
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 and 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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Dares to enter the unknown as a source of wisdom
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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!
This ecological leadership training is for people who feel that their current way of life, working and leading is no longer appropriate. It's for those who yearn for a deeper connection with themselves, the earth, and the greater whole, and from there, want to contribute to a vibrant, just world.
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Whether you've been on an inner path for years or are at the beginning of a new memory—if you long to be more deeply rooted in the mystery of life and live more passionately, this training will resonate with you.​
Awaken Your Ecological Self—A Prayer in Motion
At Roots to Rise, we deeply explore nature and mysticism to awaken our ecological awareness. To understand the roots of our existence, we seek to understand ecology and the way everything is interconnected. The depth of this interdependence is far more complex than we often realize. The butterfly effect is real; everything we do, say, and even think impacts 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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You don't need a formal leadership role. This training is for anyone who feels responsible—in work, community, family, or society—and who wants to learn to lead from presence, compassion, and ecological awareness.
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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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For people who long for a path where leadership is not learned but remembered. Where action stems from inner attunement, and direction emerges from listening to what awaits to unfold.

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 2026-2027
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The 2026 course 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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This intensive course starts in September 2026 and runs until May 2027 with 7 in-person training-days and a requirement of 4 to 6 hours/week of study at home (outside).
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The location is the Netherlands (TBD)
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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 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 by Joanna Macy
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Carbon by Paul Hawken
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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"
