STRIDE is all about looking ahead.
It’s for senior people at key moments in their careers: stepping up, moving on to the next challenge or shaping a retirement plan with imagination and ambition.
Designed around walking, and supported by coaching and a structured framework, STRIDE creates space for individuals to think about what they aspire to next.
STRIDE gives pivotal moments both the focus and energy they deserve.
STRIDE combines the proven power of walking, nature and conversation.
Walking
Physical activity and mental acuity are intimately intertwined. Walking, not too fast, not too slow, produces neurochemicals that enhance focus, cognitive flexibility, problem-solving and decision making abilities.
STRIDE is designed around walking at all levels for everyone; across gentle heathland, sheltered woodlands and rolling hills, anywhere outdoors and away from the boardroom.
Nature
The rhythms and patterns of the natural landscape with its wider horizons eases our minds and provide the ideal environment for reflection and creative thinking.
Structured discussion and expert facilitation help participants think clearly about where they are now and what they aspire to next.
Conversation
We think better together.
Through coaching and guided conversation participants develop their thinking, share their aspirations and address their natural concerns around change, together becoming each other’s allies and cheerleaders into the next chapter.
Walking naturally creates a sense of unity between people and makes for more open and fluid dialogue.
How we STRIDE
Walking. Movement and thinking were never meant to be separate. Walking increases blood flow to the brain and, after around twenty minutes, releases the endorphins that reduce stress and sharpen thought. When we walk, we move forward - and that simple act mirrors how we make sense of change, progress and possibility.
Coaching. To support people on STRIDE coaching runs throughout: before the walk to set intentions, on the walk itself and afterwards to consolidate thinking.
While walking structured exercises and light facilitation help people think clearly about where they are and where they want to go.
Ikigai. At the heart of STRIDE is ikigai - the Japanese concept of "that which makes life worth living."
Built around four connected elements: what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs from you, and what you can be rewarded for. It reveals where life feels purposeful and where it doesn't. Each STRIDE is shaped around this framework, with a focus on legacy, contribution and the shape of life to come.
STRIDE for individuals…
/ Prepares and inspires individuals for the next step.
/ Support shifts in mode, for example from operational leadership toward advisory, non-executive or portfolio roles.
/ Helps individuals to navigate the identity shift that can accompany moving to the next chapter.
/ Builds purpose, energy and momentum.
STRIDE for organisations…
/ Strengthens succession readiness across the firm.
/ Supports a considered and purposeful transition for valued senior individuals.
/ Deepens and enriches alumni connections for the benefit of both the firm and the individual.
The STRIDE journey
01
Discovery
/ Agree objectives.
/ Define success metrics.
/ Pre-coaching.
/ Confim logistics.
02
STRIDE
/ Walking + facilitated discussions.
/ Typically over 3 days though tailored to agreed objectives.
/ Locations to suit all levels of participants.
03
Consolidation
/ Post-coaching.
/ Consolidation planning, including additional STRIDE events.
Our Team
Annabel Purves
Annabel has been thinking about human behaviour her whole career.
She spent 15 years in the consumer intelligence, media and consultancy sectors, rising to become a senior team executive at the BBC.
Trained as an executive coach 20 years ago, Annabel has delivered hundreds of hours of coaching to senior executives and senior teams.
She is accredited by Henley Business School and the Association of Coaches.
Michael Castle
Michael spent 30 years as a practising lawyer, partner and senior leader across Allen & Overy and Deloitte, including Senior and Managing Partner roles at Deloitte Legal.
Now a qualified coach, Michael supports senior executives across their careers.
He is also a qualified personal trainer, bringing to STRIDE a practical understanding of physical and mental resilience, energy management and overall well-being.
Sean Harris
Sean has a professional profile of 20+ years, founding and leading marketing services, consultancy and technology businesses, culminating in the sale of his last technology business to a UK PLC.
Prior to that Sean spent 8 years in the British Army as an Infantry Officer.
A management consultant for the last 8 years he is happiest when leading development programs for senior executives.
Paddy Sutton
Paddy’s career spans advertising and branding - from Saatchi & Saatchi to setting up and running an independent creative agency.
More recently he completed an MA at Central Saint Martins.
A qualified Mountain Leader he escapes to the Lake District whenever possible.
Paddy brings a creative mindset and professional outdoor skills to STRIDE.