Running a Regenerative Business with Tre Cates

Update: 2025-04-14

Description

Regenerative Business and Living Systems Design with Tre Cates

In this episode of Ruminations, host Bobby Gill delves into regenerative business practices with Tre Cates, founder of nRhythm. They explore the concepts of living systems design, organizational health, and the distinction between managing complexity versus control. Cates shares his experiences from working with the Savory Institute, the development of the Savory Hub model, and the transformation of businesses by applying regenerative principles. This episode offers deep insights into creating resilient and thriving organizations by focusing on the interconnectedness of people, processes, and the environment.

Tre Cates is the founder of nRhythm, a consulting firm helping organizations around the world design systems that align with the principles of life itself—complexity, emergence, resilience, and interconnectedness.

In this episode of @SavoryInstitute’s Ruminations podcast, Tre joins us to explore:

- What It Means to Design a Regenerative Organization

- The Difference Between Complicated and Complex Systems (and -- Why It Matters)

- How Businesses Can Create the Conditions for Life, Not Just Profit

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TIME STAMPS:

00:35 Meet Tre Cates: Founder of nRhythm

01:18 Savory Institute and Holistic Management

01:39 Exploring Complexity and Leadership

02:12 Sponsor Message: Savory Journey Giveaway

04:15 Conversation with Tre Cates Begins

05:42 Understanding the Cartesian Split

08:38 Complexity in Agriculture and Beyond

16:54 Managing Complexity vs. Control

28:27 Patterns and Principles of Living Systems

32:09 nRhythm's Approach to Regenerative Organizations

43:27 Foundational Beliefs and Operational Identity

44:52 Monitoring Health and Emergence

51:20 Understanding Governance Structures

53:00 Creating Conditions for Success

55:42 Monitoring for Emergence

56:55 Embracing Emergence in Organizations

01:11:34 Case Study: Transforming a Boutique Firm

01:18:44 The Savory Hub Network and Decentralization

01:26:13 Influential Thinkers and Schools of Thought

01:33:19 Future Patterns and Societal Shifts

01:44:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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This episode is brought to you by Savory’s Regenerating Members, a global community restoring over 100 million acres through holistic management. Join today for just $10/month and help regenerate 400+ acres every year:

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: