Regen Melbourne invited nature into the boardroom. Here’s what happened
One year since joining the Regen Melbourne board as a voice for nature, Dr. Dominique Hes reflects on how centring nature has inspired more courageous leadership and intuitive thinking.
Over the past twelve months, Regen Melbourne has undertaken a quiet but profound experiment by inviting nature into our boardroom. What began as a conceptual curiosity has evolved into a practice that has enriched our governance, deepened our strategic thinking and impacted directors at a personal level. This first year has shown that when nature is given space to speak – via stories, symbols, reflection and sensory experience – the organisation itself becomes more attuned, grounded and courageous.
A new way of knowing
The most consistent learning among the Regen board since nature joined has been the shift away from purely cognitive and analytical modes of governance. Our directors described nature’s presence as activating “a different part of the brain,” allowing for more embodied, intuitive and systemic thinking. Observing or reflecting on nature has widened time horizons, encouraged pausing, and invited deeper questions about ecosystems, interdependence and long‑term stewardship.
This shift created not only new insights, but a different quality of conversation. One marked by greater softness, openness and playfulness. Even small provocations, such as referencing mycelium or bringing a seed pod into the meeting, meaningfully shifted tone and focus.
A more connected, more human board
Our directors repeatedly noted that allowing nature to speak made it easier for them to show up more fully – not as bifurcated professionals, but as whole people. Whether through stories, seasonal imagery or nature-based rituals, the practice brought authenticity and presence into the room. Meetings in natural environments amplified this effect, creating a sense of potential and expanding the collective imagination.
Importantly, this integration did not remain at the level of symbolism. It influenced postures, mindsets and interpersonal dynamics. The Regen board felt more grounded, open and able to hold complexity – qualities essential for regenerative governance.
Strategic benefits for Regen Melbourne
What began as an experiment has already demonstrated strategic value. Nature‑based reflection has helped the Regen board:
Adopt broader, longer-term perspectives
Stay attuned to signals emerging from place
Change our approaches to risk
Change how we hold difficult or challenging conversations
Bring ecological metaphor to help discuss organisation focus
My fellow directors observed that even subtle interventions cascaded through organisational culture, enriching how team members approach their roles and decisions. Regen Melbourne is beginning to treat nature not just as an environmental concern, but as a strategic actor. One that informs structure, processes and direction.
What’s next for nature?
My first year bringing nature on the Regen board has surfaced powerful possibilities, but also meaningful questions:
How might the Regen board deepen its approach without becoming reductionist?
How can all directors build confidence in “speaking as nature,” rather than relying on one person?
What modalities – beyond reflection and storytelling – might express nature at a structural or procedural level?
How do we ensure this work aligns respectfully with First Nations knowledge, rather than reflecting a Westernised approximation?
These questions point to the need for thoughtful scaffolding: clearer frameworks, shared practice and potentially partnerships or research that can extend capability.
Planting seeds for the future
Perhaps the most compelling insight from this first year, is that the long‑term transformation will not occur solely at the organisational level. The most profound impact may be the seeds planted personally. That is: how each of us on the board carries nature’s voice into our own leadership, workplaces and lives.
The last twelve months has shown that bringing nature into governance is not an abstract philosophy. It’s a practice that deepens connection, strengthens strategic clarity and enriches the human experience of leadership. Regen Melbourne now stands at the beginning of a journey: one where nature is not only a stakeholder but a teacher, partner and catalyst for regenerative action.
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