just in participants but also in the organizations and communities they serve. Father Michael Doyle’s legacy teaches us that true leadership begins with humility, compassion, and a commitment to lifting up those around us. By reflecting on Doyle’s story and connecting his values to their own leadership roles, participants are empowered to step forward and make meaningful contributions in their workplaces and beyond.
As Martin Sheen said of his involvement in the film, “It is an honor to be involved with the film.” Those who experience The Heart of Leadership workshop echo this sentiment, walking away not only inspired but ready to take action.
Dr. Douglas Clayton is the producer and director of "The Heart of Camden – The Story of Father Michael Doyle," an award-winning documentary narrated by Martin Sheen, co-produced with ArtC founder Bill Horin and Frank Weiss. Clayton also produced, wrote and directed another award-winning documentary “Dovere for Camden.” He is an executive coach and he leads The Heart of Leadership workshops, which have helped leaders across the globe connect with the values Father Doyle embodied, and is an executive coach. For more information, visit: www.leadershipfilmworks.com
