“We’re Not Young Rabbits Anymore!” – The Need for Regenerative Leadership in the Circular Economy - Recycling Human Talent.

This isn’t a post about longevity, though several have been of late given its significance this century, as could this for that matter, or the significance of the science surrounding the health of microbiome whether human, animal or plant and overall planetary health.

HECTIC LIVES

No, this is about recognizing that our hectic everyday lives which are becoming increasingly cerebral are making unique demands on physical fitness, even for the professionals amongst us.

THE MANAGERS VIEW

The above quote is attributed to a certain Mr. Jurgen Klopp the confident, genuine, authentic and charismatic manager of Liverpool FC – that other circular economy, football/soccer - and an adept man manager, who announced his resignation recently.

Variously described as a great human being, with a bear of a personality and a humanitarian as well, he will be missed by all those with a passion for all that is good in the glorious game - an extraordinary coach a compassionate man who understands and articulates the values of human decency. ?

?The reasons he sited for his departure at the end of this season 23/24 was that he was running out of energy – and the need to do the job again and again and again and again at the levels he has operated at over the last 8 and half years, and the successes that this brought, became too much.

This for those of us who appreciate the beautiful game hope that it's a sabbatical or hiatus rather than a permanent break – its mooted he will be spending some of his time supporting the “Green Century” that we are in, building a sustainable and eco- friendly home in Spain! Again, in tune with present thinking, supporting the vulnerable, and natural world! ?

REGENERATIVE LEADERSHIP

It made me think back to an article which I read by Kevin Bloom, “Regenerative Leadership and Business” – and a series of conversations I’ve had with one of several friends, colleagues and ex colleagues recently about a variety of subjects (whether the microbiome, CX and AI tech , supply chain efficiencies, the circular economy – a new food system and value chain , and using both natural food products and their waste as medicine, to create sustainable products to aid our longevity and overall ?consumer health), whose opinions thoughts and company I admire and respect and canvass.

Laura Storms 2019 book Regenerative Leadership - provides a holistic and systemic framework for building prosperous and regenerative organizations. It explores new ways of leading and redesigning organizations and communities that are urgently needed; a way that addresses the interconnected stress in our workforce, ecosystems, economy and lives.?

THE NEED TO RECYCLE TALENT

When businesses lose or let go of certain talent, they also let go a huge amount of knowledge, often people who push the boundaries within an organization and are frustrated by its construct, outliers whom now in an ever-changing marketplace in which disruptive innovations are coming thick and fast, are needed more than ever. Many are the very people who embrace new and disruptive innovations – whether new technologies, science or platforms. Why is it important that we recycle these human talents whether young or old, you might ask?

A DEMOGRAPHIC TIMEBOMB! – ONLY IF WE ALLOW IT.

It’s because in this century a “Green Century” - the world is experiencing a seismic demographic shift—and no country or industry is immune to the consequences.

While increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates are considered major achievements in modern science and healthcare, they will have a significant impact on future generations – creating workforce shortages but also economic slowdowns in nations with aging populations (if allowed), and those remaining in the workforce to pay more taxes. amongst a host of changes.

MUTLIGENERATIONAL - FOR ALL THE NEEDS AND WANTS

The workforce of the future must therefore be more tolerant to change and needs to ?be multi-generational, relying more heavily than ever on the larger portion of the population that is in its later years - so a mixture of boomers (ambitious, loyal, work centric), X’s (entrepreneurs, minimal supervision), Millennials Y(collaborative, culture fit, work flex ), and Gen Z (salary, career moves), heck there may also be a smattering of traditionalists(honest day's pay, loyal) . Business needs to sew together a way of satisfying the different attitudes and needs of each of the generations in the workplace, even the not so young bunnies - adding life to your years and not years to your life, starts now, and for those who want to remain in the workplace longer, its essential we recycle! ???