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Management Innovation According to Nature's Genius

First Steps

In practice, our innovation work with companies is not prescriptive. We provide a vision of what it means to be successful in the context of 3.8 billion years of evolution and the support to explore and embed that new vision. Our bridging of scientific knowledge and models into industry is still novel, yet we have some early successes with companies like Natura and HOK Architects. Our journey with each management team is somewhat unique, but follows a general four step process:

  1. Seeding vision. First we invite a core team of the best and the brightest in the company to come to our Montana headquarters (or an inspiring ecosystem of their choice) for 1-2 days. We provide a broad introduction to Life's Principles and look at where and how they might fit into the framework of that particular company.
  2. Cross-pollinating a broader vision. We visit the company headquarters and expand the base of knowledge and understanding of Life's principles, building out a vision and particular examples of how it might work for that organization.
  3. Integrating innovative thinking. We work with the company to develop a strategy and an array of initiatives that embodies Life's Principles. This might include a re-envisioning of the company's mission, redrafting product lines, and establishing the connection of the company in the ecology of its industry and environment.
  4. Embedding the innovations. We provide ongoing support to internal leaders as they work to embed the Life's principles into every aspect of the company's operation.

How do you get started? We find that people attracted to biomimicry have three main entry points into this way of creativity and innovation: Values (Ethos), Technical Perspectives (Emulation), and (Re)Connection.

The Values (Ethos) entry point reflects a desire (often deep seated) to align one's professional and personal values with a vision for sustainability and well-being that is grounded in 3.8 billion years of pattern success. This is a gateway to newfound purpose for work and professional development.

The Technical Perspective (Emulation) entry point is a focus for those who want to find a way to align their technical skills and experience with biological insights from the natural world. Biologists, Engineers, Designers, and Business professionals look to biomimicry to find new and creative ways to develop and apply their expertise.

(Re)Connection provides a way to feel and access knowledge from the "Genius of Place" in your local environment. Ths entry point focuses on creating connections to regional ecologies and communities in a way that stimulates creativity and new relationships related to your field of work.