What if the answer you’re looking for isn’t something to find, but something nature can help you notice you already have?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I’m joined by Rachel Woods, an executive coach and coaching supervisor whose practice unfolds, quite literally, outdoors. After sixteen years in senior HR roles across global organisations, Rachel stepped away from corporate life in 2020 to pursue what she describes as an intense calling, to take coaching into the natural environment. She holds a Master’s in Coaching and Behavioural Change, sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Ecopsychology, and is a TEDx speaker. Her book, ‘Let’s Take This Outside: The Business of Thinking in Nature’, was published in July 2025.Rachel and Anna talk about what it feels like to leave a settled career for something that had no established path, and how that transition built slowly rather than arriving as a single decision. They explore Rachel’s coaching philosophy, one built on never imposing an agenda and instead helping people find their own answers, often with nature doing the prompting. The conversation moves through DNA, mud pies, bamboo, and why nature’s total indifference to us might be exactly what we need to hear."Housekeeping genes... the basics of being alive essentially... us and the blobfish, about 70 to 80%. Bumblebee, 44... your average pot plant, 20%... We are all related."In This EpisodeLeaving sixteen years in senior HR roles to build a coaching practice around natureWhat genuinely moved the transition, rather than one single moment of decidingWhy Rachel refuses to set an agenda for clients and instead helps them find their own answersThe five levels of connecting with nature, from one-sided use to fully immersive Why nature’s complete indifference to humans is something to sit with, not fearUntapped nature metaphors beyond the obvious, from rocks to bamboo to lichenPractical WisdomRachel shares practical ways to bring nature into everyday thinking and work, including:Swap a sit-down meeting for a walk-and-talk, even round the block, for better team dynamicsNotice what has already moved into your garden or windowsill rather than tidying it awayReach for an everyday nature metaphor, such as bamboo’s invisible root growth, to reframe a problem that feels stuckIf you can’t get outside, bring a houseplant in; even a small connection to nature counts "Why not use nature itself to help you come up with the answer to whatever that is."Connect With RachelPlease connect with Rachel on social media, visit her website or follow her work to find out about coaching, supervision, and the book.WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeBook: Let’s Take This Outside—The Business of Thinking in NatureAlso Mentioned in This PodcastSilver Snaffles by Primrose CummingsThe Hidden Seasons by Tristan GooleyBiophilia by Edward O. WilsonAttention restoration theory, Kaplan and KaplanJournal of EcopsychologyWoodland TrustNational TrustPodcast Chapters 01:06 Introduction to Rachel Woods03:29 The Connection Between Humans and Nature06:48 The Importance of Nature09:35 Childhood Memories12:24 Transitioning from HR to Outdoor Coaching18:14 The Role of Nature in Coaching29:42 Connecting with Nature: Levels of Engagement34:17 The Microcosm of Nature and Community Engagement37:21 Nature's Indifference and Human Responsibility37:51 Coaching Dynamics41:43 Metaphors from Nature49:26 Finding Nature in Concrete Environments53:38 Rekindling Childlike Wonder in Nature56:20 Closing the Gap59:54 Future AspirationsA new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Writing with Purpose podcast and leave a review. It makes a real difference in helping more people find the show.Download a free journal planner PDFConnect with meJoin my bi-weekly newsletterSearch Writing with Purpose for events

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