Former Nike VP Dirk Van Onsem reveals why the "Scaling" system is failing and how he moved from corporate burnout to regenerative leadership. 🌍

Are you stuck in a "scaling" trap that’s destroying your returns? Most leaders are trapped in a mindset that wastes talent and resources.

In this episode of (un)conventionally excellent, Dirk Van Onsem (founder of Beyonders Collective) shares his vulnerable transition through "The Unknowing" to build resilient, planet-positive communities.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• 👧 The Daughter's Question: The moment a child’s question about climate change forced a Nike VP to quit.
• 🇧🇷 The Brazil Shift: Transitioning from European boardrooms to a biohub in Brazil.
• 👤 Shadow Leadership: Why the "perfect executive" image is a barrier to real innovation.
• 📉 The Scaling Myth: Why expanding large businesses is often the opposite of regeneration.
• ❓ Unassuming Leadership: Moving from "having answers" to "asking the right questions."
• 🌿 The Bioeconomy: How Dirk is building a Biohub in Mallorca to restore local ecosystems.
• 💰 Regenerative Finance: Prioritizing resilience over exit-based growth.

Timestamps:

00:00 – "We are running out of time"

03:00 – The “(UN)word” Effect: Personal leadership evolution

07:08 – Unassuming: Leading by asking questions

11:01– Traditional vs. Participatory Leadership

14:30– 25 Years of Nike Leadership Lessons

25:39– Walking Away: Leaving a global giant

28:45– Unknowing: Navigating burnout and the "empty space"

31:15– Applying Corporate Skills to Climate Action

52:10 – Building a Regenerative Business Ecosystem

55:10- The Challenges of Nature-Based Funding

01:01:00- Collaborative Purpose: Finding investors passionate about sustainability

01:07:18- The Critical Question: "What happens if we don’t do this?”

01:08:24- Starting Something New: ‘Our time is now.”

01:10:46 - Ask Dr. Alison: Guest Q&A

01:16:00- The (UN)wrap

Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt:

• Website: www.unconventionllc.com
• LinkedIn: Dr. Alison Schmidt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/

Connect with Dirk Van Onsem:

• Website: Beyonders Collective
• LinkedIn: Dirk Van Onsem
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyonderscollective/

🎵 Special thanks to DJ Doug Jackson for the (un)conversations theme song.