Giles Hutchins on ‘Leading by Nature’: A new model of leadership for a regenerative future
- Marc Buckley
- May 1
- 3 min read
Amidst the challenges of climate disruption, economic inequality and institutional breakdown, there is a growing call for leadership that is more conscious, adaptive and connected. At the heart of this call is Giles Hutchins, a pioneering voice in regenerative leadership and author of the acclaimed book Leading by Nature.
This article highlights key ideas from Hutchins’ work and features insights from a recent interview and podcast conversation (Inside Ideas – Episode 185), offering a rare glimpse into his philosophy, personal journey and practical tools for transformation.
A book that redefines leadership for the 21st century
Leading by Nature is not just a leadership manual it is a paradigm shift. Hutchins draws on over two decades of experience in organisational change and executive coaching to present a vision of leadership inspired by living systems. In contrast to outdated top-down models, his work proposes a regenerative approach grounded in nature’s principles dynamic, distributed, and deeply relational.
The book challenges readers to move beyond linear thinking and mechanistic management styles, offering instead a living-systems model that embraces complexity, creativity and change. It is particularly relevant in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those focused on climate action and peace and strong institutions.
“This isn’t about adding sustainability onto business as usual. It’s about transforming the way we lead, the way we relate to each other, and the way we see the world.”
The power of interview and podcast storytelling
The Inside Ideas podcast, dedicates Episode 185 to Hutchins and his latest book. The episode provides a deeper exploration of Hutchins’ personal evolution from a high-level corporate career to his current work guiding senior leaders through immersive nature-based leadership development.
Listeners are invited into a reflective space where Hutchins discusses:
The inspiration behind Leading by Nature
How nature offers blueprints for resilient organisations
The importance of reconnecting with our inner and outer nature
Why trust, presence and wholeness are essential qualities in leaders today
Through the interview and podcast, Hutchins speaks not only as an author but as a practitioner someone who lives the principles he teaches.
A living systems approach in practice
In both the book and the podcast, Hutchins details how leaders can activate regenerative principles in real-world settings—from global businesses to social movements. His guidance draws from his work with the Future Fit Leadership Academy, his retreats at Springwood Farm, and his background in biomimicry and systems thinking.
The central message is clear: the future requires leaders who understand how to work with life, not against it. Rather than striving for control and certainty, Hutchins promotes an ethos of attunement, responsiveness, and purpose-driven collaboration.
At a time when many leaders feel overwhelmed by systemic crises from climate change to political polarization Leading by Nature offers both hope and direction. It invites a return to wisdom that is ancient yet innovative, scientific yet soulful.
Whether you're a CEO, changemaker, policymaker or educator, Hutchins' work provides a pathway to leadership that is as much about inner transformation as it is about outer impact.
Giles Hutchins reminds us that leadership is not just a role it is a way of being. Through Leading by Nature, his voice becomes a guiding light for those seeking to lead with consciousness, courage and care in a world longing for regeneration.
More information: https://www.innovatorsmag.com/inside-ideas/
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@InsideIdeas
