💡Leadership and Cooperation in Times of Change
Weekly Lightbulb: What is being asked of me in this ever-changing world we live in?
Hey Friends, in this week’s lightbulb, I’ll be sharing some things that have been on mind and heart given the current state of the planet and it’s inhabitants.
For those of us drawn to building something meaningful—whether it’s a retreat center, a regenerative community, or a transformational business—the question of true impact is unavoidable.
Last week, during a powerful workshop with Dr. Catriona Wallace, an expert at the intersection of AI, organizational behavior, and ancient wisdom traditions, this theme came up again and again. She shared a sobering truth: AI is now considered the top existential risk, even surpassing climate change. But what struck me most wasn’t the technology itself—it was the leadership gap. The fact that real change is not going to come from governments or institutions alone. It starts with us.
That idea aligns deeply with something I’ve felt for a long time: We’re not just building spaces—we’re stewarding transformation. The projects, the land, the experiences—they are vessels for something far greater. In a world shifting so rapidly, the real question is: What is being asked of me? Where can my energy, my gifts, and my leadership create meaningful change—not just for my own fulfillment, but for the greater whole?
The Old Model: Extractive, Isolated, and Out of Touch
For too long, impact-driven projects have fallen into the same old traps. Investors and developers enter with a vision—sometimes a powerful one—but impose it without truly listening to the land or the people. Even well-intentioned projects can end up extractive, prioritizing profit over real regeneration. The result? Burnout, resistance, and projects that fail to integrate with their surroundings.
Too often, I’ve seen people rush into land buying, fueled by excitement but lacking the deeper groundwork. They don’t take the time to live in the area, connect with the local community, or ask hard questions. And when challenges arise—as they always do—those missing foundations become painfully clear.
This is why vision alone isn’t enough. We need a new paradigm for impact, one built on reciprocity, cooperation, and deep listening.
A New Approach: Leadership Rooted in Reciprocity
Dr. Wallace outlined four major challenges shaping our world today:
AI proliferation—rapid technological change outpacing ethical frameworks
Climate change—a crisis requiring both systemic and localized solutions
Mental health epidemics—rising anxiety, depression, and disconnection
Polarization and war—deepening divides that threaten collective well-being
What do these issues have in common? They all require leaders who can hold complexity, who can navigate uncertainty with wisdom and grounded presence.
In the realm of land stewardship, this means:
Balancing business acumen with deep spiritual awareness—understanding that a successful project isn’t just about numbers but about long-term sustainability and harmony.
Investing in relationships, not just land—building trust with local communities, respecting indigenous knowledge, and designing projects that serve the whole.
Practicing true reciprocity—moving beyond extractive models by integrating rituals, community listening, and ongoing engagement.
Deep cooperation—not just using collaboration as a buzzword, but doing the real work of engaging diverse voices, managing conflicts, and stepping beyond ego-driven leadership.
The Future of Land Projects: It’s Not Just About What We Build
I see this shift happening across industries, but it’s especially critical in regenerative land projects. The future of these projects isn’t just about what we build—it’s about how we listen. To the land. To the people. To inner-selves voice. To what is truly needed.
I’ve spent my life studying and participating in community—through nightlife, festivals, eco-villages, and now through the Land Steward Alliance. And if there’s one lesson that keeps repeating, it’s this: Collaboration without deep listening is just performance.
At Leap Forward, a non-profit organization and community I’m a member of, we’re launching Togethering—a platform designed to help people and organizations bridge the gap between intention and true cooperation, to map and visualize the data of what’s happening, and then see ways to come together around it whether you’re an investors, stakeholder, or just a passionate citizen of the world. And through the Land Steward Alliance, we’re gathering architects, engineers, indigenous leaders, investors, and founders—not just to discuss collaboration, but to embody it in our projects together. We’ve come together to support local indigenous non-profits, support each other emotionally and professionally, and figure out how to do things better than our predecessors. This is work, where I don’t seek a reward, is starting to feel more and more like meaningful impact vs spending most of my time hustling at work :)
The Leadership Question: What Is Being Asked of You?
Dr. Wallace’s message was clear: We can’t wait for governments, corporations, or institutions to fix these problems. Real change begins with us—individuals stepping forward, bringing their unique skills, energy, and leadership to create impact in ways big and small.
So I’ll leave you with this:
Where do you feel most in service, beyond financial reward?
Where does your work feel truly impactful?
And most importantly, how are you listening—to the land, to the people, to the moment we’re in?
This is the future of impact. Not just leadership, but stewardship.
I’d also love to hear from you so reply to this email or schedule a chat!
To creativity, reinvention, and true impact,
Ed
Check out the LSA - where we meet monthly as a community to discuss our land projects and our lives with a collective of project founders, experts on the ground, and peers looking to not walk alone in this journey. We’re stronger together!
