Sustainability leadership
When the path forward isn’t clear and feelings of overwhelm or despair are near, finding anchors in gratitude, horizon and context can steady our leadership through almost anything.
Sustainability leadership
Collective wisdom, collaboration drive change
When the path forward isn’t clear and feelings of overwhelm or despair are near, finding anchors in gratitude, horizon and context can steady our leadership through almost anything.
In times of uncertainty, I’ve found it helpful to return to a few steady anchors — simple ideas that shape how I lead, decide and stay grounded.
A recent conversation with my business partner, Trinnie, brought three of them into focus.
Gratitude: In the hardest chapters of my life, gratitude has been less about optimism and more about orientation. When I can see my current circumstances as sources of learning, growth or increased empathy, my perspective shifts. Leaders who consistently notice what’s working create a quiet but powerful forward pull for their teams.
Horizon: Years of boating taught me that when conditions get rough, the fastest way to regain balance and not get seasick, is to fix your eyes on the horizon, not the waves. Leaders can’t control economic weather or constant waves of disruption, but they can hold a clear, steady vision. Doing so helps others stay focused on direction and strategy rather than reacting to the turbulence of the moment.
Context: When my time horizon is too short, I tend to think too small. When my focus narrows to minutiae, I miss the larger field. Effective leadership requires mastery of context (time, place, perspective distance) not just content. It’s often the difference between panic and possibility, fear and informed choice.
Leading sustainably means managing our energy, reactions and recovery so our people can focus on those business priorities at hand. It means knowing how to lead responsibly. In having internal anchors to help steady ourselves, we model authentic steadiness while navigating unchartered waters. We think better and make better decisions. We decide what we can control and what we cannot.
Together, these ideas influence the quality of the conversations I’m having, with myself and with others. As coaches partnering with leaders and teams, part of our work is to help expand perspective in ways that support healthier leadership and more meaningful impact. By listening deeply and generously for what’s happening beneath the surface, we challenge context and widen horizons. What follows can be transformational.
As this year unfolds, I’m holding these anchors close and staying curious about what becomes possible when perspective widens.
Rooted in community
At NHBSR (New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility), we recognize that sustainable leadership isn’t a solo journey. It is built through collective wisdom and the strength of our network. We deeply value our collaboration with dedicated partners like Scott and Trinnie at Ripple Effect Studio, as well as our many other leadership partners throughout the state who bring these “anchors” to life in our business community.
By fostering these connections, we ensure that New Hampshire leaders have the support and perspective needed to navigate even the choppiest waters with purpose. To learn more about our upcoming programs and community initiatives, visit nhbsr.org.
Scott Seagren is president of Ripple Effect Studio, a leadership and team coaching company in Manchester, NH. For almost 20 years, he has served as a trusted advisor to hundreds of successful leaders. New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility produces “Sustainability Spotlight” monthly for NH Business Review.
