Shared Guardianship
Originally published on Novisali Blog, October 3, 2025
There are rare figures whose presence becomes a guiding light—those who remind us that wisdom surpasses knowledge, that leadership can hold both compassion and courage, and that wonder itself is a form of responsibility. One such figure is Jane Goodall. This article explores her legacy and what shared guardianship might mean—not only for nature, but for our shared humanity.
Key reflections from the full article include:
• Wonder as the seed of responsibility — From her early time in the forest, Goodall sensed “something greater than us” in the silence of birdsong and the shafts of light through leaves. That humility-rooted awe became her compass.
• Hope as active guardianship — In The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, Goodall reminds us that hope is not passive—it is courage woven into daily care for the living world.
• From economy to ecosystem — Goodall invites us to shift our loyalty from economic growth to ecological thriving, from short-term gain to long-term stewardship.
• Art and nature in dialogue — For Novisali, Goodall’s life resonates with her own artistic explorations in Hopepunkand Eyes Woven in Time, where guardian figures—Fox, Bear, Eagle, Hedgehog—embody care, belonging, and interdependence.
• Guardianship as shared experience — We protect the world, and the world, in turn, protects us. Guardians are not symbols alone—they are mirrors of our shared story and mutual care.
The invitation is clear:
Embrace the quiet light of wonder. Step into the role of guardian—and be guarded in return.
Read more at: Shared Guardianship
About Liselotte Engstam, Digoshen & Novisali
Liselotte Engstam is an explorer of perspectives, an adventurer of ideas, a pathfinder of meaning, and a guide of timeless transitions. She bridges the worlds of board leadership and art, helping organizations and individuals navigate disruption while nurturing creativity and reflection.
As founder of Digoshen, she works with boards and leaders to expand future insights and reduce digital and sustainability blindspots. Through research, networks, and executive programs, Digoshen supports responsible value creation in the digital and sustainable age, contributing thought leadership via books, articles, events, Digoshen Exploring Leaders podcast, and blogs.
She also serves as Chair of the Boards Impact Forum in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Climate Governance. The Forum convenes board members, thought leaders, and experts in dialogues, webinars, and collaborative events, accelerating action on climate, AI, and sustainability.
Through her artistic practice as Novisali, Liselotte explores creativity and meaning. Her watercolors, digitally reimagined, invite reflection and renewal, offering perspectives that connect head, heart, and hand, and complementing her work with leaders and boards.
→ Discover more at www.Digoshen.com
→ Learn more at www.BoardsImpactForum.com
→ Find more about Liselotte at www.liselotteengstam.com and her Google Scholar page
→ Explore Liselotte’s art and reflections at www.novisali.com and follow on Instagram @novisali_arts