**4.3 Study 3: episodic memories of wilderness experiences foster sustainable leadership style transformation**

The last empirical study focused on two research questions: (1) Which memories of the wilderness-based training program do the leaders relive in their work situations? And (2) What changes in their leadership style do leaders perceive as influenced by their training experience memories?

The study encompasses a qualitative analysis of interviews with 36 leaders who had participated in a wilderness leadership transformation program in the past (on average 6 years before) [91]. The research evaluates (1) work situations prompting

participants to recall memories of a wilderness-based leadership training program, (2) the content of such memories, and (3) the leadership attitudes and behaviors inspired by those memories.

Experiences are usually immediately forgotten, only some experiences and aspects of those experiences become part of people's memories [91, 92]. Episodic memory involves recalling the spatial–temporal context of an original, most often first-time experience [93, 94]. It is personal, emotional, imbued with detail, and involves "players" and specific places [95]. Specifically, emotion-laden experiences constitute episodic memories [96–98] that inform self-identity, purpose, and the direction of decisions [99, 100].

Central life events are usually infused with emotion, both at the time of experience and while reminiscing [85, 92, 101]. The remembrance of an emotional event (i.e. episodic memory) often involves rich representations of the original experience [94, 99]. Also, frequent retrieval (i.e. rehearsal) of episodic memories enhances accessibility patterns, increasing the emotional and cognitive content of the events [93]. Typically, wilderness immersion can create impactful emotional experiences, constituting episodic memories that act as significant life events.

The findings of the present study suggest that at moments of emotional pressure and psychological stress, episodic memories of wilderness experiences have a positive influence on actual leadership style. Episodic memories involved moments of solitude, a deep connection with nature, and peer-to-peer counseling.

Many participants mentioned typical work situations, which evoked memories of peak experiences, such as coping with stressful situations. Interviewees mentioned situations during work where they dealt with opposition and negative feelings. For example, one interviewee responded, *"When I have a difficult meeting, where I have to persuade my people to accept new realities."* (Director, Software company).

Others mentioned situations wherein they had to cope with high pressure and gain overview. An interviewee said, "*When under great work stress, I am actively looking to put things into perspective"* (Entrepreneur).

Additionally, about 20% of interviewees conveyed that their memories were triggered by certain types of challenging work situations (e.g. preparing and giving presentations for group meetings). A participant recalled the following situation:

*A big conference was organized in America, and I really wanted to do things differently. The remembrance gave me inspiration and courage*. (Director, R&D).

Around 30% of the interviewees relied on memories during brainstorming sessions and when creativity was needed to explicate complex issues. An interviewee stated, *"Memories arise during team sessions while brainstorming"* (Director). Another responded, *"When preparing for important meetings and telling my personal story using metaphors"* (CEO). The characteristics of work situations that evoked memories typically included other people and stress.

Furthermore, memories of experiences from the training program were frequently.

recalled. Around 40% of the respondents reported that they thought about their wilderness experiences almost daily and the remaining relived it every week.

Interviewees believed that their wilderness experiences influenced their leadership style permanently. Perceived changes included a shift in consciousness, peace of mind, increased self-confidence, and open interconnectedness with peers and followers.

The results specify that work situations evoking memories of wilderness experiences can be characterized as involving tense personal contacts, stressful occurrences, and

challenging moments. Amid tense work situations, episodic memories are daily or at least weekly relived in great detail. This study indicates that leaders' episodic memories of wilderness-based training involve moments of solitude, a deep connection with nature, and peer-to-peer counseling. Thus, episodic memories of wilderness experiences can adequately deal with challenging work situations involving peers and followers.

The present study indicates that not only direct nature experiences but also episodic memories of nature experiences can be meaningful to individuals. Hence, the present study suggests that under emotional pressure and psychological stress, such episodic memories can have a positive influence on actual leadership behavior.

Furthermore, the findings suggest that participants considered these episodic memories as impactful on their attitude towards leadership and leadership behavior and led to an enduring transformation to a more authentic leadership style.
