Embracing cycles of rest is essential for our own ability to grow and create. Rather than continuously striving, reaching for the next thing and going ever faster, we need to pause and recharge, acknowledging that rest is as crucial as productivity.

By honouring the natural cycles of action and rest, we give ourselves the chance to integrate experiences, reflect deeply, and ultimately emerge renewed, ready to bring our full selves to the work we care about.

Emma Chow is a regenerative designer and leader who learned this the hard way in 2020. Since then, she’s journeyed from global consulting to pioneering work in service of the circular economy, following a passion for nature and the climate she’s held since the age of 18.

In her conversation with Ben, Emma shares how embracing rest as part of life’s natural rhythm can open up space for resilience, creativity, and a deeper connection to purpose.

• Connect with Emma via LinkedIn
• Emma’s website

Growing as a person – and as a leader – often involves a metamorphosis, where one moves from an egocentric, achievement-focused mindset to a more holistic, purpose-driven approach to life and work.

This shift can occur at various stages of life, and it takes courage to confront the discomfort and uncertainty that shows up. But ultimately it leads to a deeper connection with one's soul and life purpose.

This journey, while challenging, can be navigated successfully with the right guidance and understanding of the process. In this discussion, Giles Hutchins outlines his relationship with this process of death and rebirth.

Giles is a coach specialising in regenerative leadership and business inspired by nature. He works with leaders, founders, CEOs, and chairs from around the world, and has been taking leaders into nature for over 15 years as part of his coaching practice.

• Leading by Nature, by Giles Hutchins
• Other books by Giles
• Movement, Mood and Mindset – Episode 34, with Sal Jefferies

Embracing different perspectives and understanding the long-term impacts of our actions, particularly in terms of cultural shifts and societal evolution, can give us valuable insights to navigate our present and future more effectively.

Author Dougald Hine rejoins Ben to discuss a new book by Tyson Yunkaporta, who suggested that the best thing to do is maybe not to read a book, but to discuss it with someone else.

In their conversation, they explore how deep time diligence impacts cultural changes, the role of violence in human societies, and what imposing limitations can mean to those around us.

• At Work in the Ruins – Episode 18
• Right Story, Wrong Story: Adventures in Indigenous Thinking, by Tyson Yunkaporta
• Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World, by Tyson Yunkaporta
• A School Called Home
• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt
• Further Adventures in Regrowing a Living Culture – Dougald’s spring 2024 series