Thanks for joining me at The River! This is who I am and what I'm up to.
I'd love to know more about what brought you here too...
I’m Lara, a qualified exec coach and consultant to the creative industries and sports sector. I’m forever trying to combine my love of the outdoors, dance, movement, sport and creativity into a fulfilling and sustainable portfolio life. A life that feels freer; where I’m creatively directing my own work, as opposed to doing work directed by others. Am also trying to break through the constant procrastination I experience when it comes to writing, even though writing is what I’m constantly thinking about. It’s an experiment of sorts. On me. If anyone has tips on how to do that, I’m all ears.
I currently work with skateboarding and surfing organisations on their people strategies, with a specific focus on wellbeing and diversity and inclusion, alongside developing my own coaching practice where I help others move through change. I love working with people and supporting them to come back to themselves, re-discover their true needs and desires and understand how to live more authentically.
I also love doing lots of sporty, dance-y, movement-y things without being ‘good’ at them and looking at ways to break down barriers to entry (whether self-imposed or societal). I meet loads of people who tell me they want to go back to dance, but don’t feel they can and this makes me sad. If my writing inspires one person to head to a dance class or to try something new, then my work here is done.
In the past, I’ve been a lawyer, dance writer, events manager, triathlon coach, career coach and headed up wellbeing and inclusion programmes (sometimes all at the same time - helloooooo overwhelm) for organisations including the University of Oxford, English National Ballet, the Rugby World Cup and UK Sport.
What keeps me sane in this crazy world is:
swimming outdoors in all weathers,
street dance (well, almost anything to do with dance),
birdwatching, animals and nature,
seeing my garden go through the seasons and how it changes,
trying to get better at surfing (it’s my nemesis and my dream),
encouraging people to try things they normally wouldn’t,
long walks with my partner and our crazy spaniel Benni,
travelling (anywhere) and,
deep conversations about being human and this bonkers world we live in.
Thanks for being patient with me while I grow this thing (whilst simultaneously moving through my limiting perfectionist tendencies and the vomit-inducing feelings that crop up every time I post).
Much love, Lara xx
I’d love to know what brought you to The River and what you’re curious about? Subscribe or let me know in the comments below.