INSTINCT
A podcast about leadership, one animal at a time.Join executive coaches Kari Sulenes and Natalie Rothfels as we uncover what humans can learn about leadership from the animals all around us.On each episode of INSTINCT, we choose an animal and learn about the strange, surprising, sweet, and (oft) suspicious ways it operates in the wild. Then, using our own experiences operating and coaching leaders in the startup world, we discuss how we can morph these instinctual animal behaviors into intentional leadership choices.
Language
en
Released
Creator
Kari Sulenes and Natalie Rothfels
Genre
business
Popularity
2.1
Trending
1.3
Episodes
8
Update Freq
Rare
Priority
★ Normal
Latest Episodes
The magnetism of manatees: good branding and excellent delegation
In today’s episode of INSTINCT, we chill out for a moment to explore the peaceful and laid back vibes of the manatee. “Manatees and leadership?!” you might say. Well these marine mammals are surprisingly good at forming strategic alliances, delegating responsibilities, and knowing how to survive for multiple decades. If you find yourself turned off by traditional business advice hyper-growth and maximizing returns, this episode is for you: the sea cow serves as a reminder that longevity, legacy, and long-term growth is a realistic path to both survival and success. — In today’s episode, we discuss: What makes manatees skillful delegators Why personal brand actually makes a difference in leadership How way manatees enable their surrounding ecosystem What manatees and lifestyle business have in common The importance of self-care for leaders — Sources: Save the Manatee Club Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute https://mission.cmaquarium.org/research-institute/manatee-research/ Meet “The Manatee Man” on Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant How Florida manatees use warm water around power plants for winter refuges. How the loss of seagrass is impacting manatee’s lives As Manatees Linger, the Springs Are Strained National Geographic: www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/manatees?source=A-to-Z — Where to find Kari Sulenes: • Kari's company: https://joinpilea.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisulenes — Where to find Natalie Rothfels: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrothfels • Website: https://natalierothfels.com/ — Production and distribution by: https://www.supermix.io
View DetailsThe wisdom of wolves: fluid leadership and pack mentality
In the first episode of INSTINCT, we dive into the world of Wolves to uncover lessons on leadership. Despite the misguided reputation of the ‘lone wolf’, wolves are practitioners of fluid leadership, knowing when to step forward and step back into different strengths based on the needs of the pack. These animals exemplify teamwork, adaptability, and sensitivity to each other’s needs, and their dynamic leadership model offers insights into how to build an effective and empathetic team. In today’s episode, we discuss: The ‘lone wolf’ myth Rotating leadership to meet the needs of the pack What it really means to be an ‘alpha’ (and ‘beta’ and ‘omega’) Why sensitivity and communication are crucial to high-functioning teams Packs that play together, stay together Why pack mentality is an alternative to strict hierarchy Referenced: Division of labor amongst conspecific wolf packs. Cassidy, K. A. D. R. MacNulty, D. R. Stahler, L. D. Mech, D. W. Smith. 2017. Sexually dimorphic aggression indicates male gray wolves specialize in pack defense against conspecific groups. Behavioural Processes 136:64-72. Gese, Eric M., et al. “The Ecology and Behavior of Coyotes (Canis latrans).” National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6912837/. Jane Packard on different hierarchical structures of wolf packs https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241277382_Wolf_behavior_reproductive_social_and_intelligent Lupinology with Dr. Bridgett vonHoldt (Ologies podcast) (transcript)) Mech, L. David, “Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs” (1999). USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. 353. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/353 Mech, L. David, “Leadership in Wolf, Canis lupus, Packs” (2000). USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. 384. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/384 Mikkelson, David. “Wolf Pack Photo.” Snopes, 19 May 2007, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/wolf-pack-photo/. O’Gara, Megan K., et al. “Debunking Myths: A New Look at Wolves and Their Role in the Ecosystem.” University of Minnesota Libraries, 2020, https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/228066/OGara_Debunking Myths.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y. “Pack Structure.” Wolf Haven International, https://wolfhaven.org/conservation/wolves/pack-structure/. Smith, Andrew. “Wolf Pack Leadership Explained with Examples.” Project Practical, https://www.projectpractical.com/wolf-pack-leadership-explained-with-examples/. The effect of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone: https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/wildlife/wolf-reintroduction-changes-ecosystem/ Trophic Cascade: How wolves keep ecosystems in check: https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/wolves-keep-the-u-s-ecosystem-in-check Turner, Lolly Daskal. “Wolf Pack Leadership: Insights for Effectively Leading a Team.” Leadership Depot, https://leadershipdepot.com/wolf-pack-leadership-insights-for-effectively-leading-a-team/. “What Role Would You Have in a Wolf Pack?” GoToQuiz, https://www.gotoquiz.com/results/what_role_would_you_have_in_a_wolf_pack. Where to find Kari Sulenes: Kari's company: https://joinpilea.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisulenes Where to find Natalie Rothfels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrothfels Website: https://natalierothfels.com/ Production and distribution by: https://www.supermix.io
View DetailsThe allure of anglerfish: Slow, steady, and deadly
In the season finale of INSTINCT, we plunge into the ocean's depths to uncover the secrets of the anglerfish. Renowned for its adaptability, leaders can learn from the resilience of this deep-sea dweller. Anglerfish are masters of attraction, and opportunistic predators, using a bioluminescent lure to attract unsuspecting prey. Join us as we discover the surprising parallels between the anglerfish and successful leadership, particularly for founders. — In today’s episode, we discuss: Why frontier tech founders should study the anglerfish How the anglerfish thrives in extreme conditions with limited resources Lessons on authority, delegation, and responsibility What parasitic mating teaches us Knowing your role, and effective collaboration Hunting and survival strategies of anglerfish Season wrap-up — Referenced: Check out this video of the deep-sea anglerfish mating pair (which shows the vast size difference between the male and female fish): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhsyZnVx2rQ National Geographic’s deep dive into anglerfish: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/anglerfish Learn more about the bioluminescent lure and the weird reproduction strategies of this fish: https://www.livescience.com/deep-sea-anglerfish.html Some pretty weird research suggesting that anglerfish have developed an immune system that is totally different than most animals (which is what enables the males to become parasites without the female body totally rejecting them): https://www.washington.edu/news/2020/07/30/deep-sea-anglerfishes-have-evolved-a-new-type-of-immune-system/ — Where to find Kari Sulenes: Kari's company: https://joinpilea.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisulenes — Where to find Natalie Rothfels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrothfels Website: https://natalierothfels.com/ — Production and distribution by: https://www.supermix.io
View DetailsThe novelty of newts: playing defense instead of offense
In today’s episode of INSTINCT we dive into the world of newts. These small salamanders showcase a remarkable blend of might and tenacity as they fiercely protect themselves in the wild. Discover the art of outmaneuvering rivals, cultivating resilience across diverse environments, and crafting ingenious defense strategies to safeguard your domain. Join us as we uncover the secrets of newts, proving that playing defense can be valuable for leaders and companies alike. — In today’s episode, we discuss: How companies can develop regeneration and regrowth strategies Crazy characteristics of newts, including their toxicity, and fascinating mating rituals The numerous defense mechanisms of newts Why the lifecycle of newts are similar to startups Navigating shifting contexts, and developing environmental coping strategies Posturing and protecting against potential competitors — Referenced: Researcher Elly Tanaka discusseshttps what we know about “organizer” cells’ role in regenerative limb creation (their lab researchers tail regeneration in the axolotl): //youtu.be/V1sXsaxZr8A?feature=shared Why newts (and other salamanders) are important to their ecologies: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/a-proactive-policy Learn more about the 3 development stages of newt development: https://blog.greatparks.org/2022/03/what-the-eft-the-odd-life-cycle-of-the-eastern-newt/ During the mating process, the male deposits a spermatophore, and then the females decides, based on the success of the male’s courtship skills, whether to deposit the sack of sperm internally. Wow! So much consent?!: https://www.froglife.org/2017/03/27/croaking-science-courtship-reproductive-behaviour-newts-salamanders/ Image of an impressive defensive display (the unken reflex): https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/rough-skinned-newt-defensive-posture-epa-ponds-corvallis-or — Where to find Kari Sulenes: Kari's company: https://joinpilea.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisulenes — Where to find Natalie Rothfels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrothfels Website: https://natalierothfels.com/ — Production and distribution by: https://www.supermix.io
View DetailsThe hustle of hummingbirds: differentiate or die
Hummingbirds share more traits with startups, entrepreneurs, and business leaders than you might imagine. Despite being perceived as elegant and peaceful creatures, hummingbirds are relentless forces of nature that have evolved quickly to thrive in a constantly shifting environment. These tiny but powerful birds move at astonishing speeds (in all directions) while also remaining the agility required to fiercely defend their territories. In other words, hummingbirds might just be the best icon for startups looking to stay relevant in a world of cutthroat competition. — In today’s episode, we discuss: What hummingbirds and startups (and Natalie?) have in common How decision-making fatigue can lead to death in hummingbirds and businesses Why long-term differentiation is critical for survival When to compete, and when to collaborate How hummingbirds develop productive relationships with their broad ecosystem — Referenced: Douglas Altshuler and Robert Dudley on the amazing hovering ability of hummingbirds, and how their flight patterns co-evolve with their foraging strategies: https://repository.si.edu/bitstream/handle/10088/1573/Altshuler_and_Dudley.pdf?sequence=1 If you want to be in absolute awe of hummingbird nest-building, here’s 4 minutes of beauty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKNfsIwUPnA The New York Times on co-evolution, and the competitive nature of hummingbirds (and their impressively serrated beaks!) https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/05/science/hummingbirds-science-take.html On the co-evolution of beaks and flowers: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/hummingbird-evolution#:~:text=Different species of hummingbirds have,other animals from stealing it[.](https://askabiologist.asu.edu/hummingbird-evolution#:~:text=Different species of hummingbirds have,other animals from stealing it.) How hummingbirds use spider silk to reinforce their nests, while still allowing them to stretch and grow: https://abcbirds.org/blog21/hummingbird-nests/ Hummingbird researcher Alejandro Rico-Guevara talks about the feeding, flying, and fighting tendencies of these tiny birds (and why we can’t put trackers on them!) Stuff You Should Know on hummingbirds as the only vertebrate who can hover and flying backward and forward — Where to find Kari Sulenes: Kari's company: https://joinpilea.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisulenes — Where to find Natalie Rothfels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrothfels Website: https://natalierothfels.com/ — Production and distribution by: https://www.supermix.io
View DetailsThe elegance of elephants: quiet leadership and collective health
In today’s episode of INSTINCT we explore the world of elephants. These elegant creatures, with their complex social structures and behaviours, offer a treasure trove of insights for aspiring leaders and team builders. Despite being the largest land mammals on earth, you can hardly hear them move — follow in their footsteps and learn how to master the art of 'quiet' leadership by prioritizing long-term success, team wellbeing, and cooperative leadership. — In today’s episode, we discuss: How elephants embrace experience, and learn from their elders Diverse roles within elephant herds, including the matriarch leader The strong bonds between herd members, and how this creates a shared consciousness The remarkable memory of elephants How elephants impart wisdom to younger generations What makes elephants excellent communicators Future-proofing to ensure survival How social intelligence affects team performance — Referenced: Amboseli Trust for Elephants https://www.elephanttrust.org/research/#1552999697822-571c1d66-ca63 The research on mirror self-recognition (evidence that elephants may have some self-awareness): https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0608062103 The story of male elephants killing 40 rhinos, and what happened when elder males were introduced into the park: https://www.nature.com/articles/35044191 An synthesis on what we know about PTSD in elephants (especially after a traumatic experience like a matriarch dying): https://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/features/new-research-shows-that-elephants-and-other-animals-can-suffer-from-ptsd — Where to find Kari Sulenes: Kari's company: https://joinpilea.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisulenes — Where to find Natalie Rothfels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrothfels Website: https://natalierothfels.com/ — Production and distribution by: https://www.supermix.io
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