Jem Bendell Interview At Leading Wellbeing Research Festival 2015

Sustainability activism, it's a journey that many of us have embarked upon. We've walked this path for two decades, and it's been quite a ride. As we delve deeper into the abyss of information, it's easy to become nervous. The world bombards us with exponential graphs, painting a daunting picture of the challenges we face. Whether we're toiling away in the corporate world, navigating the complexities of politics, or sweating it out at the grassroots level, progress can feel painfully slow. But what if I told you that there's a different way to approach this? What if we could build a community that not only acknowledges the struggles but also finds the joy in confronting them head-on?

The Urgent Need for Joyful Community

In a world where the enormity of our problems can lead to isolation and despair, what we need is a sense of community that celebrates the sheer joy of being engaged on such a grand scale. It's not about retreating into our individual worlds of struggle, loss, and perceived limitations. Instead, we should unite with those who understand that social change is a journey filled with challenges and sacrifices. It's a painful awakening to the reality of our times.

However, let's not get lost in the abyss of despair or resort to the escapism of denial. It's through the power of community that we can rekindle the flames of joy. It's in coming together, exploring ideas, and reconnecting with the very essence of being alive that we find the strength to face our daunting challenges. Nature plays a vital role in this process. It offers us a sanctuary to rediscover the beauty that surrounds us, whether it's in the serene Lake District or a humble city park.

So, the crux of the matter is to restore joy – joy through fellowship, joy through nature, joy through fresh ideas, and above all, the joy of being alive.

Leadership Unshackled

When we look at leadership, we must shed the pretenses that often accompany it. It's no longer the era for professional pretense. The stark reality of carbon emissions and climate data leaves no room for pretending that we can tack on our concerns for the planet and the community as mere add-ons to our existing pursuits.

True leadership is about personal liberation. It's about breaking free from the shackles of societal expectations and the acculturation that's been ingrained in us from birth. Even the most prestigious educations and illustrious careers can confine our minds and limit our sense of what's achievable. We must strive to strip away the layers of professional attire, discard our preconceived notions, and approach the world with fresh eyes. This is the essence of leadership – a journey that begins with the liberation of one's own mind.

A New Paradigm of Leadership

The prevalent narrative around leadership often paints a hierarchical, macho, and heroic picture. But what if I told you that the only leadership that's viable in our world today is the kind that emanates from collective groups? It's about everyone in the community sharing common values, embracing a collective purpose, and understanding the significance of stepping forward and stepping back at the right times. It's not about one person at the top dictating orders; it's about the synergy of many minds working in harmony.

In times like these, when our planet faces a perilous future and inequality continues to grow, the goals we set must transcend individual or organizational interests. Whether you're part of a profit-seeking enterprise or an environmentally conscious group primarily concerned with its brand, you must step beyond these boundaries. You must become a part of a larger social movement. Leadership, in this context, is an emergent quality that transcends seniority, distributes responsibilities across the group, and arises as the need arises.

It's about cultivating leaderful groups that come together to accomplish meaningful goals. Together, we can navigate the complex, ever-evolving landscape of sustainability activism. We can embrace the challenges, find joy in our collective efforts, and lead not with the pretense of hierarchy, but with the shared purpose of creating a better world for all.

The path ahead may be challenging, but through this shift in perspective and the power of united action, we can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. It's time to drop the act, embrace the joy, and lead from the heart for the greater good of our planet and humanity.