The Learning + Performance Podcast 25 - John Sigmon on Nature for Learning, Intuition, and Leadership
In this episode, I talk with John W. Sigmon, a Master Certified Coach (ICF), leadership activist, and author of Wild Leadership, about what nature can teach us about learning, decision-making, performance, and leadership. John shares how growing up in nature shaped his view of learning and life—and how returning to it later helped him find balance, clarity, and purpose. We explore what happens when we treat nature as both teacher and mirror, and how reconnecting with it helps us reconnect with our own instincts and intuition. It’s a conversation about slowing down to move forward, learning to trust the inner compass, and finding alignment between how we live, lead, and learn.
About the Guest
John W. Sigmon, MCC is a Master Certified Coach, leadership activist, and author who helps leaders harness intuition and authenticity to drive meaningful impact. As CEO of Sigmon Leadership Solutions, John partners with global leaders and organizations to develop future-ready leadership rooted in mindfulness, courage, and compassion.
He also serves as Program Director for The Conference Board’s Senior HR Executives Councils, and as an adjunct professor and advisory board member at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Connect with John:
🌐 Website: johnsigmon.com
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnwsigmon
📺 YouTube: @wildleadership
Key Topics & Insights
A fuller definition of performance as the integration of efficiency, effectiveness, and fulfillment.
Curiosity as the engine of learning and the idea of letting questions guide exploration.
The connection between nature and learning, and how growing up outdoors shaped John’s sense of wonder and resilience.
Nature as a teacher, offering clarity, calm, creativity, and perspective.
Themes from Wild Leadership and the lessons nature provides about growth, change, and interdependence.
Adaptability and natural cycles as models for resilience, recovery, and renewal.
How modern life disconnects us from nature through constant busyness and artificial environments.
Intuition as a trainable skill, grounded in experience, reflection, and pattern recognition.
Testing and calibrating intuition through journaling, feedback, and small experiments.
Using natural metaphors in coaching to unlock insight and shift perspective.
The power of coaching in nature for reducing mental chatter and opening new awareness.
Two essential questions for intentional leadership: What is your intention? What impact do you want to have?
Simple daily practices to reconnect with nature and reset the mind.
A three-step noticing process—What do you notice? What are you wondering? What does it remind you of?
The importance of honoring values and seeking clarity in work and leadership.
Mentions and Additional Resources:
- Wild Leadership – John W. Sigmon
- Letting Questions Be Your Guide (MBE Framework)
- Shinrin Yoku / Forest Bathing research
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol Dweck
- The Power of Intuition – Gary Klein, Harvard Business Review
Shinrin Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing – Dr. Qing Li
The Learning-Performance Connection – Harvard Business Review
The Biophilia Hypothesis – research on humans’ innate affinity with nature
Adaptive Leadership Framework – Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky
Transcript & Show Notes
Connect with Pat
Looking to elevate your own learning and performance? I help individuals and organizations learn faster and perform better through coaching, consulting, and learning design. Connect with me here and let's start making a difference in your learning and performance today:
- Website: patrickjhealy.com
- Email: pat@patrickjhealy.com
- LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-healy-95924543/