There’s a long-standing belief that nature is our greatest teacher – personally, professionally, in coaching, and in business. Why? Because in nature, everything exists in balance. It understands its interconnectedness, plus the need for resilience and adaptability. There’s no resistance to change: trees don’t cling to their leaves in autumn, they simply let go. Nature flows, following its innate, intuitive path of growth and transformation. It adapts and evolves. Vibrant colours attract pollinators or ward off predators, while underground root systems quietly nourish and support growth. Nature honours its natural rhythms, its seasons, lunar cycles, the literal tides of change. So why, then, do we find it so difficult to care for and cherish Mother Nature and the environment she provides for us?
Climate Cocktail Club – ‘Reimagined Radicals’
On Friday 27th June, I attended the Climate Cocktail Club relaunch event – ‘Reimagined Radicals’ in London, County Hall, a thought-provoking space where art, science, and community intersected to explore how we tackle the climate crisis through hope, creativity and culture.
The keynote speaker was former Irish President and climate justice champion Mary Robinson and she reminded us of a powerful truth: real change starts with hope. She spoke about hope not as a vague ideal, but as a pragmatic first step toward action. It begins with a desire to do things differently, to see a better future and take even the smallest steps to get there. In the face of global climate disruption, she shared how women-led solar initiatives in vulnerable communities are not only reducing carbon emissions but transforming lives.
Mary told the story of salt farmers in the Surendranagar desert in western India who are now using solar energy to power their work, a project that has already impacted 3.2 million women. Some of these women have trained as solar engineers, and through the savings they’ve made, they’re now sending their children to school, buying essentials, climbing out of debt, and most importantly, building a future for themselves and their communities. It’s a model of community empowerment, economic resilience, and climate action, all rooted in the belief that hope is the spark that lights the fire of progress. The determination of these ladies and leadership are inspiring.
If you have 2 minutes, do watch this short clip as it provides real insight into their lives:
Connection, conversation & community
Following Mary Robinson, the stage was set with more superb innovative and inspiring speakers including Lisa Merrick-lawless, Co-founder, Purpose Disruptors; Siobhan Clarke, fellow, Sustainable Ventures and portfolio NED, Julian Valissieres, CEO & co-founder Batchworks; Edward Van Der Wyck, CEO & co-founder Sheep Inc.; John Elkington, CEO & Chief Pollinator, Volans; Matthew Smith, SEO, Hometree; and Louis VI, zoologist, musician, presenter, who all believe in a climate conscious approach to business.
Here’s what resonated with me…
Hope is the catalyst for action
We heard about women-led solar initiatives impacting 3.2 million lives, lifting people out of debt, educating children, and building futures. When community and clean energy meet, transformation follows.
Community is how we evolve
The shift isn’t just technological, it’s cultural. We must create belonging, build trust, and foster collaborative communities. That means making space for conversation and connection.
We are nature – we are all connected
From Octopus intelligence (yes, we talked about Octopus which reminded me of a film I love called My Octopus Teacher) to frogs nicknamed “mountain chickens”, this event was a celebration of listening, learning, and letting nature lead.
“We take all our inspiration from nature to make art”
Louis VI (Rapper, Musician, Zoologist). His album Carbon uses sounds from the natural world to make music, reminding us that sound is a primal communicator. From birdsong to silence, it influences how we feel and connect.
Science matters
Scientists spend years researching and learning, we need to hear their voices more. Perhaps there’s an opportunity to communicate through weekly climate briefings, to showcase truth over trends, embracing inconvenient facts with creativity as all are essential to cultural and business change.
A BIG thank you to strategic communications consultant Nick Nuttall for facilitating an insightful and sometimes challenging conversation, and to everyone involved with organising and supporting the event Aisling McCaffrey, Louise French, Sustainable Ventures, Project Dandelion, Diageo, Be Impactful, Thinkhouse and everyone behind the scenes who I’ve not been able to mention – it was a memorable, fun and engaging night!
Let’s talk
I felt inspired by the idea that hope isn’t naïve, it’s strategic. It leads to action and action changes everything.
There are many insights and pearls of wisdom from nature to be integrated into how we do business. Let’s design business and campaigns that work in harmony with nature and the natural world, not in conflict with it. Innovation can solve big problems if we put people and planet at the heart of it.
If you’re working on purpose-driven innovation, I’d love to connect. I’m actively looking to connect with purpose-driven disruptors to build on the conversation.
Where does nature sit in your business model?
Get in touch – I’d love to talk.
Images: Captured on the night by Emma Potter.
Brand Strategist | MarComms | Coach 