Regenerate Your Workday: A New Approach to Leadership

 

June 9, 2025 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Regenerate Your Workday Last summer I stood in awe of the trees found in Olympic National Park. Dear Empowered Reader, If you’ve ever felt stifled by workplace routines or wondered how to create more meaningful connections in your professional life, today’s topic is for you. The Regenerate Your World community cares deeply about personal growth, collective well-being, and building environments where everyone can thrive. That’s why reimagining our Organization—the “O” in our E.M.P.O.W.E.R. framework—is so vital. The way we structure and nurture our workplaces directly impacts how we engage, find meaning, connect as people, and ultimately regenerate ourselves and our communities. When we transform organizations from rigid hierarchies into vibrant ecosystems, we create fertile ground for well-being, empathy, and collective growth. This shift has the power to regenerate not only our workplaces but also our sense of purpose and belonging. Today, we’re diving into a transformative approach to organizational structure—one that not only boosts workplace wellness but also elevates personal well-being. Let’s explore how shifting from a rigid hierarchy to a nurturing ecosystem can change everything, with fresh real-life stories to inspire your journey. Traditional organizations often resemble pyramids: leaders at the top, managers squeezed in the middle, and employees supporting the weight at the base. This structure can stifle innovation, create bottlenecks, and leave many feeling disconnected. But imagine your organization as a tree: Leaves (Employees): Absorbing sunlight and energy, thriving when given resources and recognition Branches (Managers):  Supporting and connecting, providing structure and nourishment Roots (Executives): Anchoring the organization, drawing in vital resources and distributing them throughout This living, breathing model fosters growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging at every level—perfectly embodying the “Organization” pillar of E.M.P.O.W.E.R., where the structure itself supports engagement, meaning, and well-being. When I served as a wellness officer at a regional healthcare system, I noticed that many employees felt isolated in their wellness journeys, especially those working night shifts or in high-stress departments.  My colleagues and I didn't wait for our leaders to act instead, we piloted a “Care Champion” initiative. We invited staff from various departments to volunteer as care champions—serving as supportive “branches” who could connect colleagues (“leaves”) to resources, organize walking groups, and gather feedback on their needs. We (the “root”) provided training, resources, and regular check-ins to ensure champions felt confident and supported. Within months, the program blossomed. Employees reported feeling more connected, and participation in wellness activities increased. The initiative empowered individuals at every level and created a grassroots network of support, embodying the tree structure’s collaborative spirit and the regenerative power of a well-organized ecosystem. Benefits of the Tree Structure Empowerment:  Every employee feels vital, like leaves are essential for growth. Collaboration:  Managers support and connect, rather than compete. Purpose:  Everyone understands their unique role in the organization’s health. This is the essence of Organization in E.M.P.O.W.E.R.—creating systems that nourish people and foster collective flourishing. Affirmation “I am an essential part of a thriving ecosystem, nourished by those around me and contributing to our collective growth.” Reflection Questions How does your current work environment resemble a pyramid or a tree? In what ways could adopting a “tree mindset” improve your work satisfaction? What unique strengths do you bring to your organizational “ecosystem”? Action Steps For Leaders (Roots): Reassess how you distribute resources and support. Communicate the vital role each employee plays. Create channels for “nutrients” (information, resources) to flow freely. Implement forums or growth circles to hear directly from employees. For Managers (Branches): Focus on supporting and nurturing your team. Collaborate with other departments to strengthen your network. Regularly check in with your team’s needs. Encourage open dialogue about wellness and work-life balance. For Staff Members (Leaves): Recognize your essential role in the organization’s success. Seek out and use available resources. Share your insights and experiences—your perspective matters! Participate in wellness initiatives and give feedback. Closing Thoughts By embracing the tree-like structure and fostering open communication, we regenerate not only our organizations but also ourselves. Every role is crucial in this living ecosystem. Your wellness and growth fuel the organization’s vitality. The journey from top-down control to community-driven collaboration has taught me the power of empathy, listening, and shared responsibility. Whether you’re a root, branch, or leaf, you have the power to regenerate your world—one connection at a time. Special thanks to Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie for inspiring this post. Take Care, Dear Reader, Julie Founder of Empower Possible Walking amongst the trees. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. WHEN I AM AMONG THE TREES by Mary Oliver When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily. I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness, and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly, and bow often. Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.” The light flows from their branches. And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.

Upcoming Events Mountain 10 Workshops What is Mountain 10?                                                                                                                                                         During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey. Click HERE to sign up to be on the waitlist for the next workshop. I will reach out once a workshop is scheduled that meets your availability. Please reach out if you have any questions, info@empowerpossible.com

Kind Words from a Mountain 10 Participant A special thanks to a client for sharing a few kind words about their Mountain 10 experience. In The Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Purpose isn't something we find, but something we build." Reflecting on my journey with @boldjourneymag. I realized how much my connection to nature and holistic well-being shapes my work. What's one thing that fuels your sense of purpose? A Bold Journey  Click the link below to read the full interview. https://boldjourney.com/meet-julie-zaruba-fountaine/

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Northfield, United States EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time.  Disclaimer: This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT.