About us
The mission, values, and story, behind Third Nature
Our mission
We exist to help people be more engaged and fulfilled in all aspects of their lives.
We do this by creating shared experiences that enable individuals to:
- Feel more connected to themselves, others, and the world around them
- Shift from “second nature” to “Third Nature”
What does it mean to be “Third Nature”?
If first nature is how we’re genetically predisposed to be…
and second nature is our conditioned, mechanical response – those habits and ways of being that have become automatic over time as a result of our environment…
Third Nature is a more conscious and intentional way of showing up in the world.
As we gain deeper levels of self-awareness and understanding around our unique first and second nature, we cultivate the power and freedom to choose who we are and who we want to be.
Our values
Below are our core organizational values, beliefs, and ways of living.
Connection
In a lot of ways, our modern world feels disconnected.
We’ve created so much separation between ourselves and others, and between ourselves and nature.
And because other people hold up mirrors, and we are all part of nature…
this disconnection from other people and the natural world leads to a disconnection from who we truly are, what we truly want, and how we can be of service.
During a Third Nature experience, we create a temporary alternative world, where the default state is deep, meaningful connection – connection to self, connection to others, and connection to nature.
Our hope is that these kinds of experiences help your world feel more connected, in all the ways.
Authenticity
We believe that the more you feel like your authentic self when engaging in your life, the more energizing your life becomes. This means owning your unique experience, cultivating your unique strengths, and embodying your values. That’s why every Third Nature experience is designed to help you better understand and embody your true, full self.
When participating in a Third Nature experience, the figurative masks come off – there’s no need to perform or impress anyone. You’ll be celebrated for being the most you version of you.
Co-Creation
We treat every Third Nature experience as a co-creation, where every participant is empowered to contribute authentically.
When everyone contributes in that way, everyone receives so much more.
Imagine if that’s how the entire world operated?
We’re idealistic enough to believe that Third Nature experiences can create those kinds of ripple effects. By contributing to help make a Third Nature experience better, participants gain the clarity and confidence to make their lives, the organizations they’re part of, and the world at large better as well.
As one participant once said after experiencing Third Nature Summer Camp:
“Being surrounded by people who are changing the world for the better in interesting and aligned ways to who they are and what lights them up is a rush of inspiration, transformation, and creativity unparalleled by any other experience I’ve known.”
Play
While we’re all about living with intention, we know that a life well lived includes plenty of time for freedom, spontaneity, and purposeless play.
We take our work seriously, but not too seriously.
We have fun, laugh a lot, and always have an adventure to look forward to.
Our Story
This business, like anything else, has evolved over time
In October of 2015, we launched the first Startup Island trip as an alternative spring break for college entrepreneurs. Through our own startup experience prior to that, we knew that pursuing an entrepreneurial lifestyle could be lonely and isolating — like it’s you against the world. But we also felt and witnessed the sighs of relief that came from connecting with others who were trudging a similar path.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed hundreds of people onto our trips, and into our community – including many who aren’t entrepreneurs. At least not in the traditional sense of the word. We’ve realized that this thirst for purpose and connection is prevalent across all walks of life, and we had created a program that provided just that.
As our community expanded outside of the startup world, we began to consider changing the name of our business from Startup Island to something that better reflected how our offering and community had evolved. What started as travel experiences for young entrepreneurs, evolved into a personal growth platform for anyone who considered themselves entrepreneurial minded.
After many internal conversations and debates, gathering an incredible amount of feedback, culminating in one particularly impactful ideation session, Third Nature was born.
Our People
The foundation of everything we are
We understand that fulfillment, happiness, health, and success look different for everyone. We know how difficult it can be to hear your own inner voice amidst the onslaught of information and influences from friends, family, teachers, social media, and society at large.
That’s why we’re committed to forming a community where members are defined not by their professional title, but by their desire to form their own definition of success, take ownership over their lives, create positive impact, and have a whole lot of fun.
Ready to join us?
Weekly newsletter
An email you'll actually look forward to
Our newsletter is a great way to learn more about the people behind Third Nature, get a better feel for the community, and receive ideas, stories, and lessons to support you on your journey to a more fulfilling, meaningful life.