How to make regenerative business models sustainable?

And why taking care of ourselves in the process is key to make that happen.

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Co-creating regenerative business models and practices and sharing lessons learned on the way is something I am very passionate about.

I am passionate about it, because deep down, I know with my heart, brain and body that the way most business is done today, is not going to bring us where we need to go if we are taking the signs of current social and economic crises seriously. And putting regeneration in the center might actually give us a chance to address those challenges — without burning ourselves nor the planet out whilst doing so.

I am passionate about it, because as a partner at Purpose+Motion, I now have the possibility to experiment how that can concretely look and feel like for both our own organization and with the clients and Gamechangers we work with. That includes the resistances that comes up when we are trying to do things “differently”.

But why am I writing this article? I want to demystify the term and encourage you with some concrete examples to explore regenerative practices — whilst caring for yourself.

I feel that the term “regenerative” is starting to be used more often, and fortunately also in the context of business — that’s at least in the bubble I am finding myself in. That makes me really happy, as this means more people are trying to figure out what this could actually mean and look like, how to measure it and potentially develop some paths and processes how to get there. It is still a term that is mostly undefined or unclear to many what it concretely looks like, especially in the business world, and therefore requires imagination. It therefore requires a lot of courage to try things that are not well established yet — and that mostly go completely against the current rules of the game of our current economic system!

Something new is shaping in so many fronts (working in the field I am working in, I am lucky as I get to meet and see really inspiring and encouraging examples of true Gamechangers) while the old is still so omnipresent, so powerful and so engrained into our narratives, thoughts, body and brain patterns.

It’s both an exciting and challenging game to be playing. This is what brings me to my main point: It is key for this qualitative transition to lead us to a more generative way of living and working that we take care of ourselves and invite more regeneration into our own lives. As our friend and colleague Christa Cocciole always reminds us:

“You all know the warning in airplanes, with putting your own oxygen mask on before you can really and sustainably help others — same idea!”.

When looking at the definition of “regeneration”, Oxford dictionary puts it this way:

“the process of making an area, institution, etc. develop and grow strong again”

If we build on this definition: How can we develop businesses that are driven by the purpose of ensuring human societies and our natural environment grow strong and healthy? And how can we take care of ourselves in the process of doing so?

These are some of the key questions that move us at Purpose+Motion. For us, it means focusing on creating a healthy, meaningful and regenerative future for all, by living and working (i.e. doing) and being as regenerative as we can! It means having the courage and skills that give us enough safety to navigate the uncertainty. It requires being able to grasp complexity, systems-thinking, being able to let things emerge without trying to control, sense and going deep into all the emotions that come with changes and transitions. It requires from us to change the narratives we have all been growing up with and that are still so omnipresent. Narratives that we keep hearing and telling ourselves and others. It requires a paradigm shift. It requires new skills and capabilities, new ways of measuring our impact and a redefinition of what success means. And it requires to hold tension in a healthy way between the old and the new, still emerging path.

And front and center: It requires us to take care — of ourselves, the people and living organisms around us and ultimately the planet — in a holistic way!

I have learned (and still am learning) this the hard way: I used to be extremely hard working, doing large amounts of extra hours, going the “extra-mile”, being hyper-engaged in many different initiatives and pretty much running from one big thing to the next, with the constant excuse of “it’s going to be much quieter soon/after this project/milestone” and I will take a pause and rest then (so basically putting myself and my needs last). And in a certain way this is still me — yes, it’s really hard to get out of very well-established habits as they sit deep and sneak back right at you if you don’t pay attention!

I am extremely grateful for the sensitivity and wisdom of my body that came to the rescue and gave me such strong warning signs, that even I, with my old habits could not ignore anymore. Some call it burn-out, I see it more and more like my wake-up calls (yes plural!).

There is still a big part of me that is processing this (with the support of extremely kind and patient coaches, therapists, friends, my team and a variety of tools and techniques I have come across over the last two years). At the same time this has given me the last bit of courage I still needed to go and work with what I truly believe in: People like you and me, that are bold enough to challenge the status quo. People who dream about and take concrete steps to create that regenerative future for us all. People that are boldly experimenting what being a regenerative business can mean. Yes, I am talking about you, dear Gamechangers ;) !

And in this context, it gives me a lot of joy that not only do I feel myself getting better at allowing myself those needed spaces to regenerate but also that we are providing such spaces as part of our offer to co-create and experience our future together. Here are a couple of things that I can recommend. They are all unique in their approach and might be for you, depending on where you are and what you need.

• I have learned to pay much closer attention to what and who “gives” and “takes” energy in my life. And I have started to put together a list of “energy givers” and have been gathering a portfolio of “shorter” and “longer” things on it. Some examples for shorter ones: make myself a smoothie and drink it with pleasure, open the window and breathe some fresh air, read a couple of pages in a book/magazine, cook something nice, listen to a piece of music and dance in my room. Some for longer ones: Go for a walk in the park, go to a Biodanza session, have a conversation with a good friend, watch a series/movie on Netflix, go for a hike. That way, depending on the amount of time I have and want to take, I can regenerate on an ongoing basis — and it does not have to wait till “after the next big thing/project” ;).
• If you are someone that works as a coach, facilitator or what we call “space holder”, we know that it can be extremely powerful for yourself to look deep into your purpose, connect with nature and your needs and rediscover or learn ways to take care of yourself and each other in our “Emerging Pathways Retreat” co hosted with Christa Cocciole at the beautiful Gut Stolzenhagen outside of Berlin. We have just launched the dates for the next version and are looking forward to hosting you and let you experience co-creation together with the other participants.
• We are also exploring to create similar experiences for people that we would rather see as “tension holders”, so those that are working on leading the transition towards a regenerative future forward. More to come soon ;). In the meantime, have you tried coaching?
• If you live in Berlin, are a bit like me and feel like your body- and emotional-connection is not your strongest part (compared to your brain) and want to experience the magic of Biodanza (it feels like not giving it fully credit but I could describe it as a type of dance-therapy to get to your inner truth and connect with the wisdom of your body and emotions), you should give it a try and come to one of the next sessions.
• Going through the Gamechanger’s Journey myself has been extremely valuable for my path, helped me refine my purpose, identify some of my behaviors that are holding me back and ultimately led me to work with this team. So, I can highly recommend it if you feel you are at a cross-roads and want to explore where to move next and learn how to manage your energy.

What are you struggling with? How are you approaching regenerative business practices? Get in touch, I would love to hear from you!