In a recent book, The Anxious Generation, the author, Jonathan Haidt presents facts about an epidemic of mental illness. His book focuses on teenagers and the connection to the virtual world where he claims we are killing our children. The book is a great read and highlights a larger issue in society, the general disconnect from the physical world and escapism into the virtual. This is not an epidemic of teens, this is a global crisis of the developed world and creating mental health issues in all ages.

Augmented reality begins daily each morning as humanity awakens to cell phone messages via text, email, and social platforms. Cortisol shoots through the body in quick production as images begin to be processed in our awakening brain. For the next twelve to eighteen hours we continue to plunge into screen time and a false reality disconnected from nature. Humanity has always been connected to the earth. The post-modern human is now connected to fiber optics and 5G.

There are people who are in tune with the false reality facing society. These individuals are often quietly living contently and counter culture while others walk by them in ignorance. You may see them on nature walks, meditating in a park, or notice them in line as they exude peace and tranquility. Perhaps you may even be jealous that they seem unfazed by the drama of politics and headlines.

My guest today is hiking to become, healthier, focused, successful, inspiring, at peace, and much more. Jessica DeAngelo is a trailblazer in nature-inspired business consulting, offering transformative experiences for impact-driven leaders and their teams. As a keynote speaker, executive coach, and business strategist, Jessica empowers individuals to embrace authenticity and fearlessly collaborate, leveraging unconventional methods for strategic success. Formally a Global Account Director and Regional VP,  she has orchestrated multimillion-dollar strategies fostering brand-to-brand alignment for Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Apple, Nike, and Uber. With her experience managing multicultural teams and achieving remarkable revenue goals, Jessica is uniquely positioned to guide diverse teams towards vulnerability and mindfulness, unlocking incredible results.

Today, Jessica is the Chief Hiking Officer and Strategic Visionary behind the brand “Hike to Become.”  She is the creator of the HIKE 31 Challenge.  It is her mission to harness the power of nature and inspire everyone to discover their authentic self again.  Jessica has been called an Innovative Disrupter at heart, changing the way business consulting and coaching is traditionally done by empowering her clients to find strategy and innovation from the trail to the boardroom.

Jessica strives to share her love of the outdoors with everyone around her and instill confidence to navigate the unexpected.  Our conversation today should begin to help you with scientific backed evidence that connecting with nature works.