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