Ecological Leadership
It is not the connection with nature, but the nature of your connection that determines if you are a true ecological leader.
Awaken your ecological self
To awaken your ecological self, you have to study nature. There is no way around it. You 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 2025
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The course 2025 is led by Suzanne M.H. Valkman and supported by guest-trainers with specific expertise.
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Total costs are: € 2.265 for business and 1.947,- EURO for individuals.
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The group size is between 6 and 9 individuals.
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You can choose between the English and the Dutch Course.
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The duration is 5 months (March to July) with 6 in-person training days, and 4 to 6 hours/week of study at home.
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The in-person training days are every 3 to 4 weeks on Saturdays from 09:00-17:00. The Dutch course starts March 29, 2025. Exact dates for the other 5 in-person training days will be shared during intake. It is important to be able to join all in-person days.
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The location of the 6 in-person training days is Doorn, Utrechtse Heuvelrug (Utrecht)
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Included are materials, coffee and tea, a homecooked, fresh lunch, fruit and refreshments throughout the day.
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Reserve my place:
You can apply for the 2025 Dutch course using the form [Apply Now]. The first 2025 course in English is full but you can add your name to the waiting list by indicating this in the form [Apply Now]. You will receive a notification once a spot becomes available, or when enough people have indicated their interest to start a new group. You will receive a confirmation within 24 hours of your application.
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After receiving your application an intake will follow before admission to the course and details will be shared about the exact dates and locations.
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Preparation
Can't wait to start? These two books will help you hit the ground running: Active Hope from Joanna Macy and An Immense World by Ed Yong.
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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"