Mountain Boardroom

I've been wanting to meet fellow outdoor coach, Jane Fisher, in person for ages, and over the course of a beautiful walk through the north Yorkshire Dales, she helped me get some thoughts in order, and I am back today feeling clearer and lighter!

It was really interesting to hear her story too, and the huge wealth of knowledge in transformation and the outdoors that she has gathered over the years is nothing short of incredible.

When you are one of the few people who do this, it brings some much-needed affirmation when you share similar experiences and results with someone else!

The route was lovely (Muker) and the photos captured how much the conditions changed in the space of an hour (though I'm sure the weather-geeks amongst us will spot the signs of the front moving in, in the sunny photo!)

It was also a reminder that no matter what he conditions and time of year, clarity is to be found out here.

If you need to get out of your head, drop me a message and I'll get you out into the hills and mountains 📥➡️🥾➡️⛰️➡️💡

We did NOT get the weather today!

I know I show a lot of photos of my days out in nature and the mountains with bright sunshine and incredible views, so when someone arranges a session, a little part of me wonders whether they'll be dissatisfied if they don't get that.

Guilty and apologetic even.

But then today, I was discussing the weather with and his take on this hit me like a tonne of bricks.

It's not that poor weather is something to tolerate, or get through.

It's not just that walking in a downpour gives a different experience of resilience and endurance.

It's that sometimes getting outside and taking on tough weather is EXACTLY the kick up the arse you NEED to stop faffing and take decisive ACTION.

It changes your perspective, it changes your energy and it changes your mindset.

In some ways, it's BETTER than strolling through summer fields bathed in golden sunlight.

I can't control the weather, but I do know that you will take exactly what you need from the conditions you get on the day.

Nice way to end the week!

Today was the Leeds Property and Construction Netwalk, hosted by

We headed out of Leeds to nearby Knaresborough exploring the ancient woodland within Nidd Gorge, before heading into the historic and picturesque town centre.

It is always good to catch up with the lovely bunch at Adept, and great to meet some new people too - it was a pleasure guiding you all around (although a lot of you knew the area very well already!)

As it happens, we're back in Knaresborough for Mountain Boardroom's own monthly Wellness Walk in November, and I'm looking forward to going back! (tickets are here, and going fast, check the link in our bio)

Lovely afternoon out, exploring the woods around Scarcroft for this month's Mountain Boardroom Wellness Walk.

Fabulous turnout too - not just in terms of numbers, but a really wonderful group of adventurers, who really make the event what it is.

Yes, of course, this is netwalking, and we get to know other business owners, what they do, and what's happening in their worlds...

BUT also conversations ranging from Pitbull to UFOs, ancient aliens and the Fermi Paradox to Crib Goch to Commander Riker really add the magic touch.

I don't make a lot of noise about World Mental Health Day, but the fact that we had 14 people out today, and away from their screens and being human with other humans, is not lost on me!

We are in Knaresborough next month on Firday 14th November, and already have a few signed up, so please do come along!

Thanks for coming everyone!

"Sound amazing, but I'm not sure I'm ready for the mountains yet..."

I mean, of course you are.

And I'm going to be honest, there is nothing *quite* like the perspective you get when you're touching the sky ⛰️⛰️

But sometimes we need to take the first step 🥾

And getting out into for a walk and talk in the local area is just what we need to get out of your head, make sense of all the competing ideas, worries and thoughts, and plot a route forwards.

Especially at a time when the world of work seems to be picking up pace and hurtling towards the end of the year.

Throughout September and October, I'm offering 'Get Your S*** Together sessions - a 2-hour walk and talk session to help you cut through the noise and get you started on your path.

And they're at a special intro rate (half price) for the first 5 that are booked!

Drop me a DM for more info ➡️

Thank you Scotland, it has been a blast.

After a log summer of juggling work and school holidays, it didn't look like we were going to get away, but then, such is the life of a business owner, a couple of opportunities to get away opened up, and we took them.

After a mini-break to Northumberland, we found ourselves on a van trip to Scotland last week, visiting the beautiful remote Argyll, before heading up to Fort William.

You don't know how much you need a switch off until you've had a switch off, and this one was a lovely pause with the family.

Believe it or not I'm back up here in less than 2 weeks to run the next Meet Your Mountain Walkshop on Ben Nevis (check out T in the photos absolutely nailing the route!) - there are still a couple of spaces so check out the link in my bio for more info.

What a stunning location for a 1:1 Business Coaching and Strategy session yesterday.

Zero phone signal, and just uninterrupted time to spend working on the business.

We did a the lovely route from the between Buttermere and Crummock Water, before heading up for a loop around Haystacks.

Spectacular views, lots of thinking and planning time, a challenging little scramble (my client had never scrambled before, so a great intro to it, and she absolutely nailed it!), and a gentle lakeside walk to finish.

Class.

Plenty of woodland paths for yesterday's Wellness Walk, keeping everyone, erm, well, out of the heat!

We visited Temple Newsam, and meandered through the grounds, before heading for a well-deserved ice cream, which melted (and was eaten, obvs) before we could get a photo.

Thank you for coming along everyone!

Next up, we are at the Cow and Calf in Ilkley for our Summer Social Wellness Walk on 18th July - this is a lovely one with a route up onto the moors and a well-deserved beer at the end, overlooking the valley.

Check the link in or bio to sign up!

One of the main reasons that I hear from people for starting their own business is not making money, it's about the flexibility it can give you.

The thing is that the reality is often that you create a big monster that sucks up more and more of your time, often for less reward than you would have in a job.

I've just come back from a long weekend in the Netherlands with my son, who took part in a football tournament there with his club. It meant taking time away from Thursday to Monday, and at first I thought that this is why I run my own business.

BUT...

If I had a job, I could always take leave.
I could even take unpaid leave if I didn't have that many days available (which is, let's face it, what I actually did this weekend)

But there is still something different abiut doing this when working for yourself v when working for someone else.

When I put my finger on it, it's not about the money or the flexibility.

It's about doing it without worrying what your boss will say.

Without that wait to find out if they can 'spare you'

Without waiting for HR to approve it.

Without the worry that they'll think 'you're off in holiday again'

Yep, it's there's still a guilt of taking time off when you could be working, but you know what, that's MY STUFF, and I don't have to worry about anyone else's.

That's the freedom and the flexibility...

An incredible day out in the Yorkshire Dales on Friday as the team at took on the mighty Yorkshire Three Peaks in support of .

After a very wet and early start, where I think a lot of people wondered what the hell they were doing here, the weather and mood soon lifted to give rise to an epic and glorious day.

A huge effort from everyone and some super quick times, with the first group coming home in an astonishing 8 1/2 hours!

But more importantly it was an honour to walk with the group, getting to know them and what they do (and the ethical ethos that cuts through the team), and spend time sharing stories and experience.

We'll done all, and thank you to .run.summit for supporting!

A little more lowland and local today for a monthly 1:1 Pathfinder session in a favourite haunt of Golden Acre Park.

Most difficult part of the route was probably trying to get the client to walk past the cafe several times without going in.

We did succumb eventually (after all, what is an outdoor session without a cafe or pub at the end?).

Great to see out and about too!

Today was the second Leeds Property and Construction Netwalk, hosted by .

It was lovely to lead such a fab group, who took time away from the city in the middle of week to get some fresh air, steps and build some new connections.

The weather really brightened up this afternoon (perfect walking weather) as we explored the industrial history of Saltaire, Shipley Glen and Baildon Hill.

Thanks to all who came along, and thanks to and Erol for arranging some delectable nibbles.