Wilderness trail for leaders in banking who drive the transition in sustainability

‘If facts could save the world, we would not have a climate problem now. Nitrogen emissions, pollution levels, biodiversity: the functional terms do very well in reports, but they do not touch the heart. If anything is to change for the better in our lame-duck relationship with nature, then in addition to reason we also need well-anchored myths that tell of meaningful relationships, of kinship with other creatures and of the essential difference between sufficient and ever more’. (Karen Armstrong – Holy Nature)

One of the biggest challenges for society is sustainability. Climate change threatens both the planet and its people. People may struggle with inequality, poor financial health, and even a lack of basic human rights. As the challenges increase, there’s a growing sense of urgency that governments and businesses should step in and help tackle them.

As a leader in this sector, how do you give substance to transition towards a more sustainable world regenerative economy? To find an answer to this question, the Netherlands Bankers’ Association in cooperation with the Foundation for Natural Leadership organized a Wilderness trail for leaders from the sector to Norway for sustainable and transformative impact in the financial sector.

In preparation for this special trail, the participants from different banks met with Herman Wijffels in their preparation for this trail. As founder of the Dutch Banking Association, the Foundation for Natural Leadership (FNL) and former Chairman of Rabobank, he is an ambassador for this programme. In an evening round table session, he talked to the participants about the required leadership. The urgency of the required transitions in the fields of energy, food and circularity were the central themes. Herman also took the participants along in his personal story about leadership and his personal development, the trail he did himself and his transition as a natural leader.

During the trail itself, the participants immerse themselves for a week in their own nature and in the rugged landscape of Norway. This under guidance of Thoralf Rumswinkel the local nature guide. As a climax, they undergo a 36-hour Quest in solitude. This to find answers to their personal questions. All this under the guidance of experienced FNL facilitators Mark Jacobs and Michel Zuidgeest,  Global Head of Change Execution with ING.

On the last day it becomes clear how the programme has touched participants in their hearts. “An amazing experience to slow down and notice how you get more in touch with your feelings, your environment and nature”.  Personal leadership on the road to a sustainable world runs like a thread through their stories.

The trail is a unique experience to make a true connection with nature and self. The inner journey is facilitated by days of walking on wilderness paths and swamps, sharing insights and moments of silence, solitude and simplicity.