The truth is, I didn't really want to run a business. Business to me was about profits, and spreadsheets, and marketing - "selling" your idea or product to others in order to make money. Transactions.
I wanted to be outside, engaging with the "real world", feeling the sun, rain, and wind on my skin. And helping others do the same. I wanted to immerse myself in meaningful work, where I could feel I was making a difference and supporting communities (human and more-than-human) to thrive. Relationships.
And I believed, and still believe, that learning should be free. Why should the opportunity to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world be restricted to those with the privilege of a full bank account?Especially when that privilege is often determined by circumstances beyond our own control. The luck of the draw. Those who score an upper hand when they are born (including myself!) continue to hold that upper hand?
I used to believe being community- and ecologically- minded in this world just wasn't possible.
Until I started listening to, and believing, that there is a different story to be told, while opening myself up to the voices of those who have been formerly disregarded and silenced.
In times past when I noticed businesses and workplaces not holding themselves accountable to values of equity... inclusion... justice... (for people and the environment), I tried to speak out. Do you know how often I heard a version of the phrase, "We're not ready yet..."? And in moments of fear I would quiet down, tell myself I needed to be more patient, that it was me that was causing the problem.
I've stopped doing that. If others aren't ready, then I'm going to try it myself.
We need a different way of living. A way that centres the health of our communities in all that we do. That builds trust and authentic relationships. That acknowledges modes of exchange other than money and does this through the lens of reciprocity. That works to restore and repair damage done.
That is why I turned Forest Schooled into a business. Was I scared? S***less. But I didn't see another way. If business was still the language of this world, then I was determined to learn it and craft some new words and sentences until I had a way to dialogue in a manner that speaks to my heart.
And that's just what I've done. I've managed to create a business that has brought me closer to the natural world and its rhythms, nurtures my community and myself, and provides me with a fulfilling income while also finding ways to redistribute wealth to those who are under-served and underprivileged.
If you're another soul out there working to do things differently too, this package is for you! I will guide you through philosophies and frameworks for business that have inspired me, and share a variety of resources you can tailor to your unique vision and circumstances.
If needed, this package will also help you create (or re-envision) a business plan inspired by the processes and principles of the natural world. It includes "translations" to business terminology and methods so you may use it to communicate with people of all backgrounds, whether they are "all business" or "one with the trees."
I will also help connect you to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs all over the world who I've had the privilege to get to know. I truly believe the more we support each other, the more strength this new story gathers, and the more likely it will be to inspire change.
And wrapped up in all of this is the invitation to design a business that can help you grow your relationship to the natural world. This is us reframing Business AS Nature Connection!
Join me in this brave and challenging task to re-imagine the business world!
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