EP16: Aligning Your Career with Nature, Climate and Community
Embracing a regenerative career is about much more than changing jobs - it's about reimagining our entire relationship with work and the world around us. As I've journeyed from actor to CEO to regenerative career coach, I've discovered that the path to purposeful work is often winding, but deeply rewarding.
But what does "regenerative" mean? Does it have a place for me? And where do I start? If you're asking yourself these questions, you've already taken the first step into regenerative work. So let's explore it some more.
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What Does "Regenerative" Really Mean?
For me, regenerative work is about actively supporting life, which means it goes beyond minimising harm or creating efficiencies that allow us to maintain the status quo. It's about creating positive and tangible change that's restores nature, climate, and communities. When we approach our careers through this lens, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities that go far beyond traditional job titles or established industry sectors.
The Four Questions of Regenerative Work.
When exploring what regenerative means to you, try asking yourself these questions:
Does this work actively reduce pressure on our planet?
Will it improve life for all beings and distribute that benefit fairly?
Can it have impact quickly and at sufficient scale?
Does it account for repercussions beyond its immediate location?
These questions aren't about achieving perfection, or a tick list for finding the perfect regenerative job - remember perfectionism is part of the corporate worldview. They help us to move in the right direction and challenge ourselves to think more holistically about the impact of our work.
Breaking Free from a Corporate-Mindset
Many of us feel trapped in corporate roles that don't align with our values or desire for meaningful impact. We worry about financial stability, lack of qualifications, or limited opportunities in the regenerative space. But these fears often stem from a corporate mindset that we need to shed.
Instead of focusing on what you lack, consider what you bring to the table. Those years in corporate weren't wasted - they've equipped you with valuable skills that can be applied in new, purpose-driven ways. The key is to look beyond job titles and think about the core competencies you've developed.
For example, if you've worked in project management, those skills are crucial for coordinating complex ecosystem restoration efforts. If you excel at stakeholder engagement, imagine applying that talent to building community support for local regenerative agriculture initiatives.
The Journey to Your Regenerative Work Life
Transitioning to regenerative work isn't about following a predetermined path. It's a process of self-discovery and alignment with your deepest values. Here's how to begin:
Start from the inside out: Reconnect with what truly matters to you. What did you love as a child? What brings you joy and sparks your curiosity now?
Allow yourself to explore: Take courses, read books, have conversations that interest you - even if you can't see an immediate "career" connection. Trust that these explorations will lead you somewhere meaningful.
Identify your regenerative niche: Look for themes and patterns in your interests and skills. Where do your passions intersect with your strengths?
Create an action plan: Once you've found your niche, determine the best way to bring it to life. This might mean starting a business, offering consulting services, or seeking out aligned roles in existing organizations.
Embracing the Abundance of Possibilities
The beauty of regenerative work is that it's endless - it's a complete reimagining of our economy and society. We need innovators, communicators, finance experts, community builders, and so much more. Your skills and experiences are not just welcome in this new paradigm; they're essential.
By shifting our mindset from scarcity to abundance, from competition to collaboration, we open ourselves up to a world of purposeful possibilities. And in doing so, we not only transform our own careers but we become active participants in creating the world we want to see.
So, I invite you to keep exploring what regenerative work means for you. Trust in your unique gifts and experiences. And remember, the world needs your passion, skills, and dedication now more than ever. Your regenerative career journey starts today.
