How Nature and Self-Awareness Drive Growth in Business and Life

The connection between nature, self-awareness, and growth has been something I've been reflecting on a lot in the past year.

In my conversation with Jessica Ruby on Season 1 of the Understanding the Science of You Podcast, we dove deep into how nature has played a role in our personal journeys. Ruby shared how her early years of moving often and feeling like an outsider led her to find peace and belonging in nature, with animals and solitude as her sanctuary.

Her story reminded me of how vital it is to listen to what our intuition tells us, especially when we find ourselves pulled toward something that feels right.

Nature has a way of grounding us, providing the space to reflect and connect with a deeper part of ourselves. But it's not just about the time spent outdoors—it's about learning to:

• recognize the signs
• listen to our own inner guidance
• and be open to the wisdom that comes from the world around us

Ruby also spoke about her relationship with animals and how, through her experiences, she learned to trust her intuition in communicating with them.

This is something I can relate to on a personal level. Often, we think of communication as verbal, but animals communicate through behavior, and being able to pick up on those subtle cues has taught me to approach life with more curiosity and openness.

This is also something that can be carried over into the professional world.

Lessons from nature and intuition aren't just valuable for personal growth—they can also be powerful tools in business and leadership.

Leaders who can tap into their intuition are often better at making decisions that resonate with their teams and customers, creating a more authentic and aligned vision for their organizations.

In business, we often get caught up in data, metrics, and trends, but sometimes it's the quiet moments of reflection, the intuitive pull toward a decision, or the ability to understand subtle cues from others that drive real innovation and connection.

Being grounded in who we truly are, as Ruby has reminded me, can help us navigate the complexities of business with more clarity and authenticity.

As leaders, entrepreneurs, and team members, embracing these practices of self-awareness and listening to our intuition can create more meaningful relationships, foster creativity, and lead to greater overall success.?

It’s not about abandoning the logical, data-driven decisions but integrating intuition as a complement to that approach. When we bring all of ourselves—our intuition, our awareness, and our willingness to trust our instincts—we can create businesses and environments that feel more aligned, more fulfilling, and ultimately more successful.

Takeaway: Intuition and analytics are not at odds; when integrated, they allow us to make decisions that are both data-driven and aligned with our deeper instincts. Both are responsible for achieving the desired results. In business, combining both helps us get the most out of every decision and move forward with more confidence.

About Understanding the Science of You

Understanding the Science of You is hosted by Graham Skidmore. It is meant to help you discover untapped aspects of yourself and alternative paths to personal freedom and empowerment outside of conventional systems. Follow the podcast on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! You can also visit scienceofyoupodcast.com.