We are excited to share with you the next interview in our “Beyond the Page” series featuring Ina Gjikondi.
What if the secret to restoring balance in our lives mirrors the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park? Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of ecology and coaching with Dr. Ina Gjikondi, Director of Executive Education at George Washington University and founder of the ECO Leadership Coaching Program.
Drawing from her doctoral research on ecocentrism in coach education, Ina introduces us to the concept of rewilding – not as something new we must learn, but as remembering what we’ve forgotten. She shares the powerful story of how wolves restored balance to the Yellowstone ecosystem and uses this as a metaphor for our own journey back to wholeness. “We have an ancient body with a modern mind,” Ina explains, highlighting how our disconnection from nature has affected both our personal wellbeing and the planet.
The conversation takes a practical turn as Ina offers simple, accessible practices for reconnecting with our wild nature, even from the 32nd floor of an urban high-rise. By engaging our heart intelligence, awakening our senses, and asking open-ended questions like “What is wild in me today?”, we can access forgotten wisdom that resides in our bodies. She emphasizes the importance of honoring our first intuitive responses rather than analyzing them, allowing our instincts to guide us rather than our executive function.
Particularly moving is Ina’s discussion of storytelling as an ancient practice that helps us bear witness to each other’s humanity and build community. Through these practices of remembering and reconnecting, we not only heal ourselves but potentially contribute to healing our relationship with Earth. As Ina powerfully concludes: “The wild is not lost. Like the wolf, it is waiting to return. Will you answer the call?” This episode offers both the inspiration and practical tools to help you take that first step.
In this episode, I talk with Ina about her article published in our March 2025 issue.
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