Welcome to this episode of The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations podcast, where we delve into transformative ideas and pressing issues that shape the future of humanity and our planet. Today, we explore the profound impact of nature on leadership and personal transformation. As we navigate through unprecedented global challenges, it is crucial to find new ways to lead and live, particularly for those of us in midlife and beyond.

Dana Carman, our esteemed guest, is at the forefront of integrating nature into leadership development. With over two decades of experience, Dana has guided countless leaders and their teams through transformative journeys, utilizing nature as a powerful tool for introspection and growth. His deep connection with nature and his 30-year friendship with our co-host Alain Gauthier enrich this conversation with unique insights and personal anecdotes.

Dana's journey in human and organizational transformation began in 1984. Since then, he has worked with leaders from more than 200 visionary organizations across five continents, including healthcare systems, multi-nationals, governments, and NGOs. Co-founding consulting firms like Clarion Consulting, Action Inquiry Associates, and Pacific Integral, Dana has pioneered development programs. Dana's company, Integral Consulting, specializes in guiding complex organizational change through an Integral Whole Systems Approach, helping clients achieve breakthrough results and cultivate cultures of agility, resilience, and trust. Dana and Joel Yanowitz run Wayfinding Leadership, a consulting firm dedicated to guiding leaders and teams through transformative experiences in nature, fostering greater alignment, authenticity, and effectiveness in facing contemporary challenges. His passions for telemark skiing, hiking, backpacking, and stand-up paddleboarding reflect his deep connection with the natural world, which he seamlessly integrates into his work.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsor, Elders Action Network, which is dedicated to building a movement of elders addressing social, governance, and environmental justice. Their missions align perfectly with our podcast's vision of empowering elders to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for joining us today. Before we dive into this enriching conversation with Dana Carman, we will hear a few words from host Dr. John Izzo

How can we harness the power of activism to transform the environmental landscape and policy worldwide? Today we address this pressing question with Tzeporah Berman, whose life's work exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated activism can have on our planet's future. With a unique blend of direct action and policy advocacy, Tzeporah has navigated the complex interplay between grassroots movements and governmental strategies to spearhead sustainable change. Join us as we uncover the layers of her transformative journey and delve into the significant roles that activists play in shaping environmental policy.

We will explore Tzeporah's early encounters with activism and how these experiences set the stage for her later work influencing national and international environmental strategies. From standing in a logging blockade to sitting at negotiation tables, her story is one of passion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to the environment. We'll also discuss the critical changes needed in global climate policy today and how each of us, especially our elders, can contribute to a legacy of a regenerative future for humanity and our planet.

Tzeporah Berman, is a celebrated Canadian environmental activist, author, and educator, whose influence has shaped both policy and activism across the globe. Known for her dynamic role in the 1992–93 logging blockades in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Tzeporah has been a formidable force in environmental circles. She holds a BA with Honors from the University of Toronto and a master’s in environmental studies from York University, and she has been recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of British Columbia for her environmental advocacy.

She has served on British Columbia's Green Energy Task Force and Alberta's Oil Sands Advisory Group, providing strategic recommendations on sustainable energy practices. Currently, she teaches at York University, and is the International Director of STAND.earth and leads the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, focusing on global strategies to combat climate change. Tzeporah's work has earned her numerous accolades, positioning her as a leader and visionary in the environmental movement. Her Ted Talk “Quitting Fossil Fuels” has had over 2 million views.

We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action for their support.

Our podcasts explore the way forward and how we can shape our future as a society, our planet, and our personal journeys, especially as we navigate the later stages of life. Today’s episode will resonate with anyone pondering the essence of aging with intention and vitality, whether for yourself or someone you know. We explore aging with a sense of purpose, transforming our later years into a period of profound growth and contribution. Our guest, Richard Leider, is a luminary in the field of purposeful living and aging. He is a best-selling author, having penned numerous books challenging and inspiring us to live life more fully including his latest book Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old? The Path of Purposeful Aging. Richard's approach was deeply influenced by his encounters with influential thinkers like Viktor Frankl and Abraham Maslow, He invites us to consider that growing and giving are key to vital aging. With a career delivering keynotes, coaching leaders, and authoring eleven transformative books—including three bestsellers—Richard's insights have touched lives worldwide. His influence extends through his PBS Special "The Power of Purpose," and as the founder of Inventure – The Purpose Company, Richard has guided countless individuals and organizations, including AARP and the Mayo Clinic, towards finding their purpose. Recognized by Forbes among the top coaches globally, Richard also leads Inventure Expedition safaris in Tanzania, reflecting his deep commitment to purpose beyond borders. Dr. Izzo credits his time with Richard in Tanzania as the inspiration for his book The Five Secrets You Must Discover before You Die

Richard Shares his profound insights on how we can continue to cultivate a sense of purpose and vitality, both in our inner and outer worlds, as we age. We explore the pivotal choice points and how we can support others in their journey towards a purposeful elderhood. Also, we discuss the critical role health plays in this journey, reminding us that our well-being is tightly linked to our ability to live meaningfully.

Join us as we explore the art of aging with purpose and the choices that lead to a more fulfilled and impactful elderhood.

We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.