Your NameKatrina
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Cohort AssignmentAustralia Online, Winter-Spring 2024
1. What do you see as your primary work at this stage of your life?

I am a workplace well-being culture consultant, burnout specialist, and change maker passionate about nature.
As a member of the well-being economy, I promote positive leadership and a movement towards a better world through a ‘Healthy People, Healthy Planet’ philosophy.
My mission is not just a professional endeavour but a deeply personal commitment. I am unwavering in my dedication to partnering with and empowering consciously aligned leaders who share my vision of promoting sustainable practices and people who share our concern for our planet.

I aspire to evolve my practice by applying regenerative methods to execute projects that align with and uphold my philosophy. I am currently seeking opportunities to learn and facilitate the launch of my regenerative project, which will involve nature-based regenerative interventions for burnout recovery and prevention.

2. What role do you see as yours to play?

Great question. I'm still working through this and hope to gain clarity through the course. My initial thoughts/options are:
1) Regenerative Project Leader or Consultant
2) Community Educator & Facilitator: Educate and engage the community on the benefits of regenerative practices for health and well-being.
3) Regenerative Advocate
I could play one or a combination of these roles, leveraging my growing knowledge and passion for regenerative methods to create impactful projects that promote burnout recovery and prevention through nature-based interventions. This approach aligns with my philosophy and helps achieve my aspiration to facilitate meaningful, sustainable change.

3. What goals or aims do you have in regard to the above?

As per 2. above, I hope to evolve my thinking as I learn more throughout the course:
1) Regenerative Project Leader
Goal: Successfully lead and complete regenerative projects that promote burnout recovery and prevention.
Aim: Design and implement at least one major regenerative project within the next two years.
Aim: Build a multidisciplinary team to support project execution and foster collaboration.
Aim: Develop metrics to assess the impact of projects on participants’ well-being and ecological health.

2) Community Educator and Facilitator
Goal: Raise awareness and educate the community on the benefits of regenerative practices.
Aim: Organise and conduct quarterly workshops on nature-based burnout recovery methods.
Aim: Create a suite of educational materials, including online resources, guides, and videos, within one year.
Aim: Establish partnerships with local schools, community centres, and organisations to broaden the reach of educational efforts.

3) Regenerative Advocate
Goal: Advocate for the adoption of regenerative practices and build supportive networks.
Aim: Launch a campaign to promote the benefits of regenerative methods within the next six months.
Aim: Attend and present at industry conferences, workshops, and community events to build awareness and support.
Aim: Create a network of at least 50 key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and community advocates, within a year.

General Goals Across All Roles:
1) Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest research, trends, and best practices in regenerative methods, neuroscience, psychology, and sustainability.
Aim: Attend relevant training, workshops, and courses regularly.
Aim: Join professional organisations and participate in webinars and discussion groups.
2) Impact Measurement: Establish clear metrics to measure the effectiveness of interventions and the progress of projects.

4. Where do you feel your next arenas for personal growth are?

I hope to clarify this during the course as I have much to learn. My initial thoughts are as follows:

1) To expand my understanding and expertise in regenerative design. Engage with leading experts and practitioners in these areas through workshops, conferences, and professional networks. Participate in hands-on projects to apply and refine my knowledge.

2) To strengthen my ability to engage and mobilise communities around regenerative projects and sustainability initiatives. Through training and practice, develop my skills in community organising, public speaking, and advocacy. Build relationships with local organisations, policymakers, and community leaders to support and amplify my efforts.

3) To achieve a heightened awareness of systems thinking and consideration of the scale and impact the projects I manage or participate in have on individuals, local and global communities, and the environment. Apply systems thinking to address complex challenges and develop strategic plans for long-term sustainability.

4) I am a lifelong learner; adaptation is essential for personal growth and societal resilience. To foster a culture of innovation and creativity in my approach to regenerative projects and well-being interventions.

5. And for professional growth?

My professional journey is also continuous. I am eager to evolve my practice by learning regenerative methods to run projects that complement and deliver on my philosophy.
From my program management background, I have respected and experienced the positive impact methodologies bring to project delivery outcomes. I am excited by the prospect of pursuing my goal through the practical application of a systems thinking-based method and solid practitioner training.

I am keen to increase my participation in and attention to regenerative practice in a more actionable capacity. I aspire to engage in practical, community-focused projects that emphasise resilience, sustainability, and the regenerative potential of our actions. These include efforts to educate and inspire others to embrace these principles in their own lives and communities.

I have passion, purpose, and perseverance, and I am keen to learn and increase my knowledge of regenerative practice. This practical, action-oriented coursework and learning from like-minded participants will help me pursue my aspiration towards a better world through a ‘Healthy People, Healthy Planet' philosophy.

6. What have you invested in to get you where you are?

As much time as possible spent outdoors and a commitment to holistic well-being practices
Extensive career in consulting and complex program management supported by continuing education (PMI, FAIPM)
Applied Neuroscience certification with ongoing research and study (TNA)
Behavioural Change Practitioner (HCI)
Numerous holistic health and well-being courses
Member of Living Future Institute of Australia and ILFI (Biophilic Design in progress as part of Living Future Accreditation)

7. What fields of learning and which thinkers have been important in your life?

Ecology, neuroscience, positive psychology, biology, architecture and biophilic design, naturopathy, and integrative medicine have been particularly significant areas of learning for me. These areas have deepened my understanding of the complex interactions between human societies, natural ecosystems, and individual well-being.

Regarding thinkers, David Attenborough is my hero. His insights from biology and life sciences have enhanced my appreciation for biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all life forms. His ongoing commitment to education and advocacy are inspiring.

Jem Bendell's work on Deep Adaptation and Breaking Together has been incredibly influential. His approach to acknowledging and preparing for societal disruptions caused by climate change resonates deeply with my commitment to fostering community resilience and environmental stewardship. I resonate with the teachings and philosophy of permaculture pioneer Bill Mollison and sustainability advocate David Holmgren on sustainable living and holistic ecosystem management. I support their advocacy for designs that integrate ethical considerations, such as caring for the Earth and people and redistributing surplus resources, as that aligns with my philosophy.

Neuroscientists like Dr Sarah McKay and positive psychology pioneers like Martin Seligman have broadened my understanding of human behaviour, well-being, and the importance of resilience. These thinkers have enhanced my knowledge and awareness of myself and others enormously.

In the field of architecture, sustainable design leaders like William McDonough have inspired me with their vision of buildings and communities that are both environmentally responsible and conducive to human well-being. Experts like Peter Senge, with his concept of a Learning Organisation, and Otto Scharmer's innovations in leadership, shifting from ego to eco, resonate and influence my interest in organisational behaviour change and continuous learning.

8. Can you frame your philosophy or cosmology of life? What role(s) do humans play in it?

My philosophy revolves around the interconnectedness of all life, and the importance of living in harmony with nature, as human well-being is intrinsically linked to the health of the environment. It emphasises sustainability, resilience, and the regenerative potential of human actions. Central to this worldview is the belief that humans can play a crucial role in healing the planet and fostering well-being for all living beings through conscious, informed, and compassionate actions. This can be achieved through projects and initiatives that reduce harm and actively heal and improve the environment.

I believe that through continuous learning, community engagement, and a commitment to holistic well-being, we can inspire others to join us on this journey, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond individual projects to influence broader societal transformations.

Date CreatedJuly 11, 2024