COACHING IN NATURE
FOR LEADERS FOUNDERS & BUSINESS OWNERS

 HI, I am JK (Jennie-Kate) The founder of Where the Mind Grows - There are so many stories I could share with you that have led me to the point of combining nature with well-being. But perhaps the most important one I share with leaders is this....

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In my previous career (as a manager in third sector mental health and employability) I had been so very - accidentally- effective at leading that I had some how managed to be assigned project management of around 5 different projects. None of these projects were in the same place and this meant I was often supposed to be in one or more places at one. 

On this occasion I was driving from one meeting to another when I heard my phone ringing. Glancing down to see it was my own interim manager (my actual manager was off with stress). I'd been trying to catch up with the interim manager for a few days now, to bottom out an issue that would, with clarity, enable me to lead more effectively. I pulled over on a layby and took the call ready to bottom out the issue and find resolution. Within a few seconds it was clear that was not going to happen. On the end of the phone was an individual on the verge of their own mental health crisis. There was no capacity for them to hear me. All I could do is listen and provide the space this individual needed.  As I did so I leant my head against the car window as I gazed across at the car footwell. 

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My attention was drawn to empty packages of service station sandwich packets - whilst out of the corner of my eye I noticed my wholesome, homecooked lunch from a few days before. Festering on the car seat beside me. (I'd not prioritised my lunch for a while now).  

This was the first mirage of a profound moment for me. Hearing the pressured speech of the manager. Being literally surrounded by decay. Holding my own breath and bones with the intensity of it all. 

On ending the call - being none the wiser about my own issue- I was about to start the car when I paused.

I still remember now how deeper breath I took, and how the sun beam warmed my face from the drivers side. There to the right of me, was a forest. I paused. Turned the keys and stepped out of my car towards the woods. In this moment came my second profound experience. Surrounded by the tall pines and conifers, the light dancing through, the sudden clarity of birdsong and the cool calm breeze on my face, I knew that the woods was where I wanted to be. It had helped me in so many times in my life as a leader and a human being, to be in nature.  And yet years had passed, without me even realising, since I'd last been with and part of Nature in this way. 

In that moment. I had clarity - I could make sense of it all.  What had been subdued inside sang louder and clearer now. And so for the following years - I trained in a range of coaching and nature-based approaches so I could help others be leaders in an often challenging world. And now I lead myself with balance, courage and connection in mind. Knowing the path, is at times, wibbly wobbly; and recognising that we are getting to better know our true selves everyday.

Through a carefully crafted coaching approach I spend my days helping others to find confidence, compassion, clarity and courage for yourself or your team. 

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To  a place of discovery - Where the Mind Grows. Where purpose and courage and heart are a rooted-centre of being a leader.  To value and prioritise your own well-being and ensure you can make time, space and energy for what matters. 

A space to be real and honest and Human - about the challenges, adventures and opportunities you have. Conjuring together wildly creative solutions.

 Exploring your potential to pioneer and lead in your business or organisation, in your own corner of the world!