In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to overlook the profound lessons nature can offer. Yet, many of our colleagues have found that stepping away from the office and immersing themselves in the outdoors has been a transformative experience. Whether it’s the stillness of a mountain peak, the patience of a river's flow or the interconnectedness of a thriving forest, nature teaches us invaluable life lessons. These lessons often transcend the boundaries of personal and professional growth, offering wisdom that shapes how we approach challenges and relationships. In this feature, we explore the insights and experiences of our Panasonic colleagues who have discovered the power of the disconnect in nature.

Marcus Claycomb | Business Development Manager | Panasonic Connect

For Marcus, nature provides an opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of daily life, grow mentally and push physical limits. "It’s only me and nature, no machines," he adds. His consistent jogging routine, regardless of weather, has been integral to building his resilience. "Like nature as a whole – it is constant, and you must adapt, improvise and overcome,” Marcus shares. 

When it comes to patience and mindfulness, nature has taught him valuable lessons in setting both short-term and long-term goals. Referencing his running regiment, Marcus shares, "It is a journey with milestones and planning. It allows me to set and meet goals – short term goals like “next mile” and long-term goals like 26.2 miles." Whether it's running a marathon or tackling a work challenge, the lessons from nature apply. He believes that taking time to process thoughts during his runs sharpens his ability to problem-solve both in his personal life and career. Marcus also draws inspiration from nature's interconnectedness, which informs his approach to teamwork. "You can see teamwork and collaboration in nature," he notes, reflecting on how these qualities are essential to both personal and professional growth. His leadership style is rooted in the mental and personal growth he experiences on every run, turning obstacles into opportunities for development. 

One of his most profound lessons came from facing adversity during his time at the FBI National Academy, where a team effort was essential to completing a physically demanding obstacle course. "Working together as a team, we were able to ensure that every single member of the 227 that started the course – finished it," Marcus recalls. Nature, he believes, has a unique way of preparing us for life's challenges, both on and off the trail.

Narmin Koenig | Director, Government Contracts | Panasonic North America

Narmin’s connection to the natural world has woven a thread of resilience and clarity through her life, shaping her perspective on personal growth and the way she engages with the world around her. “I look forward to being outside, whether it is a quick 45-minute walk in a local park, a strenuous and challenging day hike or a multi-day backcountry hiking camping trip,” she shares. For Narmin, these experiences offer more than just physical challenges -- they provide moments of peace. “Being outside and enjoying the beauty of this earth doesn’t compare to anything else,” she says, emphasizing how direct immersion in nature far exceeds watching videos or movies about it.  

“Most recently, I went to Zion National Park and hiked The Narrows and was lucky enough to win a permit to hike Angels Landing,” she recalls. The opportunity to explore The Narrows, where the cold-water rushed around her legs as she hiked through the slot canyon, gave her a powerful sense of both awe and humility. “Seeing the beauty of how water carved the stone over all these years was a privilege,” Narmin reflects, highlighting how nature’s enduring force shapes the world around us. The next day, she faced the challenging heights of Angels Landing, a rigorous trek with narrow ridgelines and steep drop-offs. “It is a strenuous hike and if you are afraid of heights this trail is not for you,” she proclaims, acknowledging the intensity. These adventures not only strengthen her physically but mentally, as they offer opportunities to push past fear and embrace the unknown. 

For Narmin, nature acts as a reset button, offering perspective and inspiration that directly applies to her work life. “Being outside is a form of meditation. There are times that it gives me new ideas to solve a problem just because I stepped away and nature was able to calm my mind to be able to focus by removing all the noise,” she says. Whether it’s hiking through a slot canyon, facing the heights of Angels Landing or simply enjoying the outdoors, these experiences continuously teach her lessons about resilience, focus and the importance of stepping back to reconnect with the world around her. Narmin’s time outdoors informs her ability to stay calm under pressure in the workplace, embrace challenges with an open mind and see the bigger picture, recognizing that sometimes stepping away and embracing nature can be the best solution for creative problem-solving.

Rony Khoury | Product Compliance Analysis | Panasonic North America

For Rony, a memorable moment came during a visit to Acadia National Park, where he and a friend found themselves lost on the Bar Island trail. "We got lost ... and since there was no cell service on parts of the island, we couldn’t rely on the GPS," he recalls. Despite the disorienting circumstances, Rony relied on his awareness of his surroundings, remembering a fallen tree and a brick mansion along the trail to guide him back. This experience, he explains, taught him the importance of being present and using available resources, whether it’s on a hike or in his professional career, particularly when navigating the complexities of ever-evolving chemical regulations. "Awareness and resourcefulness are two very important traits for approaching challenges in my career," Rony says. In moments of quiet reflection, Rony gains perspective and learns to pace himself, whether it’s on a trail or when approaching a project. This connection to nature has taught him to block time on his calendar to focus on tasks without rushing. "I take my time to ensure my work is accurate without having to rush through it," Rony adds, highlighting the value of patience when faced with pressure. Rony speaks to the interconnectedness of things, noticing it often during his time outdoors. "I see how animals and plants coexist with one another and blend seamlessly in a diverse habitat," he says. This perspective has profoundly influenced his approach to teamwork and collaboration.

While he feels fortunate to be part of a team that values mutual respect, Rony understands that not all working relationships are straightforward. In times of cross-functional collaboration, he strives to lead by example, focusing on respect and the common goal. "I know that butting heads and arguing over a project is not beneficial to us or the company," he notes, emphasizing how a nature-inspired mindset can foster better cooperation, even in challenging professional environments. Rony’s experience in nature has enhanced his values of patience, resourcefulness and awareness. His ability to remain calm under pressure, trace his steps when challenges arise and evaluate situations with a clear mind have all been influenced by his time spent outdoors.

As he reflects on the moment he and his friend got lost on Bar Island, Rony notes how their patience in tracing their steps led to a solution. "Rather than panicking, we simply paused, took a breath and began tracing our steps back patiently." This mindset is something he carries into his professional life, especially when he encounters obstacles or setbacks -- always remembering to reassess, refocus and approach the situation with calm and clarity.

Susan Clementson | Sr. Manager, Customs Compliance | Panasonic North America

Growing up playing soccer and later transitioning into mountain biking and trail running, Susan embraced activities that pushed her limits. "Hard things don’t seem so hard when you’ve had to physically suffer a bit and just push through because there aren’t options in the wilderness," she shares. These experiences, such as solo 24-hour mountain bike races or running rim to rim at the Grand Canyon, have taught her the value of perseverance in the face of difficulty. “Sometimes work feels a bit like the same journey,” Susan notes, highlighting how the mindset developed through her outdoor adventures translates directly into her career. “The resilience of nature, the beauty along with its functionality are inspiring,” Susan shares. These lessons in patience and respect for the natural world have helped her navigate her career with a sense of planning and creativity. “I’ve learned long ago that getting outdoors daily reduces the stress of the job,” she says. Susan continues to embrace nature through activities like training her dog to truffle hunt. 

Her appreciation for nature has deepened her understanding of interconnectedness, which influences her approach to collaboration. “Outdoor adventures have taught me that everyone has different skills and brings something unique to the team,” she explains. As someone who has coached others in mountain biking and led outdoor adventures, she values the contributions each team member brings. “I have a strong will to protect (nature),” she adds, linking her environmental awareness to her commitment to teamwork and sustainability in both her personal and professional life. When faced with challenges, Susan has learned that resilience isn’t just about powering through. “When you run into a roadblock/challenge you need to regroup and begin again,” she says, emphasizing the importance of starting fresh when needed. Susan credits her team for the collaborative spirit they bring, expressing gratitude for their creativity, work ethic and positive attitudes. “When you have a good team, and you support each other – you can do anything!” 

One of Susan’s most defining moments in nature came when she faced adversity during an outdoor adventure. “I’ve been in some challenging circumstances … taking a moment to regroup, reflect and make a new plan has been a core part of survival in fun and work,” she recalls. She’s learned that sometimes, it’s necessary to reassess situations and make difficult decisions for the well-being of the team, whether in nature or at work. “Sometimes you have to make a decision to disagree and request a review,” she reflects, recognizing that prioritizing health and balance is essential, especially in challenging times.

Through their time spent in nature, Marcus, Narmin, Rony and Susan have discovered that the lessons learned outdoors transcend the boundaries of personal experiences, deeply enriching their professional lives as well. From resilience and self-reliance to mindfulness and interconnectedness, nature has shaped their approaches to challenges, decision-making and collaboration. Whether through physical endurance or moments of quiet reflection, the outdoors has taught them the power of stepping back to gain perspective and clarity. These lessons have not only strengthened their individual growth but also fostered stronger teamwork and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. In embracing nature’s teachings, they’ve learned that the path to growth often requires simply being present and allowing nature’s rhythms to guide them.

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