From Fungi to Founders: Harnessing Nature's Networks for Business Resilience

In nature and business, the ability to adapt and thrive comes from one key element: connection. Whether it's the mycelium networks that sustain forests or the neural pathways in our brains, networks are the foundation of growth, resilience, and innovation. For founders and leaders, understanding how to cultivate and sustain these networks can mean the difference between stagnation and global impact.

By exploring the parallels between natural systems and human relationships, we will uncover actionable strategies to build life-changing networks. This innate understanding allows us to harness diversity, foster trust, and build resilience in a world of technological and climate uncertainty.

The Fungal Grid: Lessons from Nature

Deep beneath the forest floor lies an unseen but vital network: the mycorrhizal fungi. Often referred to as the "Wood Wide Web," this underground network involves diverse fungi species connecting different trees and plants, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, water, and even warnings about external threats. It is a perfect example of an interconnected system where each node supports the others, ensuring the adaptation and survival of the collective.

Call this a black box, call it a haven. This interconnected web is a community of interconnection we can't see and barely understand. It's just an inherent knowing you can feel.

In business, the analogy of mycorrhizal networks illuminates the strength derived from diverse and interdependent connections. Just as fungi bridge different plant species, enterprises benefit from blending varied talents and insights. The inclusion of differing viewpoints not only fuels creativity but also equips organizations to tackle challenges with a comprehensive toolkit—much like a forest navigates complex ecosystem pressures. 

Embracing diversity is not only a moral or ethical decision; it's a strategic one. Diverse teams are proven to perform better, driving innovation by viewing challenges from multiple perspectives. Numerous studies have demonstrated that diversity in business correlates with improved financial performance.

For instance, a McKinsey & Company report titled 'Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters' found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability compared to companies in the bottom quartile. Similarly, companies with ethnic and cultural diversity were 36% more likely to outperform on profitability. 

While discussions about diversity and inclusion can get entangled in virtue signaling, some of those discussions miss crucial nuance. The visible perception of diversity is the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface lies a tapestry of lived experiences that equips teams with a toolkit of perspectives essential for navigating business ecosystem shocks. 

What matters most is capitalizing on these diverse experiences to build a workforce or partnership capable of weathering any storm. Different life stories bring varied problem-solving skills, creativity, and approaches to decision-making. Just as mycorrhizal fungi extend resources and support to the forest community, fostering diversity in your network allows you to call on the perfect person for the job. 

In the face of rapid technological advancements and climate challenges, businesses must adapt and build resilience akin to natural ecosystems. This can mean reshaping business strategies to include remote operations or tapping into the collective knowledge of varied stakeholders.

Our concept of the Fungal Grid encourages you to cultivate networks that will survive amidst disruption and thrive by leveraging a rich tapestry of human capital. 

For business leaders, the lesson is clear: networks thrive on diversity and interdependence. Just as fungi connect different species in the forest, a diverse network of people with varied perspectives, skills, and experiences creates a more robust and adaptive community.

Actionable Insight: Leaders should intentionally cultivate networks that include individuals from the following different variables:

• Industry

• Level of Expertise

• Geography

• Cultural Background

• Political Perspective

• Gender

• Wealth
  

Diversity in connections creates a dynamic and dimensional approach to resources to draw from, supporting seeing opportunities from unique angles.

Neural Pathways and Professional Growth: Use It or Lose It

If fungal networks highlight the importance of interconnection, neural networks illustrate the power of consistent engagement. In the brain, neural pathways strengthen through repeated use and weaken when neglected—a concept often summarized as "use it or lose it." Life is a game of repetitions. The act of consistently engaging with any practice separates experts from average, champions from pretenders, disrupters from followers. The practice principle applies to human relationships. Without regular, meaningful interaction, connections become weaker and less reliable.

Your professional connections require active maintenance to thrive. When you frequently reach out, collaborate, and communicate, these relationships become stronger and more dependable, bolstering your career alongside your personal growth.  

By regularly reaching out, you remain at the forefront of someone's mind, increasing the likelihood they'll think of you when opportunities arise. This consistent effort highlights your commitment and taps into our innate desire for connection and care. When you invest in others, they often reciprocate. And if they don't, perhaps they're not the right fit for your network. It's that straightforward.

This brings up the healthy practice of evaluating and occasionally "firing" your friends or partners. We like to think about it as getting to a point of decision-making and not living in the grey, often cold landscape of non-decision. It might sound harsh, but think of it as kicking a bad habit. If a particular relationship is constantly preventing you from reaching your personal or professional goals, be critical in your approach to shifting the narrative. I think of it like eating a double-fudge, 1000-calorie piece of chocolate cake—fun once in a while but detrimental if you have it every week. You don't necessarily have to cut ties with double-fudge, chocolate cake completely. Instead, consider creating healthy boundaries and see or speak to them less frequently.

That said, if someone consistently drags you down, it might be time to take a step back. I like to lean into those 'challenging' characters and really find out why my energy dips. Sometimes I can literally feel it happening. If someone will be a constant energy drain for a period of days – I see this as a crisis point and force a crucial conversation and, and we have to have the "talk." This is a tough love conversation that neither of us wants to have, but something we have to do dynamically and when it is happening to ensure the whole network is not brought down. Often, I have a conversation with the person to see if they understand or even know if they are doing it. Sometimes they don't.

You cannot neglect your connections; it's like allowing your neural pathways to wither, which can lead to missed opportunities and weakened support systems. Consistency is key. Prioritize regular interactions even if you don't feel like it. Attend industry events, participate in webinars, and make time for phone calls and Zoom meetings with colleagues and mentors. These touchpoints foster familiarity and trust and reinforce the resilience of your network. 

Actionable Insight:

1. Be intentional with your time.

   • Get your calendar running like a well-oiled machine and set reminders for regular check-ins with your contacts.

   • Like seasons come, think about your check-in as a quarterly opportunity.

   • Be dimensional in how you think about outreach. Don't always do it with a specific reason. 
     

2. Actively participate with mutuality.

   • Ask how you can be helpful.

   • Send referrals for opportunities.

   • Share what they can help with – when you don't ask, you break the chain of mutuality.

   • Send resources that you find interesting: articles, YouTube videos, or software tools.

   • Send gifts or cards during holidays, or important life events.

   • Pay someone a damn compliment once in a while and let them know how you see them growing.

   • Tell them how they should show up for you, too. Don't be shy.
     

3. Remember, a thriving network is built between moments of crisis - if you desperately seek help if something hits the fan, it's too late.

   • Build the bridges now so collaborations can blossom.

   • So you have the bench of comfort and trust built for growth long term. 

Break Your Comfort Zone and Cultivate Dimensional Connections

One of the most common mistakes leaders make is building single-dimensional networks. This might mean connecting only with people in the same industry or staying comfortably in your growth-suffocating echo chamber.  While these relationships can feel comfortable, they often lack the depth and variety to foster true resilience.

When we work with clients, we look at all the different subject matters within and outside of the various industries we have access to. We are exhaustive in our review approach and seek connections, opportunities, and the ability to accelerate through intentional collaborations. We all rise much faster as a system of change.

Nature shows us the importance of dimensionality. A forest is a vibrant tapestry woven from the diversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms, each playing a unique role. Trees provide shade and support for understory plants, while these smaller plants offer food and habitat for various animals. Different species contribute to the nutrient cycle, with certain plants fixing nitrogen in the soil and decomposers breaking down organic matter to enrich it. Pollinators and seed dispersers ensure the propagation of plant life, while predators help maintain balance by controlling herbivore populations. This rich interplay of life forms creates a resilient ecosystem capable of adapting to changes and disturbances, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of the forest.

Try to see your network as an ecosystem thriving on exchanges between different species. Every new connection you establish brings with it a unique perspective, contributing to the overall resilience and adaptability of the network as a whole. Don't shy away from reaching across industries, disciplines, political differences, or cultural boundaries; instead, actively seek such connections. 

This doesn't mean severing ties with your existing network but rather integrating new, diverse layers into it. Remember, the quality of your network isn't just about numbers but about the breadth of perspectives it encompasses. As you engage with varied points of view, you'll uncover new strategies and solutions that may have remained hidden within the confines of homogeneity. You will cultivate a resource-rich environment that not only safeguards against uncertainty but also breeds innovation and growth. Embrace the unknown and find opportunities to forge connections beyond the limits of what feels familiar.

Actionable Insight: Evaluate your network for dimensionality. Are you cultivating connections that challenge your thinking, inspire new ideas, and provide both support and accountability? If not, take intentional steps to expand your network in new directions.

• Identify Gaps: Audit your current circle of contacts to pinpoint gaps in opinions and unheard viewpoints. Seek new connections who can fill these spaces and introduce different perspectives.
  

• Seek Challengers: Engage with individuals who question your assumptions and encourage you to think differently. Look for diverse perspectives during forums or discussion panels.
  

• Explore New Events: Attend gatherings outside your usual industry or social circles. These events can expand your horizon with unique insights and novel ideas.
  

• Leverage Digital Spaces: Utilize platforms like Discord or Twitter for alternative modes of professional engagement and connection with varied communities.
  

• Pursue Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Cultivate partnerships with people from different cultural and social backgrounds to spark innovation through diverse thinking.

Crisis Resilience: The Power of Vulnerability in Networks

The strength of a network often becomes most evident during times of crisis. Consider the example of a founder who faced a personal emergency but rallied their network overnight to provide support. By reaching out and activating dormant connections, they were able to create a community of care and problem-solving when it was needed most.

This ability to mobilize a network in crisis doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of consistent effort, trust-building, and openness over time. Vulnerability—the willingness to share challenges and ask for help—is a key ingredient.

Think of vulnerability as the catalyst for authentic connection. When you share struggles or seek advice, you invite others to do the same. This practice fosters trust, allowing your network to transform from a web of acquaintances into a community bound by shared understanding and mutual support. Consequently, when unpredictability strikes, your collective strength enables quicker recovery and innovative problem-solving. 

Actionable Insight: Foster transparency by regularly checking in with your network and sharing both successes and setbacks. Encourage open dialogues that promote understanding and collaboration, ultimately solidifying the resilience of your connections. 

All of it Rolls Up to this Moment

The wisdom of nature's networks provides a compelling guide for founders, investors, and leaders. Embed the principles of diversity, active engagement, and vulnerability into your professional relationships. Lay down the roots for enduring success. 

Your network is an evolving organism. It requires both nurturing and healthy challenges. You are responsible for leading with both commitment and accountability. Every relationship, much like a mycorrhizal in a forest, contributes to the greater whole. When you approach networking with the same reverence and strategy as nature demonstrates, you cultivate an ecosystem that supports continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation. 

For founders, the challenge is clear: Build your network as nature would. Make it diverse, keep it active, and trust in its ability to grow stronger over time. With this approach, you're not just connecting people—you're building a legacy of resilience and innovation.

If you're a business owner with an insatiable commitment to growth, we want to hear from you. Join the Superstruct Advisors Network and be part of a community dedicated to building resilient connections and fostering innovation. Reach out to us here and let's begin this journey together.