Today's guest is Mark Rowland - a man of many hats and bows, and this conversation is a gem. I promise that you're in for a treat today.
Meeting Mark has been a great gift of starting Finding Nature - he came to one of the events I held a few months ago and since then we've run into each other and chatted a number of times. From those simple introductions it's revealed to me in each conversation that there's another aspect of Mark's career and personality that I have great regard for. A Brit who was accidentally employed by Price Waterhouse (before the Coopers was added), a transformational experience learning systems dynamics at MIT in Boston followed by a year in Korea putting that training to the test. Senior strategy roles, CEO of a big food business, shoe retailing, a leadership position at the US Air Forces' innovation catalyser with an annual budget of US$700 million, to reprising the original Greenhouse challenge platform the Australian government mothballed in 2009. The past few years Mark has played a pivotal role in establishing the remarkable Greenhouse here in Sydney - a lighthouse of climate action and enabling ecosystem that is already making a big difference here. I can't put into words all Mark has undertaken, done and achieved. We get into parts of it today.
Beyond that though is a man of poise, grace and stillness. His commitment to honest self appraisal, evolution and service was a gift to listen to and chat about. Behind the man that builds, connects and makes magic from nothing is someone I didn't expect to be so affected by.
This one really challenged me to contemplate how I think, feel, speak and act - I know there is often inconsistency in those and a lack of alignment between how I want to be and how I am, what I hope to move towards and the actions that follow. This is part of my own journey as both a professional and a person. It is clear to me how important that integration and alignment is for Mark to then be able to enter and be in the world with such vitality and openness, and what he has and is creating is testament to the importance and value of the inner work, of coming into contact with and giving space for him to find and activate his true nature.
Mark's mix of optimism, wisdom, determination, curiosity and authenticity is a gift, and this conversation is one too. I really enjoyed that conversation, and I hope enjoyed listening.
Today's show is delivered with Altiorem. Use the code FindingNature10 to get your first month free on their gold and platinum plans.
Today's show is delivered with Gilay Estate. Add Finding Nature to your booking reservation for a free dinner and breakfast for each night you stay.
Thank you for listening, I appreciate it and don't take your precious time for granted.
If you enjoyed this episode or any other, please offer a rating as the algorithms appreciate that type of interaction, share the show with friends or colleagues and let them know why you think they'd appreciate listening, and subscribe.
With that in mind, and Mark's insights on confidence and the poise with which he carries himself, this quote from legendary US basketball coach is a good one “Poise and confidence are not possible unless you have prepared correctly. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Poise and confidence are a natural result of proper preparation."
Thanks for listening. Follow Finding Nature on Instagram
