About trees and submarines

Just some of my reflections on the Corporate Rebels event in Seville this week... Thanks everyone for inspiring me!

?? Picture a tree.

At first, a tree looks like a simple plant standing tall. But when you look closer, it’s a self-organizing system where every part—roots, trunk, and branches—has a role to play in keeping it alive and growing.

Now think about organizations. They are systems too. If we see them like trees, we can learn how ontology (purpose), epistemology (teamwork), and methodology (action) can work together to create thriving workplaces.

?? Roots

The roots of a tree represent ontology—our understanding of what’s real and why it matters. In organizations, the roots are the shared purpose and values that everyone works toward.

For people, this is very personal. Do you feel connected to your organization’s mission? Do you believe in the work you’re doing? Strong roots provide the foundation for everything else. Without them, the organization will struggle to grow and survive.

?? Trunk

The trunk connects the roots to the branches and represents epistemology—how we learn, share knowledge, and work together.

In organizations, this is teamwork: How do we make sense of the world together? Are we open to learning from each other? Do we communicate effectively? Just like the trunk transports nutrients (information) from the roots (purpose) to the branches (action), epistemology ensures that, through continuous feedback loops, knowledge flows and supports the system.

?? Branches

The branches of a tree represent methodology—the tools, processes, and practices we use to turn knowledge into action.

For people, methodology is about autonomy: Do you have the freedom to decide how to contribute? Are you trusted to experiment and try new things? Just like branches grow toward the sunlight in different directions, people need the space to find their own way of working while staying connected to the organization’s purpose.

?? You Are the Tree?

Never expected I would ever write this sentence, but here we go: You are the tree. Your connection to purpose is the root system. Your teamwork and relationships strengthen the trunk. And your creativity and autonomy help the branches grow. Without you—and everyone else—the system wouldn’t work.

Everything Is Self-Organization

In nature, self-organization is the rule. Trees don’t follow top-down plans. They adapt to their surroundings, move resources where they’re needed, and grow toward the light.

Organizations can work the same way. When purpose (ontology), teamwork (epistemology), and action (methodology) are aligned, people will find their passion at work, and thrive. They don’t need rigid control—they just need the right conditions to self-organize.

?? This is exactly what the Corporate Rebels movement is all about: proving there’s a better way to work.?

…but sometimes, helping organizations self-organize isn’t just about growing trees. It may require building submarines first—safe spaces for teams where they can dive deep, work autonomously, and experiment out of sight. These submarines allow teams to thrive underwater, away from outside pressure, and then surface with proof of how well self-management works. Kim Aiyeju This is both morally and ethically waterproof ??

So, what would it take for your organization to grow like a tree? Is it building submarines first or are you ready to emerge? And how are you—roots, trunk, branch, or deep-sea explorer—helping the system thrive?

If by now you’re still not convinced to join the Corporate Rebels movement, please note that we just founded the Rebel Band, and their cover of Tracy Capman’s ‘Talkin’ Bout a Revolution’ will soon hit the charts around the world ??

...don't you know

They are talking about a revolution?

It sounds like a whisper...