The environmental crisis is advancing at an unprecedented pace and scale. It will outpace us if we don't turn our attention to an even deeper concern regarding the future of humanity: we need to work together to create change. Our current approach to collaboration is outmoded. To transform our world, we must transform the way we lead. We collectively share the power and responsibility for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Leaders who hope to shape that future must develop the ability to embrace relationships--to ourselves, to one another, and to the natural world--as our most impactful, influential tool. Our Next Evolution  delivers a framework for 21st century collaboration through four interlinked leadership practices: Cultivating Presence, Creating Space, Leveraging Diversity, and Sustaining Dialogue. These four practices enable us to take collective action in new ways, carving a path toward a future we crave but can't yet see. We have the capacity to create vibrant communities, build thriving economies, and sustain our natural resources--but only when we learn to do so together. Only when we evolve. " Our Next Evolution offers clear strategies for drawing on our humanity and truly collaborating on the interconnected system vulnerabilities that are bringing us to the brink of a collapse of civilization. In short, it unveils the essential role of deep personal civility in building a just future for all." -- Paul Ehrlich , President, Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University and Author, The Population Bomb "This book draws upon the best advice and frameworks on leadership, diversity, collaboration and more, so you don't have to. This is a timely manual on authentic leadership by someone for whom the topic is not just what she does, but who she is." -- Christine Bader , Author, The Evolution of a Corporate Idealist: When Girl Meets Oil "A new approach to environmental leadership is needed to address the critical issues that confront us. Our Next Evolution is a "must read" for leaders in business, government, and the environmental community tired of conflict who seek a path forward to solving our most difficult environmental problems." -- Jim Lyons , former USDA Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment and former DOI Deputy Assistant Secretary "A unique take on the problem of environmental sustainability highlighting the 'transformational change' needed to persist on our planet. Calandrella addresses these wicked environmental challenges from the intuitive lens of relationship-building or turning 'inward and toward each other.'" -- Leah Gerber , Founding Director, Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University and Lead Author, UN 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services "Whether you're a conservation practitioner, public agency official, business leader, or concerned citizen, Our Next Evolution invites all of us to connect at a deeper level, recognize our interdependence and shared fate, and co-create a future that we are proud to leave to future generations." -- Shawn Johnson , Managing Director, Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy, University of Montana, Executive Committee Member, Network for Landscape Conservation "Anyone who leads a regional conservation partnership or collaborative network knows that collective efforts worth their salt may advance innovation, scaling, and science but beneath all that lies the quality of partners' relationships and leadership. Our Next Evolution: Transforming Collaborative Leadership to Shape Our Planet's Future promises those in the trenches and hubs a new framework to make lasting changes together not in the mundane, but in the systems that matter most." -- Bill Labich , Senior Conservationist, Highstead Foundation Laura Calandrella  is a leadership strategist and consultant. She has spent the past two decades working with organizations from across the environmental community to design collaborative approaches to our most pressing issues. Her career began as a conservation biologist and international development practitioner. These experiences gave Laura firsthand knowledge of the power of collaboration, but also the difficulties that arise when diverse perspectives align under a shared vision for change. Now she guides the growth of sustainability and conservation partnerships by teaching the practices of collaborative leadership. Her work strengthens relationships, delivers more holistic and creative solutions, and allows her clients to achieve impactful results at increasingly larger scales.