How can the power of observation shift your perspective? In this episode, Ali Foxon shares how sketching outdoors transformed her life, career, and her mental health.

She talks about the incredible benefits of sketching nature and making it more accessible, where the idea for green sketching began, what it’s been like to leave previous jobs behind, her experience of becoming an author, and how she delivers workshops despite anxiety about public speaking.

At the end of the interview, Ali asks a question for you to explore if you are thinking about a career change.

Here’s the list of that questions that Sarah asked Ali:

• If you had your sketchbook with you now, what would you choose to draw first?
• When you're sketching, what does it do to you and your state of energy?
• How do you encourage people to start sketching?
• Have you seen people break through their worries, barriers or resistance about spending time sketching?
• Where did green sketching all begin for you?
• What was your first experience of sketching like?
• How did you come up with the idea of “green sketching” and how has your career evolved?
• What has worked really well in terms of engaging people with your work?
• What will people experience from your book?
• What was your experience of writing the book like?
• What does your son think about what you do?
• Did you take your decision to change your career lightly?
• How do you feel now about stepping away from your previous career?
• What’s helped you most along the way?
• What are some of the skills you’ve learnt?
• How do you deliver workshops when you’re anxious about public speaking?
• Where would you like things to go from here?
• How would you describe your experience of making a living from your work?
• Do you feel like it’s given you more freedom in terms of how you spend your time?
• Do you feel like your priorities have changed?
• What question would you ask somebody who is thinking about a career change that allows them more time to connect with nature?

This episode was recorded while sitting in a woodland along the start of the Pennine Way in the Peak District, by Sarah Lister on 7th October 2022.

Take a look at Ali Foxon’s website to find out more about her work, watch her Tedx Talk on YouTube - Drawn to love nature, and follow her on Instagram.

Final notes

About The Adventure has a patreon community where you receive support with your own career change. Sarah is in the process of starting a career change support network to include both online and in-person events. You can support the podcast and get involved with the community for £5 per month.

Visit About The Adventure website to email Sarah, the podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for future guests. Subscribe to Sarah's newsletter to receive episodes in your inbox, along with career change interviews and career coaching questions.

Podcast music is by Tsarzi and artwork by Tiffany-Francis Baker.

Thanks for listening!