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In today’s episode of INSTINCT, we step into the world of a unique creature close to Kari’s heart. Not too long ago, Kari received a stuffed squirrel as a symbolic gift representative of her character. Initially taken aback, Kari has grown to cherish the clever squirrel and its ties to leadership. Squirrels expertly balance strategic thinking and persistent problem-solving, possess a remarkable ability to communicate with other species, and hold unshakable trust in themselves, the process, and their survival skills. If you’re concerned about the short-term focus in today’s business world, this episode is for you. The squirrel exemplifies the importance of adopting a long-term perspective for not just surviving but thriving. — In today’s episode, we discuss: • How squirrels became super survivors • Their unique approach to risk management • The link between long-term thinking and longevity • Strategies squirrels use to safeguard from future threats • Why leaders should communicate like squirrels • Why squirrels can’t vomit • Plus, Natalie demonstrates the noise squirrels make — Sources: • How to stay perfect: the role of memory and behavioural traits in an experienced problem and a similar problem” details the study on how squirrels use problem-solving from past tasks for future, novel tasks: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10071-017-1113-7 • A synthesis on research about chunking behavior in fox squirrels: https://news.berkeley.edu/2017/09/12/nut-chunking • Squirrels use different types of vocalizations to send different types of messages: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ecs2.3572#:~:text=A%20wide%20variety%20of%20behaviors,%2C%20mating%2C%20and%20neonatal%20calls. • Scatter hoarding and (wow, strategic!) fake burying: https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2019/09/24/the-strategies-of-squirrels/#:~:text=Gray%20squirrels%20use%20scatter%20hoarding,involves%20keen%20observation%20and%20craftiness • Mclendon, Russel. “Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day.” Treehugger, n.d., https://www.treehugger.com/happy-squirrel-appreciation-day-4868817. • “Squirrel.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., n.d., https://www.britannica.com/animal/squirrel. • “Memory, Treasure, and Deceit: The Complicated Lives of Squirrels.” Animals Asia, n.d., https://www.animalsasia.org/us/media/news/news-archive/memory-treasure-and-deceit-the-complicated-lives-of-squirrels.html. • Greb, Néstor. “How Do Squirrels Find Buried Nuts?” Live Science, Purch, 28 August 2018, https://www.livescience.com/64104-how-do-squirrels-find-buried-nuts.html. — Where to find Kari Sulenes: • Kari's company: https://joinpilea.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisulenes — Where to find Natalie Rothfels: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrothfels • Website: https://natalierothfels.com/ — Production and distribution by: https://www.supermix.io