Escaping the Silo, Joining the Flock

Our ideas of leadership – what it is or isn’t, what it could and should be – have been in a state of flux for some time now. From conversations around burnout to holistic workplace practices, the amount of attention we pay to what many have deemed a crisis of leadership far outstrips the amount of airtime we give to actually creating new forms of it. 

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We’ve also known for some time that the old, traditional models of leadership, with emphasis on control, hierarchy, and efficiency at the expense of flexibility and interconnectedness – are proving insufficient in addressing today’s multifaceted challenges. 

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In a traditional corporate structure, departments might operate in silos with little collaboration between teams or individuals, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of holistic problem-solving. The old approach, more often than not, fails to recognize the interconnectedness within organizations and the broader ecosystem in which it operates. Instead, we’re left relying on reductionism and viewing organizations as machines composed of discrete parts rather than as living systems. 

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In contrast, a regenerative leadership approach acknowledges these interconnections and aims to create systems that are adaptable, resilient, and capable of thriving in the face of complexity. This realization was the catalyst for the creation of The Flock—a regenerative leadership journey designed to inspire and empower leaders to navigate and thrive in more dynamic landscapes. 

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In 2022, I began studying sustainability under the faculty of engineering at MIT, as well as sustainability strategy and management at MIT Sloan. I went into the programs with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between environmental, social, and economic systems. 

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Creating The Flock was both a professional and personal transformation for me. After years of working in high-pressure environments, leading to stress and burnout, I sought a deeper connection with myself and the natural world. By now, we’re also familiar with the deep pits of burnout culture, with Deloitte publishing its Workplace Well Being report all the way back in 2015, reporting that 77% of workers in the US experience burnout in the workplace. Last year, McKinsey published an even more extensive report, sharing an 18-page survey with a focus on holistic health. This report showed a more nuanced (and somewhat less alarming) picture of burnout, but the results nevertheless reflected a need for change in how we do and see leadership. 

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The problem is, despite awareness and improvements, we still consider “performance” culture to be the standard for leadership (across the board), and the stress and burnout often seen in high-pressure environments are direct consequences of traditional leadership models. These models prioritize short-term gains, efficiency, and control, often at the expense of employee well-being. They tend to ignore the holistic needs of individuals, leading to environments where stress and burnout are prevalent. Regenerative leadership, on the other hand, seeks to create conditions where individuals can thrive, addressing the root causes of stress and promoting a balance between work and personal life.

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At MIT, I learned about the importance of systems thinking, the need for innovative solutions to sustainability challenges, and the value of integrating sustainability into the core strategy of organizations. It also made me realise that something was missing: in environments driven by “left brain” thinking — science and achievement, I could feel that the “right brain” — the more compassionate, creative and empathetic side, was missing. I sat with this realization, exploring different principles on how to bring together these opposites. Inspired by the natural phenomenon of bird flocks, I envisioned a leadership model that values interconnectedness, adaptability, and shared vision – ultimately narrowing that model down to a group of core principles:

• Emergent Learning: Adapting dynamically to human needs – mirroring a flock’s agility to changing winds.
  
  
• Collaborative Dialogue: Prioritizing two-way conversations over lectures by creating enriching, collaborative learning environments where every voice is heard.
  
  
• Creative Exploration: Viewing learning as an innovative canvas by merging creativity with structure, enhanced by purposeful thinking and immersive experiences.
  
  
• Deep Embodiment: Encouraging full integration into learnings – similar to birds feeling the air currents – and creating space for visceral connections

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So, what is The Flock? 

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Capturing this new leadership model led to the birth of The Flock, and I see it as more than just a leadership program – it represents a community, a learning platform, and a movement. Underlying the four core principles of The Flock are the embrace of a regenerative philosophy. 

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Regenerative practices are based on principles of reciprocity and connection, putting personal awareness and systems awareness at the forefront. Unlike traditional models, regenerative practices view humans as living beings, not machines. I’m heavily invested in a future where leaders can exist in environments where individuals and systems can flourish together, by promoting well-being through personal growth and empathy, collaborative environments, and recognition of our interdependence with the natural world. 

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The way I see the regenerative parts coming to life in The Flock is by fostering leadership that gives more than it takes — bringing together leaders from diverse sectors to foster a regenerative culture within their organizations and beyond. Through interactive modules, collaborative projects, and thought-provoking content, participants of the Flock embark on a journey of personal and professional transformation.

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Embodying these principles is a pathway towards leadership that drives organizations towards practices that not only avoid harm but actively contribute to the health and vitality of the entire system. Holistic approaches help organizations move beyond the limitations of traditional models, creating resilient, thriving systems that benefit all stakeholders, not just some. 

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Life-affirming economies and regenerative leadership practices are deeply intertwined, prioritizing the well-being of all living systems, including humans, animals, and the environment. By recognizing the links between biodiversity, climate change, consumerism, and waste, we can course correct, and start fostering behaviors and mindsets that value reciprocity and connection, putting personal awareness and systems awareness at the forefront.

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The Flock represents my journey from feeling trapped in traditional structures to embracing the complexities of real change. It merges analytical and creative perspectives to tackle issues sustainably. And it reflects my commitment to fostering leaders who are ready to create life-affirming economies through regenerative practices, ensuring that we, our businesses, and our communities thrive sustainably for the benefit of all life.

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Welcome to The Flock.

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Kindly,

F

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