Coaching Outdoors: Recent Episodes
Alexandra Burn and Anna-Marie Watson
The benefits of spending time in natural environments is far reaching, from relieving stress and depression, to restoring our brain’s ability to think creatively and come up with new ideas.In these podcasts we explore in greater detail the specific benefits of coaching outdoors in natural environments. Speaking with coach practitioners who have been coaching outdoors for many years, as well as specialists in areas such as eco-psychology, biophilia, nature connectedness and many more.We really want to encourage coaches and coachees to consider taking their coaching conversations outdoors and hope these podcasts will inspire you to give it a try.
Laura Festa is a mindfulness coach and somatic practitioner whose journey bridges the serene forests of Northern Italy with the vibrant parks of Beijing. With over two decades of cross-cultural experience living and working in China, Laura brings a unique blend of Eastern philosophy, Western coaching frameworks, and deep presence to her clients around the world.
Founder of BEING with-in NATURE, Laura’s work is rooted in mindful awareness, compassionate inquiry, and the transformative power of the natural world. Her philosophy is embodied in the metaphor she lives by mindfulness as the roots, somatic wisdom as the trunk, and nature as the branches of a thriving inner tree. Through this lens, she invites clients to ground themselves, access their authenticity, and rediscover what it means to truly be not just do.
Laura offers individual and group coaching, nature-based retreats, and embodied mindfulness practices. Her sessions provide a safe, spacious container where silence is honoured, shoes come off, and clients reconnect with both their surroundings and them. Known for her warm, intuitive presence, Laura has guided countless individuals particularly within the Chinese cultural context to clarity, personal transformation, and emotional freedom.
Whether you’re navigating life transitions, cultural identity shifts, or seeking reconnection in a busy world, Laura offers an invitation: to slow down, feel deeply, and come home to your own nature.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“If you'd just seen my room where I work at that time there were hundreds of post-it notes everywhere. There was lots of paper on the floor, from transcripts that have been cut off, highlighted themes clumped together. It was a very dynamic, lengthy and in-depth process, but also really rewarding” – Annabelle Charman.
Self-confessed Outdoor Coach Practitioner Annabelle stepped firmly into the academic world during her research project as part of the MSc in Coaching and Behaviour Change at Henley Business School. Her decision to explore the outdoors, nature and significant life transition connections, and contribute towards the currently lacking amount of research within the outdoor and nature-connected coaching world stemmed from a love of the outdoors and tough personal experiences of significant life transitions.
She gives us the nitty-gritty details of her interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA) research analysis process based on semi-structured interviews and the Bridges Transition Model. This model offers a framework to illustrate the transition through three stages from Endings, through the Neutral Zone and New Beginnings. Through the process, she discovered five key themes; a deeper connection to self and coach, self-prescription of nature, being present and change in identity.
Plus Annabelle shares how tomatoes, strawberries and mushrooms form her earliest memories as a child, how trail running deepened her connection with the natural world and her desire to share the outdoors with others led to her becoming a Hill and Moorland Leader.
Note: This episode discusses references to significant life transitions that could trigger an emotional response whilst listening. Make sure you have the support you need and look after your own mental and emotional well-being.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"Poetry isn't about perfection, it's about presence, allowing words to flow from the heart without judgment or restriction." Frank Bolaji Irawo – The TransFLOWmation Coach, Poet, and Nature Connector
Frank Bolaji Irawo is a transformational coach, poet, and advocate for reconnecting with nature. With a rich blend of Nigerian and British cultural influences, Frank’s journey has shaped his unique approach to coaching, one that integrates deep self-reflection, creative expression, and an appreciation for the natural world.
Growing up in Nigeria, Frank experienced nature as an inseparable part of daily life. However, after moving to the UK, the structured urban landscape created a disconnect, one that went unnoticed until the pandemic forced him to slow down. This realisation deeply influenced his coaching philosophy, leading him to explore how presence and mindfulness can transform our relationship with ourselves and the world around us.
Through coaching and poetry, Frank helps individuals create space between themselves and their thoughts, enabling them to observe without judgment and reconnect with their inner wisdom. His unique approach blends coaching with poetry, using verse as a tool to bypass logic, spark emotional clarity, and create transformational insights.
Frank’s work has led him to various collaborations, including being Poet-in-Residence for Nature’s Blueprint, and an Expert Speaker at Coaching Outdoors Live at Henley Business School (June 19th – 20th, 2025), where he explores coaching in and with nature, using poetry to enhance awareness and presence. More recently Frank is working on a new collaboration with artist Hazel Thompson which they hope to reveal soon.
At the heart of Frank’s philosophy is the belief that we are enough as we are. His coaching, poetry, and nature-inspired wisdom invite people to slow down, observe, and reconnect helping them cultivate a deeper sense of fulfilment and purpose.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“The street becomes your coach…”
Outdoor arts fundraiser, wordsmith, and curious street wanderer Philip Cowell joins us from Berlin to share the joy of wiggling through life’s big (and small) questions—one walk at a time. You'll hear stories from his squiggly life and career path shaped by accidents and luck through the corporate, sustainability, and creative worlds – from playing on Folkstone beach as a child, how being rescued by a charity fundraiser secured his first job and his wordsmithing work in the sustainability sector.
Philip passionately channels his energy working with David Pearl on the openly available and free initiative ‘Street Wisdom’, where, as a global community builder, he supports 200+ volunteer hosts and helps bring its transformative three-part process—Tune Up, Quest, Share—to over 25,000 people worldwide so far – and still counting!
From chance encounters to symbolic signs on city pavements, Philip shares how walking with curiosity can spark insight, foster connection, and help people reconnect with their inner swallow. Whether you're a coach, a leader, or simply seeking a fresh perspective, this episode invites you to slow down, look up, and discover the magic hiding in plain sight on every street corner.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“One of the things that Nature has taught both of us, and I'd say many of my clients is to see and feel the seasons. This is a winter. This is tragic. This is end. This is death. Like the leaves have fallen. It's deep, dark winter, and you know what there's a glimmer of spring out there” - Russ Watts
From a whistle and a whisper of wind in the south Sierra mountains in California, a symphony of sirens in Trafalgar Square, London and the rolling hills around Lake Garda, Russ transports us on a journey through time and space as he shares childhood influencers who’ve shaped his life’s work and insights into his coaching practice.
Transformational and performance coach, integral facilitator, adjunct professor at Georgetown University and Bocconi University, wilderness guide and practising Buddhist, Russ brings over thirty years of experience to help leaders and teams be nature bold and unlock their deepest potential through both structured coaching and immersive outdoor experiences.
Russ openly reveals his thoughts and stories about how the pain from breaking his back (not once, but twice…) and tackling crazy endurance events has shaped his identity and mindset to deepen his coaching relationships and practice; the concepts and connections of ‘I’, ‘we’ and ‘it’ within the wider ecosystem and coaching process; and the need for coaches to embrace the dark side of human nature.
From a plant to an insect, or a speck of dust that's swirling on a little thermal in his office, Russ challenges us to find the awe and joy in the moment. Plus, we touch on the three Bs of business, brand and balance, the benefit of collaborative partnerships with other outdoor and nature-connected coaches and the need to be truly authentic within ourselves and our coaching.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“By being in a garden I think we perhaps feel more inspired, more at ease, more connected to each other and to our environment”
Will describes his practice, and his life's inquiry, as 'garden thinking'. His work explores how we can reimagine the Garden's role not only as a physical environment but also as a metaphysical space for cultivating more grounded, nature-based ways of living and working together. Will does this primarily through coaching, writing, research, speaking and consultancy and creative collaboration.
Will’s journey weaves together his passion for literature, nature, and community. Starting with a love for language and narrative inspired by early years of reading, Will pursued literature at university, where his interest in communication and metaphor flourished. After early career experiences in architectural heritage charities, he sought a deeper connection with the world, volunteering in regenerative projects across Europe.
During this transformative time, Will discovered gardening as both a personal practice and a powerful metaphor for collaboration and growth. With a master’s degree in Ecological Design Thinking from Schumacher College he developed Garden Thinking, a facilitation practice that uses gardens as both a space and a symbol to inspire reconnection with nature and community.
Will has also co-created Tending to Endings, a card deck that explores life transitions through garden metaphors, alongside collaborators Ali Kingston and Heather Knight. This project, supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, exemplifies Will’s creative approach to making regenerative concepts accessible and engaging.
“Gardens are sensory spaces, their embodied spaces”
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“So much serendipity happens when you’re coaching outdoors. Your client finds themselves in the right spot for that particular moment”
Annie Lee is a force of nature who spreads her boundless energy across a portfolio career as a coach, coach supervisor, International Coach Federation mentor coach, Barefoot Coaching tutor for postgrad in coaching and coaching supervision, and Founder of Nature’s Blueprint CIC.
Self-confessed maverick and disruptor we touch on her love of natural edges, her need to challenge the status quo and inside-out knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies. Her holistic and systemic approach stems from her former work within the equine industry and regenerative food systems.
From massive snowdrifts in the Peak District in the early 70s, and her formative career in the racing industry globe-trotting around the world, to how being emergent and opportunistic lies at the heart of her approach and work ethic. Her passion and anger at the climate crisis and desire to form a community for anyone who gives a s*** led to the creation of Nature’s Blueprint Community Interest Company. She talks openly about her relationship with social media and the need to regularly disconnect; plus how sea swimming and hugging her favourite tree helps her recharge.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Cartesian philosophy killed our innate spirituality 300 years ago rendering any kind of animistic belief as a childish, laughable fallacy because spiritual experiences cannot be measured, therefore they don't exist.”
Academic at heart Sam has spent a lifetime on a quest to deepen her spiritual beliefs alongside an innate thirst for research-based evidence to satisfy her rational and logical brain. Her animistic lifestyle emerged after an ‘awakening’ experience at seven that subsequently shaped her life and world belief systems.
Join us to gain an insight into the foundational nine elements based on ancient Indo-European societal wisdom (8,000 to 5,000 BCE), discover the ‘Medicine of the Four Directions’ a circular cosmology based on certain attributes and aligned with the natural annual rhythm derived from an early Medieval Irish folklore, learn about the consciousness of water and how to craft a deeper connection with our land, nature and ancestors.
This episode stretches beyond the coaching profession to give us an opportunity to glean new knowledge and wisdom on nature and land connections that can then be weaved back into our practice. Every series we search out guests who offer alternative perspectives and beliefs that hopefully sparks something different in your coaching practice. Ultimately change lies at the heart of coaching that can only be created through a level of challenge to your current constructed reality as a coach, and that of your clients within the wider system.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently #beliefs
“I found a place by a log, just by a creek, and at the time I didn't realise the impact it would have on my future outdoor coaching conversations"
Sometimes an unexpected event can impact our future career trajectory. In 2004, Marc pulled over to the side of the road due to an accident and took his client call for his accreditation by a creek. This unplanned first remote outdoor coaching session shaped his practice for the next twenty years.
Life-long learner and educator Marc connects different modalities from within the world of coaching; from leadership, mindfulness, physical intelligence and beyond in his conversations with individuals; teams and fellow coaches. His impressive qualification resume pays homage to his curiosity and thirst for knowledge over the last twenty years. He recently crafted a ground-breaking session on nature-inspired leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University based on his collective knowledge, skills and experience.
Marc inhabits an imaginative visual world full of metaphor inspired by childhood memories combined with an innate ability to be fully present moment. He divulges stories from his youth in British Columbia growing up surrounded by over 150 different varieties of rhododendrons in his back garden courtesy of his parents, alongside garden snakes and raccoons.
Join us to discover what propelled him into the teaching world working with Indigenous communities in his early career, the transformative power of metaphors from leaves, hills to rocks, his relationship with his bike otherwise fondly known as his therapist, the challenges he’s faced along the way – that includes the odd coyote and bear in the Canadian outback, then into the future to learn his hopes for the future…
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“It will all be different because there’ll be different people there. The weather will be different. It will be a different stretch of the walk. It will be from the source of just the spring all the way into the city when it gets busier and the landscape changes”
After a chance encounter with Jonathan Passmore at the inaugural Coaching Outdoors Podcast LIVE @ Henley Business School in July 2024 and subsequent online conversations around outdoor coaching; the ‘Source to Sea Challenge - Exploring the Power of Blue-Green Psychology’ was born. Throughout 2025, a series of roughly 10-mile walks will trace the river Thames from its source in Swindon, through the picturesque countryside, into the vibrant city as the river swells, and finally to the vast sea at the estuary in Essex. This year-long challenge, led by Jonathan and Ellie is more than a walk - it’s an exploration of the transformative benefits of blue-green spaces on our mental and emotional wellbeing.
Ellie discovered the great outdoors in her mid-30s after a ‘bucket list’ hike up Snowden to celebrate her husband’s 40th birthday and firmly describes herself in the honeymoon phased bewitched by nature. Former leader within the corporate world her desire to support her people as opposed to business targets meant she’s been a coach at heart for years. In 2021, she took the plunge into self-employment and a chance conversation with a friend encouraged her to take her coaching practice outdoors. She founded Elevate netwalking events to offer other small business owners the opportunity to connect and collaborate where each event is specially curated based on her former insights and experiences.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“One of the important aspects of vision questing is that practical preparation for people and getting that right, depending on the individual and their experience”
Born in the countryside of Norfolk, where endless days were spent exploring forests and coastlines, Tom Goldstein developed an innate connection with the natural world that now infuses his transformative coaching practice in the French Alps. Based in Chamonix for the past 14 years, Tom guides leaders through profound nature-based experiences, including Vision Quests where clients spend four days and nights in wild spaces. Drawing on both his deep ecological wisdom and background in psychology, he helps professionals rediscover their authentic path by tapping into nature's rhythms of constant change and renewal. Tom's approach reveals how our most powerful insights often emerge when we step out of our analytical minds and into meaningful connection with the natural world.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"Eco-somatic painting is a way to create a dialogue between the body-nature outside and bringing everything on the canvas, and is really based on deep listening" Paola Fabbri, Eco-somatic Coach & Artist
Coach, facilitator, artist and former humanitarian and development consultant Paola invites her clients to rediscover their inner creative flare and express their authentic selves on canvas.
Paola shares her own artistic re-connection story after a gap since primary school, when in 2007 she awoke with a visceral urge to draw blue lines whilst working in Uganda. The impulse purchase of ‘Watercolours for Dummies’ whilst on holiday grew into a daily physical and embodied practice that brings freedom into her life. Fast forward to 2025 Paola brings an artistic flare to her 1-to-1 and group coaching that integrates eco-somatic and nature-based practices.
Our conversation flows from childhood memories in Italy with her grandmother; her creative gap from primary school to 2007 with rediscovery that grew into a physical and embodied connection with the canvas. She studied eco-somatic coaching through The Nature Academy under our former podcast guest Diana Tedoldi (check out episode 9). Her work illustrates the diversity and creative possibilities within the outdoor and nature-connected coaching world and how it’s possible to align your authentic self and interests.
Listen in to this episode to banish your childhood ‘art scars’; discover the freedom art can bring into your life and the power of metaphor with a butterfly, cow and Cedar tree. Paola shares the powerful balance between the process and product of art as her clients connect and create a meaningful anchor to take away; plus we touch on the practicalities of painting outdoors and professional influencers who’ve shaped her practice from beyond the coaching world.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“We cannot rely just on scientists. We cannot rely on politicians to help with this climate crisis. The most valuable thing is spending time in nature, and finding a connection to mother nature, to the natural world, to the ecological and to the spiritual”
Coach, coach supervisor, podcaster, writer, runner, swimmer, husband and father George places the climate at the heart of his work and life. He places the climate crisis at the centre of his coaching, influenced by ‘dark nights of the soul’, based on the future trajectory that when his daughter reaches her eighties large swathes of humanity won’t exist. His coaching practice strays beyond neat process models to work with the unconscious and explore shadow emotions in depth. He invites his clients within the NGO, charity and scientific sectors to think BIG about their future with a pragmatic twist.
He shares insights on the emotional and evocative nature of ‘climate change’, touches on eco-anxiety where our relationship to climate change manifests within ourselves & the importance of reflective practice to seek answers within. George’s urgent call to action invites you to see through the pervasive socially constructed silence around climate change where it is a taboo to discuss openly; to express any grief, over-whelm, or anger that emerges and educate yourself.
This episode is resource-rich and signposts a plethora of ideas to satisfy your brain. Feel free to reach out to George to continue the conversation, follow his musings or learn about future learning opportunities…
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I would like everybody in their lives if they can, to enter the venture field. And the venture field is positive. It's expansive. It's very green. It's nature. It's probably where your potential can be unleashed, where it can be elevated”
Meet Phil Banfield; who founded VentureField® in 2008. Self-described worldwide roamer, thinker, reflector and deliverer of wisdom Phil steps back in time to share stories from his childhood in south-east London suburbia, his life-changing trip to Zimbabwe as a geology student, and early career in FMCG organisations.
From the summit of Snowdon and North Downs, Phil Banfield tells tales from the trails of his outdoor coaching work through the experiential programmes; ‘always outside’ coaching, ‘the journey’, ‘the mountain’ and ‘my mountain’ each with an unique approach.
Listen in to discover his life-long deep affinity for trees, the essential skill of navigation to locate oneself in the landscape and foster neurological connections, and gain an insight into his clients experiences – plus a library of useful resources!
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I think it is that thing for me about being in nature is. It's often where I feel I get really present with myself. It's where I can hear myself, where I can listen to myself, where I feel like I I put bits of myself back together again”
Jackee Holder joins us from the outskirts of London to share her passion for trees, tree mythology, nature, outdoor coaching and journalling.
Jackee is a coach, supervisor, prolific writer, inter-faith minister and podcaster.
Jackee shares insights into her outdoor coaching practice and finding nature in amongst the urban spaces of London. As well as her love for trees and how this profound connection has shaped her journey.
She has created a “Green Prescriptions Manifesto”, inviting people to think about where are the places in nature that energise them. Then take what they're noticing and what they're observing into journal writing, to explore their inner world, thoughts and feelings.
She has also created a number of very useful tools for outdoor coaching and shares her inspiration for designing these tools.
For example, “The inner and outer self-discovery card deck” with 49 questions, and around 8 different themes from seed to wisdom, to root, to growth, to nature, to bloom, which offer a different entry point into looking at a question or challenge.
And the “Writing with Fabulous Trees: Writing Map for Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces” which provides creative writing prompts to help deepen our connection with trees.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Being outdoors, simply allows me to be myself”
Clemens shares his early years of nature connection right through to memories of family connection to brothers, father, and of course the mountains and the small farms, sometimes drinking cow’s milk and playing in the hay.
Clemens shares his thoughts that while in the outdoors, either on his own or with others, somehow our normal set of rules are changing in a way, they are much more authentic and natural, it allows you to be there without filters, and that's what makes it so special.
This is an honest, authentic story about how difficult it can be to step away from the corporate world, which, yes, has its own challenges and yet Clemens experiments and tries things that 2 years ago he would have never considered. And suddenly, these things begin to evolve, and confidence grows and a new life identity begins.
Clemens brought his adventuring aspect from his early days into his outdoor coaching by taking people and groups on night hikes around Brussels. Weaving his coaching, facilitation and adventure into an identity that is only now recently starting to work its magic. Seeing what he wanted, what clients wanted and what skills he had and bringing it all together is a very interesting journey.
His book "Misogi Mindset: transforming lives, one adventure at a time" is a result of one of Clemens 160 kilometres hikes last year in Belgium. He wanted to write something which is quick and easy to digest, and ultimately inspires others to go out and do their own Misogi adventures - based on Japanese Samurai rituals from ancient times, which involve purification under icy waterfalls to sharpen the mind and strengthen the whole body for the difficulties ahead. Clemens goes on to explain how he has weaved the Misogi mindset into his coaching work and helps others to develop their own Misogi mindset.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I actually help them gain an experience of the interconnectedness of how nature works by working with trees and living systems around, explaining how electromagnetism, how forest bathing, aromatic compounds, how connection through sound, how the wood wide web works with Mycelia! All of that, it just opens them up” ~ Giles Hutchins, Coach & Author
Pioneering practitioner, executive coach, thought leader, author, keynote speaker and land guardian Giles joins us from sixty acres of ancient forest known as Springwood in Sussex. He tells tales from his formative years as a child through to his coaching client work that blends rigorous academic research with his search for his soul-craft. Time and time again the power of serendipity and trust emerge in our conversation from his transition within the mainstream corporate world to his current coaching career. His six published books on business, regeneration, nature, separation and leadership track this journey and offer an insight into the depths of his contemplation and self-reflection across the years.
This episode is packed with a multitude of theories and resources from regeneration, Theory ‘U’, adult development, identity, systems thinking, biomimicry, ego soul dynamic vertical development and more. Giles offers insights into his transformational work through client stories with organisations such as Vivobarefoot and beyond.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I was going to these networking events…I was turning up in rooms and it was all very structured, and I just hated it. I was getting really tired of it”
Lisa Partridge, founder of SIXCOMMS, joins us from the sunny island of Singapore where she has lived and worked for the last 15 years.
Lisa runs a regular walk and talk networking group, encouraging people to get outside, take a walk, have a chat and get creative discussing challenges and exchanging ideas.
Lisa explains the positive impact and benefits the walk and talk networking groups have on the people who attend. For example, how impending torrential rain formed a beautiful rainbow right at the end of a walk to perfectly frame a photograph. Or when one group member who arrived with a migraine felt so much better by the end of the walk.
Lisa also shares some insightful practical tips about running outdoor networking events, such as being aware of the weather, keeping hydrated, focusing on pace, being familiar with the route and knowing where the toilets are.
Lisa host her own podcast, the SIXCOMMS podcast, and she very willingly discusses what she has learnt and tips for starting your own podcast.
This episode has a real variety of insights and stories, hints and tips.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“What is your own nature practice? Because if you don't have your own relationship with nature and earth - how on earth are you even going to think about integrating into any aspects of your life?” ~ Tabi Jayne, Nature Trainer and Coach
Founding Director of Earthself, a community interest company Tabi Jayne joins Alex and Anna-Marie from her shed office on her allotment in Scotland for the first Coaching Outdoors Podcast conversation in series eight. Set against the back-drop of the local hills that influence her relationship with nature and Scotland she shares her stories and wisdom.
Our conversation is influenced by her encyclopaedic knowledge amassed over the last decade. She has tirelessly studied how to harness Earth’s intelligence to transform organisations and improve employee wellbeing, performance and productivity as well as enhance organisational sustainability and innovation. From biomimicry to the circular economy; systems thinking to transformation and beyond.
She dives into how she’s tweaked the International Coach Federation (ICF) definition of coaching to include Earth and nature, introduces a systemic lens on sustainable and resilient organisations, and openly discusses how her recent autism diagnosis has created a more authentic relationship with herself and how coaches need to understand neurodiversity within their coaching. She also raises some hard hitting questions for organisations (and us all!) to face up to about our relationship with nature.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I do feel this is the start of a new movement” – James Farrell
Following the huge success of the inaugural Coaching Outdoors Live event on the beautiful grounds of Henley Business School, three of the workshop facilitators joined Anna-Marie the following morning to reflect on the event.
Diana Tedoldi posed some great questions to Toby Cowern, James Farrell, Anna-Marie and herself.
They reflected on the biggest insights and learning they took from the event, how the event has started a movement and what the future holds for Coaching Outdoors.
Toby used the metaphor of a boulder “Some events are seminal... I think this was less seminal and more seismic, we threw a big old boulder and it made a big splash.”
James shared “The overall sense I was left with was just the hunger for, the interest for, people working in this space and the diversity of approach.”
Diana spoke of embodiment “Our brain, our system needs connection... I love embodied things like in person, so this is one of the real values I got from this.”
And Anna-Marie said that many people at the event described it perfectly as finding their Tribe “and it was a relief. It was a visceral, embodied “wow, yes, I’ve found my Tribe”
Enjoy their reflections on the event and please share your reflections on the event and your key take aways on our LinkedIn community page here https://www.linkedin.com/company/coaching-outdoors-podcast/
More videos and photos will be shared from the event, so watch this space.
Thank you once again to all the workshop facilitators, the event planning team at Henley and all our amazing attendees.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoorslive #coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #natureconnectedness #coachingoutdoorspodcast #coaching #coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“When you go up on a peak you have a great perspective. When you stand on top of that… it’s just the serenity, it’s like wow. And you can look so far. It gives you a very different perspective on life.”
Dr Oliver Wirths, based in Zurich, Switzerland, may have the most unique outdoor coaching technique we have discovered yet!
Oliver puts his qualifications as an alpinist to great use, taking his clients on journeys of self-discovery and change through the alpine forests and up into the mountains, to gain new perspectives and challenge their status quo. At the end of these alpine adventures, Oliver offers his clients the opportunity for the ultimate challenge, to paraglide in tandem with him back down to the base of the mountain. Bringing a whole new dimension to outdoor coaching…..flying!
Oliver’s journey has taken him from gaining a PhD in Economics and working in Strategy for Lufthanza, to qualifying as a coach and joining ONEDAY as an Outdoor Leadership coach.
Oliver shares many really insightful stories, explaining the benefits some of his clients have gained from spending time in the stunning scenery of the Alps; challenging themselves, learning how to relinquish control, trusting themselves and having fun, as well as what sort of skills and qualifications are needed to offer his unique blend of coaching.
If you'd like to join us for a truly immersive outdoor experience, with some of the leading names in outdoor coaching, why not come along to the inaugural Coaching Outdoors Live event in partnership with Coaching at Henley Business School on 12th July 2024.
Tickets are available from https://www.henley.ac.uk/events/coaching-outdoors-live
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“We were sitting in one of those fishbowl offices and it was a beautiful summer day, and I could see the sun was shining outside, and my client was stuck. And I was probably stuck too.”
Grattan and Dr Suess his four-legged companion join Alex and Anna-Marie from their local coaching territory on Killiney Hill overlooking Dublin Bay and Dalkey Island. Self-described as endlessly curious Grattan’s fascination and perplexation by human beings has led him to craft a career as a Regenerative and Leadership Coach. He is also a teacher trainer and facilitator of the Mindfulness Based Sustainable Transformation (MDST) course with the Inner Green Deal (not-for-profit Leadership Development Organisation), Lecturer with Dublin Business School facilitating Diploma in Coaching for Performance since 2014 and a member of the Climate Coaching Alliance.
Our interview explores how the legendary Sir John Whitmore shaped his early coaching career through three provocations; how his voluntary admission into a psychiatric hospital suffering from severe depression led to mindfulness that transformed his life; what unfurled from his decision to escape a fish bowl office and head outdoors on a beautiful summer’s day…and so much more…
Warning – Please note Grattan displays enormous vulnerability during our conversation where we touch on his depression, experience during his voluntary admission at the John of God psychiatric hospital and suicidality
If you'd like to join us for a truly immersive outdoor experience, with some of the leading names in outdoor coaching, why not come along to the inaugural Coaching Outdoors Live event in partnership with Coaching at Henley Business School on 12th July 2024.
Tickets are available from https://www.henley.ac.uk/events/coaching-outdoors-live
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Nature is so beautiful, it takes my breath away, it’s all about giving joy.”
Meet and listen to Hazel Farrer who is the founder of Hazel Tree Coaching, based in the Algarve Portugal. Hazel is a professional nature and wellbeing coach and trainer who offers retreats in the Algarve, Portugal. Hazel’s practice is a nature based holistic approach, offering training & health development practices that help individuals access their inner wisdom and achieve their potential.
This episode has so much to offer as Hazel has a wealth of experience, both in life and in many different practices. Hazel talks about coming from a family of therapists and teachers and early memories of Zambia, all of which have clearly given her so much curiosity. After University Hazel started working with children’s charities and learning the importance of space to play and explore. She shares how she moved into therapy & coaching adults using different complementary health modalities, but always with nature in the background.
Hazel shares how she returned to Africa, but this time South Africa where is got involved in corporate executive coaching and teaching, discovering more semantic therapies and indigenous traditions. Finally, eight years ago Hazel moved to Portugal and took her master’s degree in Mindfulness with lockdown forcing her to change her thesis to an 8-week nature-based mindfulness course which forms her work today.
Learn how her business name “Hazel Tree Coaching” was created, how she became involved as the Global Coordinator at the Climate Coaching Alliance and the importance of bringing climate conscious conversations into coaching. Hazel shares resources and how to access and get involved with the CCA.
"It’s often about getting local communities, often disadvantaged communities into their local spaces and parks.”
If you'd like to join us for a truly immersive outdoor experience, with some of the leading names in outdoor coaching, why not come along to the inaugural Coaching Outdoors Live event in partnership with Coaching at Henley Business School on 12th July 2024.
Tickets are available from https://www.henley.ac.uk/events/coaching-outdoors-live
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I describe nature as my co-host, it’s a facilitator in itself… I feel like there’s some sort of ease when I take people outdoors, that I’m not doing it on my own, that I’m in partnership with nature”
Leah Davies, a Somatic Life Coach, joins us from Cardiff, Wales, to share her experiences of working with people who have experienced loss.
Somatic Coaching focuses on being embodied, in the moment and Leah has found that taking her clients out in to nature really helps to support the emergent themes of Somatic Coaching.
Describing nature as her partner and co-host, Leah shares examples of clients who’s whole state has shifted, and solutions to their challenges have emerged, simply from seeing blossom on the magnolia trees. Something that could never have happened indoors.
Leah is also working on developing her coaching practice further by offering her “Grief in Nature Programme” that can be accessed online, providing a way to share the benefits of nature with people further afield.
Leah is very candid and open about her own experiences with loss and grief, as well as how nature has helped her to feel more connected and able to accept her loss.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“The four element; in a simplified medicine wheel, earth, air, fire and water, are also part of our bodies. We are nature” ~ Raynelle Rino
Nature connection lies at the heart of Raynelle Rino’s work from her early career as an ecology field researcher; then grassroots environmental educator and social justice organiser and now nature-based consultant and coach. She joins us from her home in Oakland, also known as the Ohlone Land/Confederated Villages of Lisjan though her roots trace back further as a second-generation Pinay whose parents immigrated from The Philippines in the late 1970s.
Raynelle’s spiritual journey mentored by Meso-American Traditional Healer, Curandra elder, Tereza Iniguez-Flores to explore her lucid dreams and guided by Master teacher, Manursuro Virgil Mayor Apostol in Kallukuan Combat Healing Arts rooted in the indigenous sciences of Northern Luzon (Philippines) have shaped her coaching philosophy and principles around her ‘Radical Nature Framework’.
Spirituality, ancestral and nature connection lie at the heart of this episode where Raynelle graciously and openly shares her story back through inter-generational trauma and more recently in toxic work environments. These experiences and self-awareness enable her to create explorative coaching spaces on group ‘Healing Hikes’ where her presence and the power of silence enables deep communication with self and nature.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"When did our relationship with rain change? We metaphorically played the idea of what it would look like to jump in those puddles, to be free again, to engage with the outdoor space in a childlike way"
Ashley Crocker, Humanistic Counsellor and Transformational Coach is a former chef and Forest School Instructor. Self-described Dorset man born and bred, Ashley takes us on a journey across his local woodlands, parks, trails and into his yurt in south-west England.
His work blends the realms of counselling and coaching to offer what’s needed in the moment to support each client. His stories offer a glimpse into client sessions dodging illegal speedy mini scooters, sitting in silence for 20-minutes immersed in nature and playing in the rain. We delve into different perceptions around risk and the importance of contracting, before heading into nature and discussing how therapeutic ruptures offer room for growth.
Ashley demonstrates genuine vulnerability sharing his experiences of loneliness and self-doubt on his journey to be a coach and counsellor. He shares his business aspirations for the future through solution-focused single sessions to encourage ‘toe dippers’ to consider coaching or counselling. As well as the idea to pair specific natural environments with client contexts and create group retreats to enable deeper connection and community.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Horses are prey animals and live as a herd, survival depends on being present and live in the moment.”
Meet and listen to Kirsteen Jefferies who is a co-founder of Pebble Associates, based in Derbyshire Dales, near the Peak District.
Kirsteen is a professionally trained Equine Facilitated Coach, has a BSC in equine science and is a complimentary therapist in numerous techniques. Kirsteen has combined her lifelong passion for horses with her other love of supporting others’ wellbeing into this beautiful deep work of Equine Facilitated coaching.
Her passion and curiosity for horses has evolved since childhood, with dreams of owning and competing her own horse. Having achieved this, qualifying as an instructor, and continuing her learning in Equine massage, she embarked on a journey of development and embracing her own self-awareness through Equine Facilitated Coaching. The power and presence of the horse is so pure and this experiential approach to learning is reflective, honest, and transformational. The coaching insight the horses provide is intuitive & natural, enabling a compassionate and enlightening experience.
Kirsteen shares the knowledge of why horses are so adapted to co-partnering with a coach in this powerful, phenomenal work, maintaining and working closely with boundaries to gain insight and learning.
If you love horses this is one to watch, Kirsteen says “Horses don’t care how you look; how much you earn or what job you do! They simply react to the whole person entering their space in the moment.”
“Horses are beautifully gentle majestic creatures.”
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“My life revolves around being outside, I enjoy everything about it, it’s the space I feel most connected to life!”
Meet and listen to Lindsay Cray who is the founder of Integrating Nature, based near Lake Ontario, USA. Lindsay is a professional mental health counsellor and outside clinical based field guide. Developing and delivering progressive style nature-based therapy practices for individuals and organisations. If you are a veteran this is one not to miss as Lindsay’s veteran programs are amazing and truly delivery for this important community who need our love and support.
This episode has everything, true purpose with passion and energy, backed by tremendous academic research and rigor. We explore Lindsay’s early years planting a Lindon tree in the front yard with her father as a celebration of a birthday. Eighteen years growing up together. To her academic years first gaining a degree in environmental studies then three years in Puerto Rico teaching and completing a master’s degree to research scientist in Ecuador. To setting up her first business called Earth works Institute teaching forest school and outdoor wilderness survival.
Lindsay shares her personal story of supporting and caring for her father a Vietnam veteran after being diagnosed with Brain Cancer following exposure to agent orange and how following his death this led to her creating and developing her veteran support program based in nature which is truly phenomenal and inspiring.
Lindsay says, “Taking care of my father, taught me a lot about forgiveness and what it is to be a veteran.” “Veteran community it’s a difficult population and one I love.”
If you know any veterans, this is an episode to alert them to.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Remember your client is nature. Their brain is nature. Their body is nature. Their development is nature” Michael Jospe, Founder Earth-Based Institute
Nature-based coaching trail-blazer Michael Jospe joins us from Boulder, Colorado, a hot-bed of nature coaching. Founder, lead instructor and curriculum writer at the Earth-Based Institute he’s dedicated his life to exploring the connection between nature and coaching for over 25-years. The International Coach Federation (ICF) certified Nature-Connected Coaching programme has supported hundreds of students become Nature-Connected Coaches, Nature-Connected Leaders, and Transformational Wilderness Guides.
Our dialogue traces his roots from childhood memories in Concord, Massachusetts influenced by Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson; then mentorship under Tom Brown Jnr and Jon Young. His career as a Naturalist at an outdoor science school in Central Valley of California to establish the Earth-Based Institute in 2004.
Michael has amassed an astonishing depth of wisdom over the last 25-years which he generously shares in transformative tales of wilderness quests including an encounter on the trails with a black bear in Utah, the importance of entrepreneurial business skills for coaches to secure their initial clients and the importance of personal nature connection as a resource for everyone.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I am an evangelist for nature connection”
Our last episode of Season 6 of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast takes us to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to meet Andrew Wolff.
Nature has been a steadfast companion throughout Andrew’s life, guiding him on his path toward self-discovery and providing a sanctuary for profound peace.
His deep desire to live, work, and play in nature has materialised into a beautiful mountain property in the heart of the Rocky Mountains which is the home base of Andrew’s coaching business, Wolff Coaching.
Andrew’s episode tells the story of his journey from being an educator and mentor for young people, which has led him through various professional landscapes, cultures, and nature-immersed settings both in the United States and abroad, to becoming a nature-connected life coach.
Specialising in working with men who are at a crossroads in their lives and who are open and curious, Andrew shares his Rocky Mountain home landscape with his clients to explore what more is possible in their lives.
This is a great episode for providing inspiration both for anyone who is thinking of starting their outdoor coaching business and anyone interested in coaching or mentoring young people in the outdoors.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I see parallels when I coach people who are really at capacity of their Executive Function and how nature really can unlock that just by giving us the space and perspective to do it”
For this podcast we journey to the stunning hilly coast line of East Lothian in Scotland to meet Georgie Dunn in one of her favourite places to coach outdoors.
Georgie shares her journey to becoming an outdoor coach, from her time spent in the Army developing her outdoor skills and pedigree, to her career change after Covid.
Talking about the burn out that lead to her taking a step away and recovering, Georgie talks about the importance of restoring the Executive Function of the brain and how nature can play a critical role in this – providing space, perspective and time to think. Linking this with Attention Restoration Theory.
Georgie also shares some of the challenges she has faced starting her business as an outdoor coach and some of the ways she has met those challenges. Along with describing the blue and green locations she coaches in around Northumberland and Scotland.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Being outdoors really connects people with themselves and each other.”
Claire Bradshaw is the founder of Claire Bradshaw Associates, based in near Stockport and the High Peaks of the Peak District. Claire is a professional coach, coach trainer and facilitator plus a Coach Supervisor, working in and around the amazing Peak District.
Claire has a long-held belief that transformation happens when we co-create a space for people to feel heard and where, with the gift of our unwavering attention, they can do their most powerful thinking. This coaching philosophy is at the heart of everything Claire does. Claire is a lover of nature and the outdoors and has integrated her passion into my coaching practice.
Claire is a lover of poetry and likes to introduce or share a piece of writing which helps connect people, her love started in early years and lead to a degree in English at University of Lancashire which led her onto a beautifully connected journey into becoming a librarian and supporting others curiosity for knowledge and learning to supporting others ultimately through becoming a coach.
Claire now works with new or senior leaders who wish to unlock potential and incorporate coaching into their leadership style and people wanting to become a coach or experienced coaches who wish to take their practice outdoors. Claire is an amazing connector and enabler, and this is all achieved through her fantastic work, which Claire takes us through, from coaching outdoors, coaching collectives, training events and retreats to her own creatively designed coaching cards.
“Does it really matter what the question is, so long as its well-intended and helps people explore further.”
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“To be able to put on a headset and effectively go somewhere that is a lot more natural I think could bring a lot of the same benefits that being outdoors does, just through a different lens”
Sam Isaacson, aka global digital and coaching thought-leader, enabler, coach, coach supervisor and author of “How to thrive as a coach in a digital world” and “Superhuman Coaching - Ten technologies that expand coaching beyond what’s humanly possible”, joins us from a park in South Ealing, London to dispel the myths around AI, virtual reality and brain implants in coaching.
It’s a roller coaster ride from monsters hidden in redwood forests, tranquil Japanese gardens and travel high into orbit beyond the earth. We step back in time to meet Eliza the first chatterbot psychotherapist, dig deep into the science of awe and wonder at the magic of the real world.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Nature can talk to us & teach us”.
Sarah Lawfull is the founder of Where the Fruit is, based in Oxfordshire. Sarah is a professional coach, and Chair of the Forest School Association and Co-Chair of the Nature premium campaign as well as an endorsed trainer and education consultant.
Sarah is a passionate advocate of spending time in nature and learning to listen, with clear influences from Nancy Kline’s work. From a lifetime of engaging children, teenagers and families with nature Sarah has learnt the value of play, and observation, alongside the empowerment of trust and creating space to think.
Through coaching and training, Sarah inspires adults to bring the best of themselves to their work with children; using nature as our guide we discover that healthy people, connected to self, others and the planet, are truly connected and able to grow self and explore.
Forest School is the pedagogical approach, that has clearly captured Sarah’s heart. It is the place where this deep connection happens, where responsibility and risk collide to create a richly challenging, creative learning environment. Out in the woods, real life happens, hurts heal, and great fun is had through playful learning.
“Being out in nature is therapeutic”.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I help people get outside, reconnect with themselves and others and the work they do”.
Jim Hughes is a coach and founder of Untamed Coaching based in Bradford-on-Avon, UK. Untamed was founded in 2017 and Jim works with teams and individuals outdoors using adventure to allow reconnection with themselves, others, and their work on a deeper level, through walking, cold water immersion and campfires. Through the outdoors, Jim offers a creative space, open and flowing which gives rise to conversation and reflection, which helps clients to face their fear and find a way of being which is more contented and authentic.
Jim believes in finding your true self and when we do we find contentment, and peace, regain energy and inspire others. Jim understands this from personal experience having felt misaligned, stressed and burnt out. It was this turning point, a catalyst which led to a nomadic journey also resulting in the creation of Untamed Coaching.
Jim explains his methodology for change and how he helps people move through this by understanding the cost of the status quo and then falling in love with a new alternative to overcoming the blockers or resistance to that alternative. He also talks about micro-adventures, silent walks and some great advice for coaches starting out, “Be authentic, get out there, meet people, connect with people” and be persistent!
The seeds you plant today will grow it may take a year or so.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“We imprint on water, our thoughts, our words, our energy, images are all imprinted on water. We dive into what it means to imprint on water and therefore how we engage with water, being that we’re mostly water ourselves”
Certified in a number of modalities for both coaching and energy healing, Jennifer Bauer has integrated them to develop the PECSS Framework (Physical, Emotional, Conscious, Subconscious and Spiritual levels) and create the International Nature Coaching Center.
Jenn started out in corporate Marketing, but following her search for own healing following trauma she realized the tools she was developing in energy healing and coaching would be amazing for everyone.
The 11 month training programme she has created starts by tapping into what makes each person a coach, what is their original medicine, what makes them unique.
The programme then uses techniques from all over the world, such as making nature mandalas and a Hawaiian practice called Ho’ola Loa (energy balancing and realignment), as well as animals and plants as messengers, to further explore and develop her student’s connection to nature.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I’m particularly interested in what we call restorative environments; places and spaces that help people to recover the psychological resources they need to go about their everyday lives” Dr Eleanor Ratcliffe
Bringing sound into wider awareness Eleanor Ratcliffe has spent over a decade conducting research and teaching on the human-environment connection, where nature impacts psychological wellbeing. In her roles as environmental psychologist and lecturer at the University of Surrey, she specialises in understanding the ‘how’ and ‘why’ in the human connection between soundscapes, creativity, place attachment and memory.
Our conversations weave from unintended career choices into the academic world, the psychological importance of rituals to support change, personal differences in nature-connectedness and how to DJ with a songbird at a house party.
Listen in to discover how the sounds form an integral part of restorative environments and how to interweave soundscapes into your coaching practice to encourage relaxation, creativity and problem-solving. This conversation is a real gem to deepen your coaching practice from cutting-edge evidence-based science.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Nothing beats the last eight years of my life when I have had the chance to walk side by side with hundreds of people from all backgrounds and nationalities”
Citizen of the world, lawyer turned manager turned mentor; Joao Perre Viana is the founder of “Walking Mentorship”.
Developed over twenty years, his methodology weaves together different mentoring formats, walking and nature. At its heart lies Joao’s life philosophy; Don’t count the kilometres; make the kilometres count.
Learn about Joao’s insatiable curiosity which propelled him across the Atlantic from his home in Lisbon, Portugal, and how his career path which spanned Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa set the foundations for his innovative project.
He describes valuable lessons from the trails, which stem from each mentee’s initial focus question; then moves through four integrated elements; slowing down, reconnecting, gaining perspective and taking action.
In addition, Joao shares his perspectives on mentoring, coaching, business, collaboration and more…with a radiant lightness and twinkle in his eye.
“Let’s keep walking”
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Approaching life with an adventurous mindset.”
Nicki Bass - Founder and Director of Resilience at work a consultancy delivering experiential leadership, resilience and wellbeing solutions for individuals and organisations. Nicki is a business psychologist, facilitator and executive coach who uses outdoor adventure activities to enable resilience and leadership development. Nicki’s innovative approach uses adventure sports, surfing and coasteering to enable clients to access their potential and increase performance and resilience.
Having spent over 18 years as a Learning and Development officer in the British Army, Nicki has first-hand experience of working and performing in high stress environments. As a result, Nicki knows that by facing situations outside of our comfort zone, we can grow our internal resources and improve our ability to face uncertainty and challenge.
Nicki’s facilitated experiential programmes are designed to supercharge performance of people. These can be adapted to be delivered in numerous ways and Nicki even brings them down to the everyday adventure by encouraging others to do something different for five minutes each day, you get that wow! feeling, making life feel a little bit more exciting”.
With a master’s degree in occupational psychology Nicki has in depth understanding of the research and science that supports her work; Nicki is also currently studying for a Professional Doctorate in this subject. Nicki is also the founder and host of The Everyday Adventure Podcast and a TEDx speaker who is on a mission to help everyone live more adventurously in their daily lives.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Time in nature is a free accessible tool, with no side effects. We give nature a number”.
Jared Hanley is a co-founder and CEO of NatureQuant, a research and technology firm building tools to assess and promote nature exposure. Prior to founding NatureQuant, Jared used data science and statistical modelling techniques and provided advisory services in finance, energy, and real estate applications. He is a published author and speaker on ERISA laws and plans. He has a B.A. in Economics and a B.A. in Cognitive Science, both from Yale University. He is a FINRA-registered securities principal and a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Jared takes us back to early years of playing in the wilderness near a creek to living in a city and feeling disconnected to nature and having to reset for his own wellbeing, which lead to him conceive how to quantify nature. We talk about Naturequant which delivers technology to assess and promote nature exposure. NatureScore measures the amount of natural elements that optimize your health within one km radius of your location. NatureDose is a personalized nature prescription mobile app which monitors your time, inside and outside and exposure to nature. Jared says, “We give nature a number”.
We explore rich nature and deficient nature, Jared makes the point that you may live near a forest but if you don’t go outdoors into that forest, you won’t feel the benefits of nature. We discuss the fact that we spend 95% of our time indoors or in a vehicle vs our ancestors who spent 99.9% of their time in nature, it feels like a big social experiment which we are only now beginning to see the effects of this on ourselves both physically, psychologically, and chemically.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Being outside in nature, and especially moving in nature, are backed up by science as the major ways to fire up creativity”
Garry is the author of “The Creativity Factor”, which uncovers the importance of creativity in business success and clarifies how you can use time spent outdoors to fully harness your creative potential. From being the co-founder of multiple tech start-ups, and entrepreneur-in-residence at the University of Bath, to leading walking events in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and beyond, Garry found his thinking ‘space’ and inspiration outside, with the absolute conviction a desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.
Discover how the numbers 23-3-3 are fundamental to spending time immersed in nature, how the what3words app can actively fire the imagination and the innate power of natural story telling. Garry highlights the need to shift our deeply embedded business culture perceptions, where activities indoors are classified as ‘work’ as opposed to outdoors ‘leisure’.
This episode is packed full of the latest science and recommended resources which signpost a whole new level of creativity to enhance your imagination and deepened your coaching conversations.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I realised I’d lost a part of me; it was so amazing for me to come back to nature”.
Marie Dove is a nature-based women’s life coach and founder of The Campfire Community, a monthly circle for women who crave real, meaningful connection to themselves, each other, and the natural world.
Join us as we explore her backstory. As a child, Marie had a profound connection to nature, however, as a teenager and young adult, she became disconnected from it and in turn herself. Marie was lucky enough to find her way back to the connection she experienced as a child and describes this as like coming home to herself and her own true nature.
This experience led Marie to train in coaching and combine her passion for supporting people with her love of and connection to the natural world. Marie feels a deep knowing that the way for us to heal, thrive and live the life we want, is to come back to our roots, to cultivate a deep connection to the natural world, to nature’s seasonal cycles, bringing us back to ourselves, our own true nature and each other.
Marie runs women’s circles, she is passionate about creating deeper connections between people, being able to see and support each other beneath the layers, opinions and divisions that are created in the world. She also works one to one, in partnership with nature, supporting women to live a more connected and meaningful life.
Coaching and circles usually happen seated around a fire in beautiful woodland, but Marie also coaches online and runs online circles and workshops.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I’ve always used the outdoors as my toolkit. It’s what I call my Natural Health Service and I believe everyone should have access to it.” – Alex Staniforth
Alex Staniforth and Chris Spray are the masterminds behind Mind Over Mountains, a charity whose tagline “Restoring mental health, naturally” conveys their collective passion and vision. The stark realisation by Alex that it took longer to access NHS mental health services than it did to cycle and run 5,000 miles (8000km) around the highest county tops of the United Kingdom (72 days) fuelled his desire to help others access the outdoors to manage their mental health.
The charity offers open public one day hill walks and retreats for those in need, supported by a phenomenal team of coaches and psychotherapists across Snowdonia, Peak District, Dartmoor, Chilterns and the Lake District. These events are simply life-changing as individuals have the space and time to walk alongside others in a different environment.
Discover how the collaborative partnership of Alex and Chris resulted in the co-creation of Mind Over Mountains, the Benedictine philosophy of ‘perfect hospitality’ that lies at the heart of each event and details of their vital work in of support front-line emergency service members post-COVID amongst others.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Paul https://pebbleassociates.co.uk/team-member/paul-jefferies/
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Connecting with nature, it’s like giving your brain a mini vacation.” Pam Cho
Pam Cho is an Executive Coach and certified Forest Therapy Guide from Cincinnati, Ohio, no stranger to the coaching world, Pam has over seventeen years of coaching experience. However, it’s only in the last two years Pam discovered the power of outdoor coaching. She shares insights and anecdotes on the incredible client transformations she has personally observed from taking this path into nature.
Join us as we explore Pam’s backstory from the ocean, to hitting a wall of online coaching at the beginning of the pandemic, to taking her practice outdoors and witnessing the power of nature on her clients. Pam shares some great techniques which she uses in collaboration with nature.
Pam steps into the client’s world to understand first what being outdoors means to them, and what works for them however small that time may be. Pam talks about the presence of nature, closing your eyes and grounding, “feeling bad energy come out and good energy going in”, and the positive effects of fractals on your brain, all of which result in a more creative, productive coaching session.
Lastly, learn how Pam gifts her clients “nature in a bag” to sustain their connection with nature.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
#coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Dogs have a real potential impact on our capacity to flourish and sustain our capacity to flourish. It’s hard out there in the world and we need all the help we can get.”
In this episode of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast we are joined by another duo, but this time one of them has 4 paws and a shiny nose.
Meet Clive Leach, outdoor coach, positive psychologist and wellbeing hospital volunteer, and Miss May, his beautiful 3 year old Golden Doodle “Pets As Therapy” pup.
Clive shares with us the serendipitous events that lead to him welcoming May into their family and work, and how, in the last year, they have become “Pets as Therapy” hospital volunteers.
Clive shares some really heartfelt and truly inspiring stories about how he brings Miss May into his work outdoor coaching in organisations, and volunteering in hospitals and education settings.
Clive’s background and qualifications in Positive Psychology and Miss May’s amazing skills at bringing positivity and happiness to people’s lives, puts her in a perfect position to be called a #permapup (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishments).
Spending time with dogs has the ability to help us become more present, to calm our mind, to boost our mood and to just… be.
“Dogs have a real potential impact on our capacity to flourish and sustain our capacity to flourish. It’s hard out there in the world and we need all the help we can get.”
In this episode of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast we are joined by another duo, but this time one of them has 4 paws and a shiny nose.
Meet Clive Leach, outdoor coach, positive psychologist and wellbeing hospital volunteer, and Miss May, his beautiful 3 year old Golden Doodle “Pets As Therapy” pup.
Clive shares with us the serendipitous events that lead to him welcoming May into their family and work, and how, in the last year, they have become “Pets as Therapy” hospital volunteers.
Clive shares some really heartfelt and truly inspiring stories about how he brings Miss May into his work outdoor coaching in organisations, and volunteering in hospitals and education settings.
Clive’s background and qualifications in Positive Psychology and Miss May’s amazing skills at bringing positivity and happiness to people’s lives, puts her in a perfect position to be called a #permapup (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishments).
Spending time with dogs has the ability to help us become more present, to calm our mind, to boost our mood and to just… be.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Worldwide, everyone everywhere can step forward to truly #EmbraceEquity”
In recognition of International Women’s Day 2023 we would like to honour the amazing female guests we have had on the Coaching Outdoors Podcast.
We have selected a short snippet of each lady’s podcast to highlight the insight and experience they have to share. And maybe to entice you to watch their episode if you haven’t already.
From examples of what brought them to outdoor coaching in the first place and what benefits they and their clients get from the experience, to examples of what methods they use and how they have coped with the unexpected. Along with the importance of coaching with the environment in mind. These clips give you an idea of the wonderful women we have been lucky enough to feature on the podcast so far.
Outdoor coaching is a truly inclusive way of coaching, with something for everyone.
For more information about International Women’s Day 2023 visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Speakers, and their episode, in order of appearance:
Penelope Mavor – Episode 31
Jennifer Wills – Episode 24
Gerdi Verwoert – Episode 26
Cat Boersma – Episode 34
Rose Dixey – Episode 39
Catherine Gorham – Episode 18
Jacqueline Harris – Episode 19
Cat Trebilco – Episode 6
Alex Burn – Episode 15
Christiana Frischmuth – Episode 17
Diana Tedoldi – Episode 9
Karen Liebenguth – Episode 3
Claudia Geratz – Episode 36
Rachel Woods – Episode 7
Anna-Marie Watson – Episode 15
Lizzie Larbalestier – Episode 8
Susan Joachim – Episode 38
Ruth Steggles – Episode 39
Elen Sentier – Episode 42
Elle Smith – Episode 21
Gwyneth Jones – Episode 22
Liz Hall – Episode 13
Lesley Roberts – Episode 20
Anna Brown – Episode 40
“Allow nature to do the work” Peter Krijger
Peter Krijger and Coen van Broekhoven have amassed a phenomenal forty years plus of outdoor coaching between them. Step back in time to discover when Peter established the Atma Institute in Amersfoort in the Netherlands in the late 1990s and was later joined by ex-student Coen. The Institute offers programmes from one day introductory or two day advanced ‘Wandelcoaching’ translated as ‘Walking coaching’ to use nature’s symbols.
Simplicity lies at the heart of their work where the power of two questions; What do you notice? What does it symbolise? invites their coaching clients to connect with both wider nature and the inner nature within themselves. Peter and Coen bring their knowledge and experience to life with stories of a dead bird, a tree amongst a forest and how to find your inner king or queen.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I think the basis of all Old Ways, all around the world, is about that connection between the planet we live on because we can’t live without it, and the sun which enables the planet to come alive.”
Our guest, Elen Sentier’s, journey to outdoor coaching is a winding road, from being a dancer, working at the MOD and training as a Transpersonal Psychotherapist, through to running her Wild Women Retreats in the scenic hills of Shropshire. At the route of everything is her connection with nature and her grounding in the Old Ways, the British Native Traditions that she grew up emersed in, the hills of Dartmoor and Exmore.
Elen loves to encourage her clients, mostly women, who reach out to her to release their badass selves on her Wild Women Retreats, connecting with nature and their inner selves.
Her father asked her, as a child, “What makes your heart sing?” and now Elen asks all her clients this question to help them to put the soul back into their life and business.
We have had previous guests who have shared how the Old Ways of their culture have influenced their outdoor coaching, and Elen’s experience with the British Native Traditions adds another example of these wonderful practices.
The podcast is dotted with really interesting stories that Elen shares, bringing these connections and feelings vividly to life for our audience.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Being in nature leads a bit of perspective; maybe your problems aren’t so earth-shattering. There’s a world out there which is bigger than you”
The client’s outdoor coaching experience takes centre stage as Ian Merrill shares his experience of partnering with our previous guest Paul Jefferies in this episode. Our conversations trace his initial love for nature back to his childhood in Cheshire and how he believes coaching outdoors is ‘supercharged’ in comparison to the traditional coaching indoors.
This episode covers how the undulating terrain of Macclesfield Forest mirrors the ebb and flow of ideas and reflections; shifts in perspective set against the expanse of nature and how the ‘commute’ to and from a coaching session can be used to prepare and process information.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“The Systems Approach, put simply, is thinking about how everything is interrelated and interdependent”
In our 40th Podcast Episode, and the last one for season 4, we meet Anna Brown, Executive and Developmental Coach and Coach Supervisor.
Anna’s practice is informed by the Systems Approach, Systems Psychodynamic Approach and Adult Learning Theory, so we delve into these extremely interesting areas of Coaching and how Anna adapts them to be used outdoors. We chat about the opportunities for mirroring, metaphor and seeing patterns in the great outdoors.
Anna also describes her concept of slip streaming and how we can help our clients to nurture their soil to help them develop and nourish themselves.
Anna shares her recollections of living abroad as a child and how she noticed the way nature was similar but different between Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong and the UK. And we share a wonderful childhood memory of the book “The Folk from the Far Away Tree”.
A great podcast to round off series 4, released Tuesday 18th November.
Watch this space for an update on series 5.
If you have a topic you’d like us to include in a podcast, or you’d like to recommend anyone to be a guest on The Coaching Outdoors Podcast please get in touch. We always love suggestions and recommendations from our followers.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“It feels such a privilege when you get to walk literally and metaphorically; walk beside people in these kinds of transformations. It’s an incredible thing to do” ~ Ruth Steggles
Rose Dixey and Ruth Steggles teamed up in 2013 to breathe life into the collaboration known as “Fresh Air Fridays”. Online, in-person, community-based or corporate, Fresh Air Fridays offers a range of programmes to create an oasis within your daily life. From “Breathing Space” daily 30-minute virtual practices, half-day walk-shops and 12-week or month programmes, Rose and Ruth or their trusted facilitators unpack a theme through a combination of mindfulness, sensory activation practices and time for reflection.
Our conversations trace the emergence of Fresh Air Fridays and how the concept has diversified, and touch on a myriad of topics with mindfulness, listening without commentary and self-awareness, all illustrated with an insight into participant journeys along the way.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“The real healing happens outside”
Susan Joachim is the President and Founding Member of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) and her purpose in life is to promote public health through the preventive health practice of Nature and Forest Therapy.
Her career stretches from project management work for US Aid in the rural areas of Sri Lanka, where she witnessed the simple life amongst nature, to the white four walls of Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. She was deeply struck by the contrast of her personal experiences hiking in comparison to the confined indoor nature of counselling. The discovery of “Shrinin-yoku” inspired her to travel to the epicentre of research in Japan, to learn from the experts and bridge the gap back to Australia.
In our conversations Susan describes the key elements of a typical “Shrinin-yoku” session, how her clients seek relief from loneliness, loss, grief, health or relationship challenges and ongoing trauma inflicted by the pandemic, and her desire to replicate research from Japan in Australia.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
#coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“As my vision quest guide always said, “don’t press the panic button too early”” – Penelope Mavor
This episode of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast brings a number of our past guests back to answer 4 of the top questions we are asked the most by our followers.
Our guests are international, joining us from the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and the US, as well as from across the UK. Their backgrounds are equally as wide ranging, from survival experts and mountaineers, to seal rescue specialists, sustainability experts and equine coaches.
Our guests:
Cat Boersma
Dave Stewart
Jacqueline Harris
John Farrell
Nick Smith
Penelope Mavor
Toby Cowern
Lennie Noiles
Lizzie Larbalestier
They share their insights and experience in answering these top 4 questions – how do they take notes when coaching outdoors, how do they deal with inclement weather, what challenges or unplanned events have they encountered and their 2 top tips for successful outdoor coaching sessions?
Their different coaching styles and approaches mean we get a really great range of answers to these questions. To take notes or not to take notes? That really is a question! Planning is most definitely key with outdoors coaching, as is the contents of your backpack (other brands of poncho are available) and if you do plan properly the weather is unlikely to be an issue. There are always opportunities for unplanned events and challenges, however, often in the form of animals, and these can be great opportunities to integrate.
The key is… “Be open minded and curious, curious for what’s to come” – Cat Boersma
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
#coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Trust in connection with outdoor coaching…this starts to build way before your clients even reach out to you. It starts in two pathways. The first, if a client considers outdoor coaching they are going to stalk you potential longer than they would do another coach because they need to have a bit more trust in you because you’re taking them to a place they’ve potentially never been before”
This episode of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast delves deep into the topic of research into the benefits of taking coaching outdoors, both for the coach and the client.
Claudia Geratz is working hard on her MSc dissertation, looking at how the coaching alliance develops within the outdoor space, and took time out from her analysis and write up to share some of the exciting findings of her research.
Claudia’s research has identified a number of key themes which can help us to understand the benefits of coaching outdoors: space; trust; movement; freedom; connection; side-by-side walking and the coaching alliance. As well as the vital importance of post-it notes when you’re doing thematic analysis!
Watch this space for the written research once Claudia has completed it.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I wanted to be the pebble in the pond that is the ripple of change, it means something to me”
Paul Jefferies, of Pebbles Associates, joins us for the next episode of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast from his home in the Peak District.
Paul’s made the decision to become a coach following a health scare which lead to a realisation that a change of career was needed and, by using the Ikigai Framework (Passion, Mission, Vocation and Experience), that not just coaching, but outdoor coaching was his passion and his mission was to give something back.
We talk about the journey Paul took from being a corporate business leader to an outdoor coach, as well as the benefits he finds his clients gain from taking their coaching conversations outdoors.
Paul shares a multitude of great stories from his client’s experiences using metaphors, for example the importance of a leaf to one client and the use of terrain as a metaphor for change for another. Using water to talk about how to get from one place to another and using pace as an evocative way of letting clients process their thoughts. Paul also delves into the power of walking side by side.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Bluebells are such a hardy little plant; underground for three seasons and then they come back in spring. Strong, vibrant, green… It’s magic.”
Cat Boersma, former social worker, coach, founder of ‘Bluebell Coaching’ and outdoor person at heart works predominantly with members of the expat community in the Netherlands. We interrupt her two-month retreat to England to learn about her recent career transition from social worker to coach and qualifying as an ‘Outdoor Life Coach’ under Peter Kryger through the Atma Institute.
She shares her decision to take time out to resource herself amongst the English countryside in spring, why she always carries juggling balls or bubbles in her back pack and the challenges she’s faced setting up her business.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“One of the questions is ‘and is there anything else?’, that’s a clean language question”
New Zealander, John Farrell, joins us for this podcast episode which focuses on Clean Language and Equine Coaching – two very interesting topics.
John got into coaching 20 years ago thanks to his wife and a rather unexpected fire walk, and hasn’t looked back since, developing his practice into outdoor coaching and then adding horses for a unique take on outdoor coaching.
Through the use of the Clean Language and Emergent Knowledge techniques, John helps his clients to develop metaphors to resolve their challenges and traumas.
The horses act as powerful archetypes, helping, often just at the right time with a friendly, gentle nudge to inspire the client with a spark of knowledge or understanding. They communicate on a sensory level, providing truly unique metaphors that clients will never forget.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I’m facilitating that time, space and place for people to have that higher quality internal conversation”
Our next podcasts takes us to Sweden to meet the inspiring Toby Cowern, who’s list of qualifications and achievements is long and extremely varied. From wilderness survival and bushcraft skills, to canoe, mountain biking and dog sledding tours, and on to outdoor coaching.
Toby shares his backstory of how his love for nature and being outside shaped his career and evolved into outdoor coaching.
We delve into the importance of giving ourselves permission to spend time alone, immersed in the natural environment, as well as the use of positive psychology to promote meaningful connection with nature to help minimize trauma.
Toby also shares some of the tenants that create the foundations for the courses he runs, such as Nature Literacy.
We will no doubt be joining one of Toby’s courses next year!
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
#coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"What is your compost?"
Life. Death. Birth. Rebirth. Growth. Decay.
The cycles of life and inevitability of change lie at the centre of our conversations with the remarkable Penelope Mavor. Through her business ‘Earth Converse’ she encourages individuals to move beyond our cultural denial of death and engage in real conversations with themselves and the earth.
Leadership coach and consultant; and founder of Earth Converse Penelope is on a life-long mission to help leaders best serve people and planet. Her nature work has been strongly influenced by the School of Lost Borders which offers vision fasts, guide trainings, and other programs that offer initiatory, transformational experiences to those seeking growth, insight, and restoration.
She has strong roots and wings; originating from New Zealand, spending time in United Kingdom, Italy and now resides in Spain. With a background in sustainability, she holds not one; but three (!) Masters in Regional and Resource Planning; a MBA in International Business; and Corporate and Business Coaching. Over the last 25 years she has worked in partnership with award winning and top leadership providers such as Common Purpose, Lane4 and Impact International.
Our conversations weave across the use of mirroring and metaphors in coaching, the inevitable and constant change of life, knowledge uncovered through medicine wheels, the mystery behind VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic and Ambiguous) and our human desire to leave legacy.
View podcasts and get in touch
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"I can see niche markets evolving and I think that’s where there’ll be a variety and a strength; and coaching outdoors is one example of that"
Professor Jonathan Passmore muses over the wider coaching profession reflecting backwards over 2021; then forwards into 2022 and beyond. He delves into the accelerated growth of digital coaching, the democratisation of coaching and the unique skills coaches bring to their profession.
Taking coaching conversations into nature sits within this wider ecosystem and our conversations look across the broader business world set against unprecedented global events which have unfurled over the last twelve months.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
#coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Realising the transformative and powerful experience of feeling that resilience from being able to gather things from the natural world and provide for yourself…it’s a really important thing I try to encourage, that it’s not an exploitative relationship, that it’s a reciprocal relationship, that you give back”
Robin Bowman is a true inspiration. The co-founder of The Old Way programme, mentor of teenagers at WildWise camps, tracker, bushman and expedition leader in the Kalahari and proponent of the ecological restoration movement.
Recording this podcast episode gave us so much to think about as we listened to his stories and examples.
Such as spending time with the San Ju Bush people of the Namibian Kalahari learning indigenous bow hunting and tracking skills, and grass hut making.
At his rewilding project Moor Barton, mimicking the behaviour of native animal species long since gone from our land to help rewild parts of the Dartmoor moors, gathering oysters and cockles on the bank of the river Dart, encouraging people to sleep outdoors and spend time in the woods at night and not be scared.
These are just some of the range of topics we cover in this podcast.
Robin is a champion for being a participant in nature, rather than an observer, and leaves us at the end with a real call to arms… now really is The Great Turning.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
#coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"The ‘Clearing’ is an oxygenated space where anything is possible. It is linked to the improvisation mindset ‘’yes and…” I use this as a space to coach in"
Comedy meets coaching with trained actor, teacher and comedy improvisation performer, Chris Grimes who blends these three performance disciplines to inform his engaging, innovative and powerful approach to Personal Impact coaching.
From Uganda, Bristol and Gifford’s Circus we discover the threads of Chris’ backstory which have converged to form his coaching work in ‘The Clearing’. This is a space and place to think, free from clutter and full of inspiration.
Self-described ‘Sherpa with a flip chart’ Chris also collaborates with Dave Stewart for transformational journeys in the Scottish Highlands where the power of co-coaching, storytelling, a “yes and…” mindset and a healthy dollop of laughter collide.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
#coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“It’s in a small woodland, that used to be a quarry nicknamed NLP - Natures Loving Palm - because you’re in a bowl of space with our fire within it… for me it's magical, because I get to see it in a snap shot every two weeks, through the years, through the seasons, through different climate… it’s gorgeous, a real special place because of the location and the work we do”
Mental health awareness and promoting positive mental health are two of the biggest challenges facing us today.
Our special guest on this episode is Joe Thomas, arborist, nature lover and owner of “Joe Thomas Tree Care”. We have invited Joe to join the Coaching Outdoors Podcast to share his experiences of “The ManKind Project (MKP)” which has helped him, and his fellow group members, to become aware of, deal with and overcome mental health challenges.
Meeting every other week, surrounding a campfire, in a copse of trees, in woodland just outside bath, Joe and his fellow members use the MKP structured approach to open themselves up to talking about and sharing their mental health challenges. Through support from other group members and the natural world around them, they experience a safe place to explore their feelings and emotions.
Having the meetings outdoors allows nature to play a critical part, providing metaphor, mimicry, safety, sensory security and emotional support. Joe shares with us how nature plays such an important part in the MKP process and why they choose to hold their sessions outdoors.
There are many lessons that can be transferred from the world of MKP into outdoor coaching, such as inviting nature play, nature connections and nature themes into the language of our conversations, to help bridge challenging emotional situations and providing a way for our clients to express themselves.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"The work that I do, is in the large part reconnecting people with themselves, through reconnecting them with nature"
Gerdi Voerwoert, is a Self-Leadership Coach from ‘Dare Greatly Coaching, a Hiking Guide, Ski Instructor and Host of "Daring Self-Leadership and the Nature Connection" podcast.
She joins us to talk about the impact of the corporate world on her own personal health and her daring decision to shift her world from the Netherlands to Austria to live amongst the mountains.
Gerdi talks about the concept and importance of self-leadership, the differences of being a coach and/or guide, reconnecting clients with themselves through nature and the need for safety when taking people into the mountains.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
Ghislain, a coach, teacher and consultant, joins us for this episode of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast, from Sherbrook, near Montreal, Canada.
He has been taking his coaching clients outdoors for over 15 years. Ghislain has a background in Urban planning and in retail, but found he lost touch with being outdoors as much as he wanted. Whilst coaching franchisee owners, however, he had a realisation that he wanted to change careers and not only become a coach…but an outdoor coach.
Ghislain takes us for a walk through the woods where he takes many of his coaching clients, sharing his thoughts on why spending time in nature, and coaching outdoors are so beneficial.
He talks about his love and constant search for evidence and research to explain the experiences he and his clients have, when stepping outdoors.
As coaches, many of us have moments of doubt ourselves. Ghislain also very candidly and openly shares his experience with Imposter Syndrome and self-doubt, which we may all be able to relate to at times in our coaching career.
Ghislain weaves stories and anecdotes from his coaching into our podcast, to bring to life the examples that he shares.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"I look up and there’s a bear!" - Jen Wills
Jen Wills, former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency attorney turned leadership, well-being and nature coach and instructor from Virginia, U.S shares her coaching journey over a six month period. This episode is slightly different from our usual format with not one - but two (!) interviews in March 2021 and October 2021.
Firm nature advocate she outlines her coaching methodology ‘Nature Roaming’™, which integrates reflecting on intentions, connecting to nature and creating a plan to grow from the experience. This episode also dives into how she connects EQ-i 2.0™ assessments with nature to help clients develop the emotional intelligence skills of self-awareness, empathy and stress-management. She’s also co-created a new Community of Practice for Outdoor and Nature Coaching, hosted by the Metro DC Chapter of ICF, to create a space for coaches and others to share resources and their passion for nature coaching.
In addition, there’s bears, Yellow Jacket bees, fish, twisted trees and a whole lot more coaching delights.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Walking is a natural phenomenon that allows us to access parts of our brain we don’t have access to when just sitting there”
Lennie Noiles joins us from Denver, Colorado, to continue the international theme of series 3 of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast.
Lennie is passionate about co-partnering with nature to create great outdoor coaching experiences for his clients. He steps back and lets nature do the coaching, providing context and moments of inspiration, realisation and clarity.
Lennie is also an avid learner, gathering a wealth of research around why nature is so beneficial to us and, therefore, what the benefits are of coaching in nature, sharing some of the insights he’s learned along the way. Whilst also setting a challenge and a call to arms for budding researchers….how do we research the intangible aspects of outdoor coaching?
With a route to coaching that was a series of “switch backs”, Lennie is an example of an outdoor coaching who’s childhood affinity to nature and accidentally becoming a coach, guided him to realise he could put the two together and take his coaching practice outdoors.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"One thing that’s obvious as you start to connect to nature is that you can’t ignore the climate crisis" - Gwyneth Jones
Deep Adaptation Coach, Emotional Intelligence and Positive Psychology coach, aspiring gardener and herbalist, eco-activist, writer and Work That Reconnects facilitator. Gwyneth Jones joins us from the magical city of Prague (Czech Republic), where she tends her small garden and dreams about opening an ecological centre, where she can teach others how to reconnect to their souls, to the earth, to the land.
In our conversations together we dive into how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) overlaps with nature, the results of her dissertation ‘Thirty minutes in nature a day can increase mood, wellbeing, meaning in life and mindfulness - effects of a pilot programme’ in partnership with the ‘Rewild Your Life’ thirty programme, the spiral methodology behind her work as a ‘Work That Reconnects’ facilitator, how to support clients deal with environmental collapse & much much more.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
#coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“I could see the impact coaching had on the way people were being really reflective and having an impact on student outcomes”
The first episode of Season 3 of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast comes all the way from Sydney, Australia.
Elle Smith met Anna-Marie whilst they were both doing triathlon’s in Sydney and has since also honed her outdoor coaching skills in a slightly different context - the Education sector.
As Senior Learning Coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, Elle and her team have not only introduced coaching as a form of development for the teachers, but also transformed the way they coach the teachers and students by taking the coaching conversations outdoors.
Elle uses the concept of Netwalking to coach groups outdoors, finding that getting outside the walls of their very busy school day helps increase creativity, gain deeper levels of reflection, brings about a sense of calm and ultimately improves student outcomes - which is always their goal.
This is a podcast with a difference and shows how outdoor coaching can have benefits in many different contexts.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
#coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Ideally, wouldn’t it be wonderful if everybody that was running coaching training had a module on coaching outdoors. Wouldn’t that be fantastic?!”
Lesley Roberts is founder of Brave Conversations and Coaching Outdoors and award winner from the 2020 European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) Global Coaching Award for her online outdoor coaching programmes.
We track her initial connection to nature playing on a swing in her backgarden to becoming an Outdoor Education teacher, before moving into the corporate world, then creating her own businesses. She’s a trail blazer in the outdoor coach training world having designed two outdoor coaching programmes; Getting started coaching outdoors and Nature as co-facilitator.
Be swept away by Lesleys’ calming Scottish lilt for advice on how to tackle common challenges outdoor coaches face, the need to nail Maslow Hierarchy of Needs and power of collaboration within the outdoor coaching community.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“Many of them (clients) arrive really quite stressed and I can tell as we start walking their pace is quite fast. And gradually they start to slow down a bit as they start to relax, but it’s relaxed in an energised way”
Jacqueline Harris has over 25 years of experience as a coach, with the last 15 of them taking her clients into the great outdoors. She joins us from the edge of a lake she often walks around with her clients.
This podcast focuses on the great topics of how the senses and client's feelings are impacted by coaching outdoors and co-partnering with nature, enabling them to think differently and find creative solutions to their challenges. We also talk about how walking side-by-side adds a different dynamic to the conversation and the ability to listen more attentively, compared to being sat opposite each other indoors.
Jacqueline shares her huge wealth of knowledge and experience and is a wonderful example of a practitioner who has realised the benefits of outdoor coaching for many years.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“The shadow side of coaching…”
Catherine Gorham, coach and supervisor who specialises in working with nature as co-partner joins us on a virtual bench enclosed within a beautiful woodland space. Placing psychological safety centre stage she talks through the 3Cs model (Containing – Contracting – Connecting) which offers a structure for coaches to manage unexpected emotional turmoil which may arise during outdoor coaching sessions.
Catherine brings her model to life sharing personal and client stories where the unpredictability of nature can trigger overwhelming emotions. In our work as coaches, it’s essential to be able to self-regulate, contain and manage these situations in the moment to ensure personal and client safety.
She highlights the importance of inviting nature into the outdoor coaching supervision process as a three-way conversation. She shares her daily supervision practice in relationship with an oak tree through enquiry questions to develop a deep attunement to nature and reflect on what emerges.
We want to sign post that this interview contains sensitive conversations around miscarriage and emotional responses. Please ensure that you consider your own psychological safety and response to this topic.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
What do Sacred Pauses, Wilderness Visions Quests and a true partnership with nature all have in common? They are all part of Christiane Frischmuth’s wonderful approach to outdoor coaching.
“These rituals always take place in nature, and there’s a reason for that”
From Washington D.C, Christiane shares her unique and thought provoking approach with us in our latest episode of The Coaching Outdoors Podcast. She is a huge advocate for spending time in nature, and the benefits it can bring us. But also focuses on the importance of creating a true partnership with nature. Co-creating experiences so that natural environments can help clients to explore their questions in real life settings.
“Have nature be a way that you take questions or worries or challenges out of your mind and put it into your real experience”
This podcast is rich in detail and descriptions that capture the imagination. Find out more about Christiane’s use of Sacred Pauses and Wilderness Vision Quests to enhance these experiences for her clients - they are wonderful techniques which really inspired both of us - by listening or watching this wonderful episode.
We’d love to hear your feedback and whether you have experienced indigenous practice inspired techniques yourself.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
“We’re not the first human being to realise we feel more peaceful sitting next to a tree. People have known this for millennia. This is utter basics.”
Dr James Canton, author, Director of Wild Writing at the University of Essex and lover of Oak trees shares an insight into this personal relationship with the Honywood Oak. This 800 year old tree would which have been a sapling when the Magna Carta was signed teaches us how to slow down, shift our perspectives and activate our senses.
He shares insights from visiting the Honywood Oak at different times of day and night, weather and seasons. From frosty daybreaks clutching a thermos of coffee to the emergence of spring sat within the canopy of leaves amongst the Blue Tits. This ‘sit-spot’ practice is often used in nature therapy to identify a safe and wholesome spot which is visited on a regular basis to build a connection with the place.
Join us on a physical, sensual, historic, intellectual, psychological, philosophical and meditative journey to re-connect with the wonder of trees and discover how this can improve your outdoor coaching practice.
On a beautifully warm and sunny day on the banks of Loch Fyne on the west coast of Scotland, we finally managed to record our first podcast together!
In this episode, we share our insights into some topics that our listeners have asked us for more detail about.
Firstly, Anna-Marie covers the hugely important topic of risk awareness in outdoor coaching, and how, as outdoor coaches, we must think about it carefully. Understanding the risks that may be encountered in the outdoors, knowing our own, and our clients’ limits, and ensuring we base our contracting and session planning around these important aspects in critical to both physical and psychological safety of our clients, and ourselves.
“what does risk mean to me, what (situation) am I comfortable with putting myself and my client in?” - AMW
She also covers the topics of coach identity and the relationship the coach and client have with nature. For some, an affinity to nature may be what brought them to outdoor coaching. For others, testing that relationship might be part of the coaching journey.
Alex then shares more detail about her recent research into the benefits of outdoor coaching and the link to Attention Restoration Theory as a basis to explain these benefits. Looking at some of the key themes of the research such as side-by-side walking, movement and pace and openness.
“Our indoor lives, our stressful lives, our busy lives means our directed attention is being taken up and used, and depleted very easily. Which means it’s harder for us to think differently, be creative, problem solve and the things that we as coaches want to help our clients to do” - AB
We also both share our favourite moments from the 14 episodes so far, and a sneak peak of what’s to come in the rest of series 2.
We are already planning series 3 and beyond, so if you have any suggestions for topics or guests you would like us to include please share and get in touch.
Simon Hawtrey-Woore joins us from Regent’s Park in London. Simon has been taking his coaching clients outdoors for a number of years and shares his insights on the topics of permission, diversity and inclusion.
Simon talks about his keen interest in the concept of permission and how clients choose to give themselves permission to spend time outdoors - primarily at the weekend and for leisure, sport or exercise. And whether Organisations are giving their employees permission to have coaching outdoors, rather than indoors.
We also discuss how accessible, or not, the outdoors is to different groups in society, based on culture, language and association. And how, as coaches, we can help bridge the gap and make it easier for our clients.
“The more we (coaches) model the fact that it can be done, it can be woven into our day to day, and is hugely beneficial… showing the way is a big step”
And Simon’s recommendation… “Be brave, be courageous and try it out”
These fascinating topics really get us thinking about how we approach our clients and our outdoor coaching practice.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
"It’s not easy facing into the climate emergency"
Publisher turned coach the phenomenal Liz Hall joins us for our latest episode. She has a string of accomplishments to her portfolio; senior practitioner coach, mindfulness and compassion teacher, writer, editor of ‘Coaching at Work’ magazine and initiator of Climate Coaching Action Day.
Climate Coaching Action Day is held annually at the beginning of March and is designated to create space inspire and promote coaches to explore HOW the climate can be brought into the coaching conversation. More recently the coaching community has started to bring the environment into the mainstream; individual coaches are more open about their environmental activism and involvement with Extinction Rebellion, different approaches are openly shared and a more networked global community has been created.
“What if my job was to planet please, rather than people please?” - James Farrell
A thought provoking and challenging question from James Farrell, of the Natural Coaching Company, who joins us for the latest episode of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast.
Drawing on his wealth of experience as an environmentalist and conservationist, James shares wonderful insights into the relationships people have with natural spaces, the benefits of outdoor coaching and it’s link to ecology and the planet.
James also discusses the move from ego-centric to eco-centric thinking, sharing his belief that recovery from the Covid19 pandemic is “An opportunity to reposition ourselves and step away from that ego-centric view of the world that has got us into a lot of the messes we’re in”
And, focusing on what we as coaches can do to ensure our businesses are environmentally friendly, James shares some great examples of actions we can take.
This episode touches on some really fascinating topics, they’re tricky, they’re complex, and we don’t have all the answers. But it’s all about continuing the conversation.
James leads events and training for coaches on the science of nature and health. The next event is on 22 July, with tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-science-of-nature-health-what-coaches-need-to-know-tickets-152194743575
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
On today’s podcast, the first of Season 2 of the Coaching Outdoors Podcast Series, our guest is Dave Stewart, founder of “The Fresh Air Leadership Company”.
Dave has a wealth of experience in the outdoor world, having a background in the military and then as a mountain rescue specialist, which he brings to his group and team coaching journeys.
We talk about Dave’s 3 P’s of outdoor coaching - Place, People and Process - and how important each is to creating these wonderful learning experiences for his clients.
Dave also shares how he uses the technique of Appreciative Inquiry to help the groups and teams he coaches to identify the big question(s) they are facing and want to inquire about. Using the landscape to then delve into the question, discussing what the ideal future would look like and identifying what things they can do now to achieve that ideal future.
We also discuss the practicalities of taking groups of people on outdoor coaching adventures, keeping them safe, excited and giving them a sense of freedom to explore mentally, physically and emotionally without worrying about what is going on ‘behind the scenes’.
Through story-telling and anchoring, Dave ensures his clients have a truly experiential outdoor coaching journey.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
To see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in just one hour ~ William Blake
Peter Hawkins opens our conversation with the beautiful words above from the stunning grounds of Barrow Castle, his home on the edge of Bath in Somerset. We’re delighted to share this interview as part of Mental Health Awareness Week where the theme for 2021 is conveniently… nature.
Our conversations dive into Peter’s eco-participatory awakening journey which goes beyond the dominant intellectualised cognitive neo-cortex to a more embodied, spiritual, intuitive and emotional patchwork. He offers thoughts around how to prevent the conceptualisation of ecology becoming another ‘it’, the ability to simultaneously hold different time horizons, observe the double nested systems of ecology which are embedded within us and the benefits of bringing the outdoors indoors.
It’s mind blowing stuff which is the perfect end to Coaching Outdoors Podcast series one!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any others from series one.
On today’s podcast we are joined, from Italy, by Diana Tedoldi, a nature coach who founded the Nature Coaching Academy.
With a love for the outdoors since she was a young girl, Diana combined this with her coaching and leadership development practice over a decade ago. She has a huge wealth of experience and shares her insights into embodied practices within outdoor coaching, using movement and breathing to enhance the client’s experience, unblock creativity and enable new ways of thinking. Diana also shares some wonderful examples of the experiences she and her clients have had whilst coaching in nature, really bringing to life the benefits they experienced.
“When you’re in nature, your whole mind-body system is exposed to such a rich variety of sensory inputs”
She has refined both somatic and eco-somatic activation techniques, describing them during the podcast as well as generously sharing two detailed examples as additional audio files.
Diana has also shared two lists of resources on the scientific power of nature - on both nature-connectedness and pro-environmental behaviour and the health benefits of nature-connectedness, which you can find on the resources page.
Lizzi Larbalestier, Blue Health Coach at Going Coastal Blue, joins us for this podcast to share her wonderful story of marrying her love for all things nature with her work as a coach in the Coastal areas of Cornwall. Lizzi talks about the importance of understanding the systems which we are all part of, and seeing links between and within eco-systems. Drawing on Blue Health Science, Blue Mind and Ambiguity as the fundamental parts of Blue Health Coaching, her work is scientifically researched and the outdoors is her co-partner. It is an extension of herself as an ambassadors for a number of environmental organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage and Ghost Net Busters.
She tells delightful stories of some of the more interesting coaching sessions she’s had, such as coming across a nudist beach and a man in nothing but his sandals, finding a man with a broken leg on the coastal path whilst training new Blue Health Coaches, and rescuing an injured guillemot which then became a third “person” in the coaching conversation.
Lizzi is also a Marine Mammal Medic, rescuing and rehabilitating seals. She really does lead a hugely fascinating life and we are so excited to share this podcast with you.
Surfers Against Sewage - https://www.sas.org.uk
Ghost net busters - https://www.facebook.com/ghostnetbusters
Going Coastal Blue - https://goingcoastal.blue
Mbit training - http://www.mbraining.com/mbit-trainings
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Rachel Woods joins us to talk fungi, flora, coaching and the contents of her backpack. She accompanies her coaching clients into the outdoors or brings outdoor metaphors indoors when mother nature throws up barriers.
During training on her Masters in Behavioural Change and Coaching programme at Henley Business School a demo facilitated by Alison Hardingham using the ‘Disney Method’ inspired her to take her practice outdoors. This started her journey after recently leaving the HR world to set up her business Coach in Nature.
Discover the power of nature metaphors, the time travel ‘Merlin’ tool and the importance of contracting.
And to find out more about what’s in Rachel’s bag read her blog “What’s in my Bag? 5 Things to take into Nature”
https://www.coachinnature.co.uk/post/what-s-in-my-bag-5-things-to-take-into-nature.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
Cat Treblico, from Reach The Peak, joins us from Edinburgh to share her wonderful journey from working in the banking industry in London, to re-training as a Coach and moving to Scotland to persue her passion for outdoor coaching.
Cat talks to us about how movement and walking side-by-side are two important aspects of coaching outdoors, that may not be so easily achieved indoors. She explains the benefits of movement, the freedom of forward momentum and how metaphorical it can be when a client is feeling stuck - enabling them to be cognitively mobile as well as physically mobile.
The ability to think differently when outdoors is also discussed and how clients can really feel a connection to their values and who they really are, when in nature.
View podcasts and get in touch.
https://www.coaching-outdoors.com
Anna-Marie https://www.rfmcoaching.com
Alex https://www.alexburnconsulting.com
coachingoutdoors #outdoorcoaching #coaching #ecopsychology #ecocoaching #bluespace #greenspace #natureconnectedness #naturalenvironments #ecology #nature #environment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #coaches #coachees #movement #thinkingdifferently
On this Special Edition for Climate Coaching Action Day, we’re joined by the phenomenal David Clutterbuck. He describes himself as “one of the last men standing in coaching” having been involved in coaching and mentoring for over forty years. An avid scribbler, he’s written over seventy books and is a fountain of all knowledge around everything coaching.
He shares memories of the outdoors from scaling a cliff on a beach visit aged four, his sixtieth birthday adventures climbing Mount Clutterbuck in the Canadian Rockies, trekking alone through Ireland and his regret that he hasn’t taken a party of executives and coaches to the Kalahari Desert to walk, talk, be alone and sit around a fire….yet!
We touch on the influence of COVID on our use of the outdoors, the concept of personal reflective space and the aspect of walking side-by-side.
As part of Climate Coaching Action Day we then focus on how our actions as human beings and coaches impact climate change. This includes:
· Carbon off-set ‘fee’ for travel to coaching clients
· Climate benefits of virtual coaching and reducing international travel commitments
· Client perceptions of coaching outdoors
· Possible impact of climate activists if they had more coaching skills
He also describes one of this current projects to create five million school aged coaches to encourage students to be more effective human beings. Keep an eye out for more details on this initiative which will be released later in 2021, which includes resources for students such as “How to mentor your parents!”
Nick Smith, founder of Square Pegs Coaching, joins us from Glasgow to share his sense of freedom from being outside and how his background in outdoor education and youth work shaped the development of his coaching business working with leaders from the corporate setting.
Nick gets super practical on what you need to consider before taking a step outside with advice on route selection, location considerations, risk management from a physical and psychological safety perspective, safety equipment, possible hazards, note taking, weather forecasts and mud!
The current lack of research and evidence explaining the benefits of coaching outdoors is discussed and how ‘some numbers’ could support the development of this niche and gain further traction with the business world. We then dive head on into the benefits of collaboration and competition between coaches based on sharing ideas, learning from each other and awakening ideas from within.
The sun is shining as Karen Liebenguth, coach and mindfulness teacher joins us from her outdoor office in Victoria Park, East London.
Karen transports us back to the start of her coaching journey and gives an insight into breaking out of the confines of her office in a health centre to working outdoors. During a dawn-to-dusk ‘sit spot’ retreat on her ecotherapy training in Scotland in 2010 she experienced an ‘ah-ha’ revelation that she could take her coaching clients outdoors.
She touches on how the weather and seasons can influence mood and behaviours of both the coach and the client. These observations are illustrated through real coaching scenarios where her client moves through ‘autumnal stuck-ness’ mirrored within their life and shifting resistance from self-criticism and unhappiness against the backdrop of a cold spring day.
Karen describes how her work is heavily underpinned by her studies in ecotherapy and ecopsychology where she initially encountered the idea of eco-self from the works of Arne Naess, John Seed, Joanna Macy and Aldo Leopold. She later discovered Edward Wilsons’ research on biophilia hypothesis and Rachel and Stephen Kaplans’ work on Attention Restoration Theory (ART). Collectively these have given confirmation to her earliest personal experiences.
More recently Karen has been inspired by Iain McGilchrist who cites three great estrangements which we all suffer from; our disconnection or alienation from nature and how we all long to life more closely and in union/communion which nature.
Professor Jonathan Passmore reveals a genuine connection to nature based on spending hours playing in the fields behind his childhood home.
He draws connections between an increased interest in the outdoors with working from home practices under COVID, growing recognition around the importance of ecology and the environment, and more published research which indicates the benefits of nature on mental health. He dips into the importance of evidence-based research and touches on some of the current challenges which currently exists around heading outdoors.
Alex Burn & Anna-Marie Watson have a mutual shared passion for coaching and the outdoor environment.
Together they are on a mission to encourage coaches to take their practice outside. In this introductory episode Alex and Anna-Marie outline their future vision for their ‘Coaching Outdoors’ podcast series, touch on the benefits of nature and movement within coaching and share their individual backstories which led them to work within this coaching niche.