Nature & Leadership

Nature and the great outdoors have a profound impact on business leadership, as highlighted by the insights of resilience speaker and former marine commando, Nick Goldsmith.
Through his work with business leaders, Nick has observed firsthand the transformative power of nature in building resilience, fostering teamwork, and enhancing leadership capabilities.
According to Nick, nature provides a unique environment for leaders to develop resilience, a critical quality for success in the face of adversity. The outdoors present a variety of challenges, from unpredictable weather to difficult terrain, that require leaders to adapt and persevere. By overcoming these challenges, leaders develop a sense of resilience that they can draw upon in their professional and personal lives.
In addition, spending time in nature can foster teamwork and collaboration, essential qualities of effective leadership. The outdoors require leaders to work together with their team members, building trust and strengthening relationships. As he notes, "Teamwork is not just about working together; it's about the bonds you build along the way."
Moreover, the great outdoors offer a respite from the stresses of the modern world, allowing leaders to recharge and refocus. By disconnecting from technology and spending time in nature, leaders can gain perspective on their priorities, clarify their goals, and think more creatively.
Nature teaches us the importance of environmental stewardship, a crucial element of responsible leadership. "being in nature promotes a growth mindset that will help you to deal with situations in everyday life. In the wild, you can't just park the problem. You have to stop & immediately address the situation" he writes in his book, ReWild Your Mind. By spending time in nature and learning to appreciate its beauty and complexity, leaders can become more mindful of their impact on the environment and make more responsible decisions.
The link between nature and business leadership is a powerful one. By embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the great outdoors, leaders can build resilience, foster teamwork, enhance their creativity, and become better stewards of the environment. As we face the complex and ever-changing landscape of modern business, the lessons of nature offer a powerful tool for success and growth.
Published March '23
Connect with Nick @officially_nockgoldsmith_