005: How do coaches work with nature?

Apr 1, 2022

Guest

Karen Finn

Guest

Elsa Valdivielso Martínez

In this engaging discussion, Peter Hawkins, an expert in leadership, Anna-Marie Watson, a former British Army Officer and performance coach, Elsa Valdivielso Martínez, a wellbeing practitioner, and Karen Finn, a coaching psychology specialist, explore the transformational power of integrating nature into coaching. They delve into how outdoor settings can enrich the coaching experience, address ecological challenges, and enhance personal empowerment. Each guest shares insights on using nature as a teacher, creating a more holistic and sustainable approach to coaching.

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ANECDOTE

What Nature Means to Us

Elsa Valdivielso Martínez shared a client group coaching where most childhood memories tied to nature were subtle, not 'wild' nature.
This sparked reflection on what 'nature' means personally, from wild outdoors to a balcony with flowers.

ADVICE

Let Nature Flow in Coaching

Let clients naturally bring nature into coaching using metaphors and movements instead of forcing it.
Encourage flexibility between sitting or moving outdoors to enhance fluid coaching conversations.

INSIGHT

Nature Present in All Coaching

Nature and ecology are present in every coaching conversation, not only when outdoors.
Coaches can invite nature as a team member in sessions, mindful of metaphors or sensory presence indoors or outdoors.

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In loving memory of Alison Whybrow, co-founder of the Climate Coaching Alliance. This episode is dedicated to Alison, for being an inspiring, kind, loving, generous and courageous role model. Her passion for our living Earth is an important legacy which she has left behind to shape how coaching can transform the ecological crisis through regeneration.

In this episode we explore 'How do coaches work with nature?' with Professor Peter Hawkins, Anna-Marie Watson, Karen Finn and Elsa Valdivielso Martínez. We discuss how the growing interest in bringing the natural world into our coaching conversations is impacting coaching by asking:

Is coaching with nature the latest fad?
What do we mean by 'coaching with nature'?
Why are we drawn as coaches and coachees to working with nature?
What does it mean to be a student of nature as a coach?
How can we turn nature's obstacles, such as inclement weather, into coaching opportunities?
How can coaching with nature grow our capacity to deal with the unexpected?
How do we let nature and the wider ecology into our coaching?

Learn what is involved in coaching with nature from our panel of experts in this episode:

Peter Hawkins is Emeritus Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School and founder and Chairman of Renewal Associates. He is a leading consultant, writer and researcher in leadership and leadership development and an international thought leader in executive teams and systemic team coaching.

Anna-Marie Watson is a certified Performance Coach and Coach Supervisor who loves to escape the confines of four walls and take conversations into nature. As a former British Army Officer, she has worked in challenging environments from snowy Arctic tundra to hot and sandy deserts though currently resides within the rolling countryside of Wiltshire. She has a Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Coaching from the University of Derby and is certified to use psychometric-based coaching tools.

Karen Finn holds an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. Karen's dissertation led to the development of the Elements Coaching Framework which considers nature within the individual as well as the individual within the ecosystem. Karen is currently studying for a Professional Doctorate in Systemic Practice. She encourages coaching clients to be in nature and or to look onto nature during audio coaching sessions. Karen volunteers with Fashion Revolution facilitating discussions on nature-positive textile policy.

Elsa Valdivielso-Martínez is a teacher, certified coach and wellbeing practitioner. She holds an MSc with distinction in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.

Elsa runs a nature-based coaching and training business intended to make clients aware of the impact of climate change upon their wellbeing and to work on their emotional responses to it. She is an active member of the Coaching Climate Alliance.

Dr Natalie Lancer is a Chartered Psychologist, coach and supervisor. She is the Deputy Chair and Secretary of the British Psychological Society's Division of Coaching Psychology and an accredited member of the Association for Coaching. She is the host of this podcast series and invites you to email any comments to docp-tcppod@bps.org.uk

https://www.bps.org.uk/member-microsites/division-coaching-psychology/podcasts