Regenerative conversations
The conversation is not about the work. It is the work.
+ David whyte
Conversations are the space between us where we explore what we think and see, and collectively generate new perspectives and possibilities.
In particular, regenerative conversations offer a dynamic and integrated way of seeing our whole living system – people, purpose and planet – so we can ask the more important questions. The ones that matter to us and our future.
Yet, these conversations offer more than a better way of seeing our world and where our work fits in. They are intrinsically regenerative, enabling us to be refreshed and revitalised. Ready to step forward again.
In designing and hosting regenerative conversations, we work at three levels:
- Thinking partner for individuals, usually business or organisational leaders
- Bespoke team sessions for specific clients
- Wider gatherings, either topic or group-based, or hosted on behalf of clients
Thinking partner
Sue is the most insightful person I have met! She focuses on what you are saying without interruption, sees through the noise and brings a clarity and context that one simply can’t find in isolation. Sue really gets to the heart of the challenge and takes you on a journey that leads to a clear way forward!
+ Kevin Smith, Co-founder Cambrian Ventures
Over the years, I have partnered with hundreds of leaders from hugely diverse backgrounds. They have their desire to create meaningful change and their openness to see the bigger picture in common.
Often we work online, though when possible The Waterside is an amazing place for truly regenerative conversations!
If this is you, then let’s talk.
You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.
+ buckminster fuller
Team sessions
If you think you have the answers and it’s just about getting your team on board, perhaps regenerative conversations aren’t for you. At least not for now.
But if you want space and support to engage your whole team in creating a more regenerative future – for you, your people and the planet – then we can help.
We know that every team has untapped potential, often buried by short-term pressures and metrics that keep us locked into unhealthy cycles.
And it takes courage to say there might be a better way.
Yet, there are increasing numbers of businesses and organisations hungry for transformation. They aren’t looking for the way back but the way forward. And they are flourishing.
If this is you, talk with us about where you dream of going.
We have a reputation for insightful, individually designed and powerfully creative facilitation. Our clients include those in creative industries, life sciences, healthcare, and not for profit. We work here at The Waterside, online and off-site.
…Have patience with all that is unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like closed rooms, like books written in a foreign language.
+ rainer maria rilke, from letters to a young poet
Gatherings
Before lockdown, we hosted First Fridays @ The Waterside every month for over four years. We know that these informal gatherings in this beautiful and peaceful place have been missed.
We also designed and hosted wider gatherings both here and elsewhere for individual clients. These included multi-disciplinary conversations at the Royal College of Physicians and at The Royal Foundation of St Katharine in London, and the University of Manchester Innovation Centre. And for organisations such as the RSA, CLA, Swansea University, Welsh Government and the Church in Wales.
Online conversations have also opened up a wider world where we are active participants.
Part of our regenerative journey for The Waterside is to reimagine what these gatherings might look like now. Over the coming months, as we navigate the shifting world of COVID-19, we will both offer and host wider gatherings – here and online – and launch the Regenerative Conversations podcast.
If you are interested in partnering with us, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
