About this episode

Dr. John La Puma discusses how reconnecting with nature can enhance focus, creativity, and energy for managers.

We spend most of our time indoors moving from screens to meetings to more screens without realizing the toll it’s taking on our focus, energy, and overall well-being. For many managers, burnout and fatigue feel like a personal failing or just “part of the job.” But what if the real issue isn’t you… it’s your environment? Fortunately, this week’s guest explains how reconnecting with nature isn’t just about wellness; it’s a powerful, science-backed way to improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and become a more effective leader. Dr. John La Puma is a physician, author, and expert in lifestyle medicine who focuses on how nature, nutrition, and environment impact human performance and health. His work helps leaders rethink how their daily surroundings influence not just their well-being, but also their decision-making, creativity, and relationships at work. In this conversation, we explore how nature affects the brain, why “green” and “blue” spaces improve collaboration and reduce stress, and practical ways managers can bring more outdoor experiences into their workdays and team routines. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction (01:42) Why modern work environments are mismatched…

People in this episode

Host: Mamie Kanfer Stewart

Guest: Dr. John La Puma

Topics covered

• nature and cognitive function
• stress reduction
• burnout
• leadership
• environmental impact on health

Keywords

• nature
• cognitive performance
• stress
• burnout
• leadership
• green spaces
• blue spaces

More episodes of The Modern Manager

• 406: What to Do Instead of “Pushing Though” During Tough Times with Jay Abbasi · May 5, 2026 · 35 min
• 404: How to Spot and Stop Toxic Workplace Culture with Aoife O’Brien · April 21, 2026 · 30 min
• 403: How To Escape The Either/Or Trap And Make Better Decisions · April 14, 2026 · 5 min
• 402: The Missing Link Between Communication and Connection with Nidhi Tewari · April 7, 2026 · 33 min
• 400: Tackle the Five Sources of Stress at Work with Amy Leneker · March 24, 2026 · 34 min
• 399: How to Build Radical Trust Through Better Listening with Leilani Garrett · March 17, 2026 · 30 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Modern Manager podcast page.