What does it mean to lead a business like an ecosystem, where care, collaboration, and trust shape every decision?
In this episode of The Magic Hour Podcast, I sit down with Annelies Tjebbes, Founder and CEO of Roots & Rivers Consulting, to talk about de-centering the founder, building systems that honour people over productivity, and making intuitive, values-led decisions in a world that often pushes the opposite.
With an engineering background and a deep commitment to anti-capitalist leadership, Annelies brings both structure and soul to the way she builds. We explore how she shifted from data to intuition, created rhythms that protect her team’s energy, and made “no” one of her most powerful leadership tools.
This episode is about more than running a sustainable business. It’s about showing up as a whole person while making space for others to do the same.
Episode highlights:
- Why saying “no” is essential if you want to say “yes” with clarity and intention
- How panic attacks became a turning point in understanding Annelies’ limits and listening to her body
- The power of empathy as a leadership skill (and why it’s not “soft”)
- How to integrate anti-capitalist practices in small business and push back against extractive systems
- Reframing leadership through ecosystems, not hierarchies
- The spectrum of intuition and how to build trust in your gut
Meet our Magical Guest
Annelies Tjebbes, CEO + Founder of Roots & Rivers Consulting
Annelies Tjebbes (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of Roots & Rivers, a consultancy supporting social purpose and public service organizations across Canada. With expertise in social innovation, systems change, and entrepreneurship, she has worked with over 100 organizations to strengthen strategy, facilitate collaboration, and amplify impact. Her experience spans rural, remote, and urban communities, where she skillfully navigates complex social and cultural dynamics. With a background in biomedical engineering, she applies project management and problem-solving expertise to systemic challenges. A white settler on unceded Indigenous lands, Annelies is committed to equity-centered, community-driven transformation—helping organizations turn bold visions into lasting impact.
About Roots & Rivers Consulting
Roots & Rivers Consulting is a strategy and evaluation consultancy dedicated to helping social purpose and public service organizations navigate complexity and drive meaningful change. With expertise in strategic planning, facilitation, and impact measurement, we have supported over 100 non-profits, social enterprises, and public sector organizations across Canada. Our approach is community-centered and equity-driven, ensuring organizations can clarify their vision, strengthen leadership, and implement innovative solutions. Whether shaping systems change strategies or evaluating impact, we help teams turn bold ideas into transformative action—building a more just and sustainable future.
Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
Built to Sell by John Warrillow: A guide for entrepreneurs on how to structure a business that can thrive—and be sold—without depending on you. Emphasizes creating something teachable, repeatable, and valuable.
Boundary Boss by Terri Cole: A practical playbook rooted in therapy to help you establish healthy emotional and professional boundaries—no guilt or drama required.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: Explores decades of trauma research and shows how trauma reshapes both mind and body—and how healing can be holistic.
When Panic Attacks by Dr. David D. Burns: A drug-free, CBT-based toolkit to help readers overcome anxiety, panic, and emotional perfectionism.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab: A modern, accessible guide to setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in all areas of life.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): A widely-used personality framework that helps individuals understand their cognitive and communication preferences across 16 types.
Alignment Ops: A boutique consulting firm helping mission-aligned businesses build digital and operational systems that support sustainability, culture, and growth.
Connect with Annelies:
Annelies Tjebbes’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelies-tjebbes/
Roots & Rivers Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roots-rivers-consulting/
Listen now
Listen now to the Magic Hour Podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
This episode is brought to you by:
This episode is sponsored by Later—your social media sidekick. Plan, schedule, post, and write captions with the help of AI and check your analytics all in one place. Try it free for 14 days using this link.
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