Ecological Leadership
It is not the connection with nature, but the nature of your connection that determines if you are a true ecological leader.
An ecological leader:
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​​Recognises the intrinsic value of all life forms
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Underscores the intricate interconnection of all living beings within the web of existence
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Develops an 'ecological consiousness' through daily practice
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Understands deeply that the future of work needs inner work
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Can put up the sails so that when the winds come he/she can catch it!
Awaken your ecological self
At Roots to Rise we deeply study nature to awaken our ecological consiousness. In order to understand the roots of our existence we need to understand ecology and the way everything is interconnected. The depth of this interdependence is far more complex than we often grasp. The butterfly effect is real; everything we do, say and even think has an effect on ourselves and the world around us.
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Realising this as a leader - whether you lead a business, a team or a project - means that you realise that one person CAN make a difference. One idea, one question, one breath (before you say yes or no) can make a difference.
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We can only fully emerge as an ecological leader once we develop that super-power called self-awareness.
Einstein said: "Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.
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By studying nature you will begin to unravel the secrets of profound interdependence. You gain access to a deeper understanding of your own nature, and how you are rooted in your community.
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Rise up Rooted
In this Ecological Leadership course we study The Art of Deep Ecology; a method developed by Suzanne Valkman that will help you connect to your roots; the earth, your ancestry and vitality so you can rise up as a self-aware, connected ecological leader, able to use your unique natural talent and to manifest - mastering the fundamentals of time and space - change for a healthy life on our planet.
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Contents of the course
Planning your journey - a quest
Most leadership courses start by defining your goal. We will however, start by discovering your question. Only a true question will help you to be open to the learnings you'll receive and explore beyond what is already known. This is also the first lesson of ecological leadership; an ecological leader is always guided by a living question, a hunger for wisdom (and a desire to use it).
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"An empty stomach contains wisdom"
- a Maasai-elder
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Your journey towards ecological leadership is powered by this inner quest. Going into nature and trying to understand and embody ecological wisdom is easier when you have a living question in your mind; when you are on a mission and there is something concrete to relate your answers to. ​
Look deep into nature - a study
With your living question in mind you will study nature with your head, your heart and your hands. You will choose a subject to study (e.g. mosses, fungi, trees) and observe, draw, dissect, analyse, feel, hear and experience it aided by the exercises belonging to the 6 modules mentioned below. You will draw lessons from your study about your quest and develop your ecological awareness, an essential skill to become ecologically consious.
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Discover new pathways - an adventure
In six modules you dive deeper into one of the aspects of Ecological leadership. We combine biology, ecology, ecophysiology, deep ecology, psychology and the wisdom of nature in a practical method for leadership development. The modules are:
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Ecology
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Awareness
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Awakening
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Patterns
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Healing
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Emergence
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Catch the wind - a homecoming
After completing the course you have not only gained new knowledge and skills in ecological leadership but also experienced an ecological leadership journey yourself. Learning by doing is the best way to practice what you preach and become the rooted leader able to stand tall and aim high.
Practical details
Courseyear 2026 *under development
The course is currently under development. I am taking some time off in nature to listen carefully and deepen my understanding of the work that is required and the most appropriate shape this course should take. Below elements of the course are therfore an indication and subject to change. Keep checking this page for updates in the coming months or indicate your interest by clicking on the [I am Interested] button so I can keep you informed of any changes.
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The course 2026 is led by Suzanne M.H. Valkman and supported by guest-trainers with specific expertise.
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Total costs are: € 4.265 for business and 3.447,- EURO for individuals.
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The group size is between 6 and 11 individuals.
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The course is in Dutch but with sufficient English students (minimum of 6) a course can start in English
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The duration is one year, starting September 2026, with 12 in-person training-days (including 3 weekends (Fri-Sun) and 4 to 6 hours/week of study at home (outside).
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The location is the Netherlands (TBD) possibly province of Drenthe for the weekends and province of Utrecht or Gelderland for the single days. Please note that location is subject to change but connectivity with public transport is taken into account.
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Indicate interest:
You can indicate your interest for the 2026 Dutch course using the form [I am Interested]. You will receive a notification when changes are made to this page and/or when registration is open. ​
​An intake with Suzanne Valkman will follow before admission to the course.
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Preparation
Can't wait to start? These three books will help you hit the ground running:
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An Immense World by Ed Yong
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What is Life by Paul Nurse
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Active Hope from Joanna Macy
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From september 2025, I am available for a maximum 3 individual students, who are interested to explore the Ecological Leadership course through the Art of Deep Ecology on an individual basis. Please contact me for more information.
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I am looking forward to welcoming you!
"As you lean forward into your heart’s calling
the path will unfold naturally"