Leading with Natural Rhythms: Lessons from Nature

Leading with Natural Rhythms: Lessons from Nature

I love my barefoot shoes as much as my Birkenstocks. Both remind me that alignment with nature matters.

At a B-Corp event in 2023, Connor Tracy, CEO of Vivobarefoot, shared how the company integrates seasonality into its planning cycles—aligning quarterly goals with solstices and equinoxes rather than arbitrary calendar dates.

It’s working. Founded in 2012, Vivobarefoot grew 49% in revenue in 2023, selling nearly one million pairs of shoes—far outpacing the footwear industry’s average growth of 4.3% per year. Their commitment to regenerative business, product and community sets them apart in a world where sustainability claims often fall short.

What Happens When We Sync With Natural Cycles?

Most businesses operate in an always-on, linear mode—pushing for constant growth. But nature moves in cycles: action followed by rest, regeneration, and recalibration.

As leaders, we often focus on doing, but true leadership also requires being. Without space for deep thinking, we risk making reactive rather than strategic decisions.

Leading With Cycles — Beyond the Seasons

Cycles aren’t just seasonal. For women, monthly cycles influence energy, focus, and strengths. Over the past decade, I’ve structured my work around these natural rhythms, balancing key meetings with deep-focus work.

It’s not about perfection. Even an 80/20 approach makes a difference. My friend Eleanor Taylor supports female leaders in leveraging biological rhythms for leadership success.

The Wisdom of Stillness

Nature doesn’t rush. Winter prepares for spring. The tide moves in and out.

A Native American proverb captures this beautifully:
“When you are in doubt, be still, and wait… So long as mists envelop you, be still; be still until the sunlight pours through. Then act with courage.”

Stillness is not inactivity. It is preparation. By embracing natural rhythms and intentional stillness, we lead with greater authenticity, resilience, and insight.

Kholo’s Perspective: Mindful and Regenerative Leadership

At Kholo, we help leaders design organisations that move with rhythm, trust, and care. By aligning strategy with natural cycles, organisations can become:

• More resilient
• More regenerative
• More human

This is what mindful leadership looks like in practice.

Conclusion: Authentic Leadership Through Natural Rhythms

In a world wired for urgency, slowing down can feel radical. But aligning with nature’s rhythms isn’t about going slower—it’s about leading with resilience, authenticity, and wisdom.

At Kholo, we help leaders embrace regenerative practices that honour cycles and create organisations built to last. Book a call with Kholo.

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