Whispers of winter

A Regenerative Leadership Journal

EMILIE MOGENSEN brings natural processes to her workplace and reflects upon how they impact the start of a new project for her business. As a regenerative leader and practitioner of planetary design thinking, Emilie is deeply committed to advancing education that integrates inner and outer development. Here we see it in action.

Mid-January, deep in winter’s embrace, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of starting something new during this season. Winter, with its quiet hibernation energy, invites us to slow down, to reflect, and to prepare for what is yet to come. Just as nature gathers its strength beneath the surface, this time of stillness allows us to nurture the roots of new potential and relationships, readying them for the blossoming energy of spring.

As I connect with new collaborators and deepen bonds with others on this journey, I’m reminded of the profound wisdom in honoring the rhythms of the seasons. Winter’s quiet guidance teaches us that not every step needs to be loud or immediate—sometimes the most important work happens in the unseen, where authenticity and resilience quietly take shape.

Imagine a world where no one felt compelled to search for the “perfect” idea or persona, but instead showed up wholly themselves—with their unique skills, vulnerabilities, and perspectives. This is the heart of regenerative leadership. It’s about honoring our differences, not as obstacles to overcome, but as essential elements of resilience. By seeking out and celebrating this diversity, we cultivate transparency, clarity, and trust, creating an ecosystem where every contributor feels valued, seen, and necessary.

This approach has profoundly transformed me as a leader. In my previous work, I often bore the weight of performance pressure, the need to control every detail, and the drive to meet external expectations. Now, my role is not to control or dictate but to sense into what is emerging and serve it with presence and care. Leading this way is about creating space—space for others to shine, for potential to evolve naturally, and for collective wisdom to guide our actions.

The result? A community where everyone matters, where each person’s contribution shapes our shared success. And for me, it means freedom—freedom from the toxic cycles of stress and control, replaced by the profound joy of witnessing growth, connection, and purpose in action.

This journey is teaching me that leadership is not about having all the answers but about holding space for new potential to emerge. As the season shifts and spring’s energy beckons, I look forward to seeing what will grow from the seeds we are planting now. This is the essence of a regenerative way of leading, living, and learning together.

It’s about honoring our differences,
not as obstacles to overcome, 
but as essential elements of resilience.