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This week's episode of Executives in the Wild features Esther Netshivhongweni, a distinguished expert with over 30 years in nature conservation and Indigenous community empowerment based in South Africa. With an impressive academic and professional background, Esther has served on advisory panels for the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and international biodiversity initiatives. Her journey from corporate executive to a nature-driven advocate reflects her deep love for the environment and a commitment to creating sustainable connections with the earth.
Join us as Esther shares her passion for nature and her insights on sustainability and ancestral wisdom. Her vision for a harmonious future between humanity and nature is truly an inspiration and one we can all learn from!
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In this episode of Executives in the Wild, Jessica and Diana speak with Tim Christophersen, Vice President of Climate Action at Salesforce. Tim’s career has been a fascinating journey, from his early days growing up in a small village in northern Germany to leading major global efforts to restore ecosystems as head of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Now at Salesforce, he focuses on promoting nature-based solutions to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change.
Tim shares his experiences and observations from a career dedicated to conservation and sustainability, including the loss of biodiversity he witnessed firsthand. He discusses his evolving relationship with nature, from childhood adventures with his grandfather, a forester, to living on a farm in Denmark today. He reflects on the deep connection between human well-being and nature, and how seeing ourselves as part of nature is key to personal and professional growth.
Throughout the episode, Tim emphasizes the importance of systems thinking—understanding that nature operates in complex, interconnected ways. He highlights the risks of ignoring ecological tipping points and the need for multi-dimensional solutions to address what he describes as today’s “poly-crisis”: the intersecting crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequality.
Tim also provides practical insights on reconnecting with nature wherever we are, from city habitats to rural landscapes, and why shifting our mindset about nature’s role is crucial for the future. He shares stories from his work in ecosystem restoration and explains why imagining healthier, more diverse ecosystems is essential for driving change.
Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of why leaders like Tim believe that integrating nature-based thinking into our lives and businesses is critical for creating a sustainable, resilient future.
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In this episode of Executives in the Wild, we interview Tom Quigley, founder of Superorganism, a venture capital firm focused on tech startups that benefit biodiversity. Tom shares his journey from coral reef conservationist to startup operator and investor, emphasizing the critical connection between nature and professional success.
Tom describes his upbringing in North Carolina, where his love for nature began, and how his various outdoor obsessions—skiing, rock climbing, and diving—haveshaped his life and career. He highlights his early conservation work, his transition into the tech world, and how freediving helped him manage the pressures of working in a high-intensity startup environment.
A key theme in the conversation is resilience—both personal and ecological. Tom reflects on how experiences in nature, particularly diving, have taught him to remain calmunder pressure, which he applies to his professional life. He also discusses the emotional challenges of working in conservation, which is often a discipline focused on loss and decline but underscores the importance of telling regenerative stories to inspire future efforts. Tom provides us with inspiring examples of the innovative companies he works with and reflects on how love for nature can inspire action.
Tom’s recommendations:
Princess Mononoke (1997) Directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Seek by iNaturalist – this app uses the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you.
Merlin Bird ID – this app provides you with a free global bird guide with pictures, sounds, maps and more.
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Most people see business and nature as opposites. 'Executives in the Wild' is a podcast born to challenge this false dichotomy. In each episode, we interview a leader to delve into why being connected with nature - whether through outdoor sports, adventure or mindful stewardship - is crucial to their happiness and professional success. The podcast serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that there is a better way to lead in these uncertain times - one we can all lean into if only we dared to step into the wild.
Enjoy the Season!
