Agility in the Anthropocene

We’re living in a world where human impact now shapes the planet’s ecosystems and climate on a massive scale. This era—often called the Anthropocene—presents challenges that can feel overwhelming, from rapid biodiversity loss to climate volatility and social upheavals. In times like these, agility becomes more than just a buzzword: it’s a survival skill. Being able to pivot, experiment, and reinvent our approaches allows us not only to adapt to changes but also to drive meaningful transformation where it’s needed most.

What is the Anthropocene?
The term Anthropocene refers to a proposed geological epoch in which human activity has become the dominant force shaping Earth’s ecosystems, climate, and even geological layers. Unlike previous epochs defined by natural changes—such as ice ages or mass extinctions—this new era is marked by the massive impact of human behaviors, from industrialization and resource extraction to pollution and urbanization. As a result, we’re seeing rapid biodiversity loss, changes in climate patterns, and the alteration of landscapes worldwide.

When we talk about the Anthropocene in the context of organizational leadership and personal development, we’re highlighting that the choices we make in businesses, communities, and our daily lives don’t just affect local concerns—they have planetary repercussions. This era demands fresh thinking about responsibility, resilience, and sustainability, where concepts like incremental evolution and radical transformation apply not only to how ecosystems respond to stress, but also to how we, as humans, must adapt our economic, social, and cultural structures to ensure a viable future.

Personal musings about the Anthropocene

I was ten years old when I had to prepare a topic for a class presentation. My father, noticing my frustration with having to talk again about “The Guitar, “The cat” or my “Favourite food,” , handed me a hefty encyclopedia and said, “Find something in here for your talk.” Flipping through the pages, I stumbled upon a section describing how ecosystems progress through incremental adaptation yet can experience abrupt upheavals when the environment demands it. I was captivated by the idea that incremental adaptations aren’t always enough, and that under the right conditions, nature might leap decisively forward. I couldn’t have imagined it then, but this concept would shape my worldview—and eventually, my career.

Over the years, I’ve remained fascinated by the interplay between steady progress and bold transformation, recognizing that both have a place when environments demand new paradigms; it became the lens through which I observe the world. Whether in ecology or organizational life, I have long been intrigued by the ways that evolution and “revolution” shape the world we live in, the culture we believe we “own” and the communication structures we apply in daily life. I also have become to believing that each can serve as a catalyst for growth when leveraged in the right context.

My path since then has been anything but straightforward. I wasn’t one to sit in the school banks very long, and more motivated by my thirst for adventure and experience, I decided not to follow the conventional route of formal studies. Instead, I chose to prioritize learning by doing—through travel, entrepreneurship, and immersive, hands-on experiences. 

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children with special needs and different types of mobility, an experience that taught me how to adapt my own communication style and physical influence in ways that build trust and mutual understanding, and may serve anyone in growing towards more autonomy, however small a step; small interventions, given patiently and consistently, can lead to transformative outcomes.Later, I found myself working as a dolphin trainer, where I discovered how behavior is shaped by environment and reinforcement. It was a two-way street: while we were teaching dolphins to recognize our cues, the dolphins were, in turn, training us to meet their conditions (usually involving a well-deserved fish!). That experience deepened my understanding of intention, interspecies communication, and the hidden potential for cooperation that exists across boundaries—not just in animals, but in people as well 🙂

Perhaps most serendipitously, while teaching English in France, I began “accidentally” coaching leaders from large corporations who were striving to refine their cross-cultural communication. In the course of our conversations, I noticed that the same principles I had used in my earlier hands-on roles—listening intently, adapting to feedback, and viewing challenges systemically—were just as powerful in helping corporate leaders excel. What started as an informal arrangement soon grew into a genuine calling, one that laid the foundation for my current work as Founder of The Agile Company.

Balancing Evolution and Revolution in Organizations

From these varied experiences emerged a guiding philosophy: organizations, like ecosystems, benefit most when they recognize the interplay of slow, steady improvement and decisive, game-changing actions. The era we now call the Anthropocene—where human influence reshapes ecosystems worldwide—only magnifies the need for such balanced leadership. Global challenges like climate change, resource constraints, and social injustice require leaders who can discern when it’s time to refine existing processes and when it’s time to challenge the status quo entirely.

At The Agile Company, I brought this perspective into our coach education programs. Drawing on the principle that people learn best when immersed in interactive, real-world simulations, we place participants in scenarios that test their ability to shift between evolutionary and revolutionary thinking. They practice unpacking issues from multiple angles—economic, social, ethical, and environmental—so they can see how small actions ripple outward to affect the wider system. This approach nurtures a mindset that is both reflective and action-oriented, capable of addressing nuanced problems while staying open to transformational leaps.

Connecting to the Anthropocene

My early lessons in respecting both gradual evolution and paradigm-shifting leaps feel especially urgent in the Anthropocene, where human-caused problems—biodiversity loss, climate instability, and social inequities—are intensifying. We’ve made quite a mess of the planet, but we’re also capable of astonishing acts of creativity and empathy. The study of entropy in systems reminds us that, left unchecked, complexity tends to drift into disorder. At the same time, identifying resilient structures can show us where regeneration is possible.

Leaders need a systemic lens to see these connections, foster inclusive dialogue, and guide their organizations toward ethical, forward-thinking practices. We know humans can produce breathtaking art, technology, and cultural innovations; we should be able to heal our current crises, too. Balancing incremental improvements with bolder initiatives might be the key to restoring a vibrant, sustainable planet—and ensuring a positive future for generations to come.

Forward Focused Conversations: A New Coaching Model

A pivotal evolution in my work has been the development of a coaching model called Forward Focused Conversations. I created this model out of a conviction that coaching should not be reserved for those who hold formal certificates or diplomas alone; rather, it should be accessible to anyone willing to engage in a meaningful, growth-oriented dialogue. When I reflect on my experiences—whether teaching English in France or mentoring leaders in multinational corporations—it’s clear that the most powerful learning often emerges from an intentional conversation that explores possibilities and propels people into positive action, one step at the time.

Why “Conversations”?

The term “conversations” underscores that both the “coach” and the “client” are on a shared journey toward clarity, commitment, and progress. It strips away the mystique that sometimes shrouds formal coaching sessions. Instead of dwelling excessively on the “why” of past problems, a Forward Focused Conversation aims to move swiftly toward potential solutions and opportunities. This approach doesn’t disregard root causes, but it does emphasize how forward momentum can spark creativity and resilience—even in the face of longstanding challenges.

Core Principles of Forward Focused Conversations:

1. Accessibility: Coaching shouldn’t be gated by degrees or certifications. Anyone with a sincere desire to listen, reflect, and collaborate can facilitate a forward-focused dialogue.
2. Mutual Growth: The best conversations fuel growth for both parties. The “coach” might have expertise or frameworks to share, but they can also gain fresh insights from the client’s perspective.
3. Action Orientation: While acknowledging the past, the emphasis is on learning from the present, envisioning practical steps that lead to real change. Participants leave the conversation with tangible next actions, not just insights.
4. Systemic Awareness: In line with my broader philosophy, Forward Focused Conversations encourage participants to look at how personal, team, and organizational factors intersect. By situating issues within larger systems, we identify strategies that honor complexity instead of oversimplifying it.