Reconnecting with the Wild: Bruce McGlenn on Leadership, Land, and Living with Purpose

In this episode of The Leader’s Edge Podcast, host HR Huntsman sits down with Bruce McGlenn, Founder of Human Nature Hunting. A former aerospace engineer turned outdoor educator, Bruce now leads nature-based immersion programs on his 300-acre homestead. Together, they explore the power of reconnecting with the land, how real confidence comes from skill and self-reliance, and why leaders across industries benefit from slowing down and listening to nature’s wisdom.

Learning to Lead Through Nature

Bruce shares how stepping into nature—and learning hands-on skills like tracking, ethical hunting, and animal processing—can reignite confidence and presence in people who’ve been stretched thin by digital overload and professional demands. One example is a participant who overcame her fear of firearms and fully participated in animal processing—an experience that sparked personal growth and emotional courage she hadn’t expected. For Bruce, the wilderness is both teacher and mirror, showing people what they’re capable of when they engage directly and attentively.

These programs do more than build skills—they invite participants into a deeper awareness of their surroundings, their instincts, and their role within an ecosystem. As Bruce explains, many leaders show up stressed, unsure, or disconnected. By the end, they’ve not only gained knowledge but a renewed sense of clarity. Nature strips away the noise and makes space for grounded reflection—something he believes is essential to authentic leadership.

Connection is also core to the experience. Bruce emphasizes that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. Shared challenges, campfire conversations, and honest feedback foster trust and vulnerability in ways corporate settings rarely do. Participants often leave not only more self-aware but more connected—to themselves, the land, and a new network of like-minded individuals.

About Bruce McGlenn

Bruce McGlenn is the Founder of Human Nature Hunting. After building a successful engineering career, he transitioned to a purpose-driven life that aligned with his love for the outdoors and his belief in experiential learning. Bruce now guides people through immersive outdoor programs that help them rediscover confidence, resilience, and alignment with their values.

About Human Nature Hunting

Human Nature Hunting is a transformative learning company offering outdoor adventure programs rooted in ecology, sustainability, and personal development. Situated on a 300-acre homestead in Washington, the programs emphasize ethical hunting, land stewardship, and skill-building to help participants grow as leaders, learners, and humans.

Conclusion

Bruce’s insights are a reminder that leadership isn’t always learned in a boardroom. Sometimes, it’s found in the stillness of the forest, in learning to track an animal, or in sitting quietly with your thoughts by a fire. This episode challenges us to slow down, listen to nature, and consider that the best version of ourselves might be waiting just outside the noise.

Key Episode Highlights:

• How nature-based skill-building builds true, grounded confidence

• The link between intuition and leadership clarity

• The emotional growth that comes from facing discomfort

• The value of community and vulnerability in personal development

• Why slowing down is a leadership superpower

To learn more about leadership development and intentional living, visit yourleadersedge.com.
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