Fresh air fuels new leadership path

A leadership consultant is launching a new business built on the benefits of stepping outside to think differently.

Northumberland-based Jane Fisher has created Fresh Perspectives North East, a new approach to leadership development that blends business strategy with time outdoors.

The launch follows a life-altering period last year when Jane collapsed with what was initially believed to be a genetic heart condition.

After six months away from work and further testing, the diagnosis was reclassified as a temporary heart infection, allowing her to return with renewed focus and a transformed outlook on how leaders work.

Jane said: “I had always been busy – working with business leaders, running my consultancy and juggling life in the beautiful but remote North Pennines.

“But that moment forced me to slow down.

“I realised I couldn’t keep pushing through without looking after myself, mentally and physically.”

“I knew I wanted to work differently.

“I didn’t want to waste another opportunity to do something meaningful.”

Drawing on her background in science education, Jane uses research-driven evidence to show how time in natural environments boosts creativity, clarity and productivity.

Her method centres on simple “walk and talk” sessions, designed to help leaders step away from office constraints and think more expansively.

Jane added: “Being outdoors reduces mental clutter, cuts through distractions and boosts our ability to think strategically.

“When you step outside, you create the conditions for fresh thinking, and faster, better decision-making.

“Whether you’re in the heart of Newcastle, or where I live near Allendale in Northumberland, the outdoors is right on your doorstep.

“You don’t need a full day in the mountains – just ten minutes outdoors can shift your thinking.”

Jane works primarily with small and medium-sized businesses led by people-focused founders who are keen to strengthen their leadership skills and improve workplace culture.

Many clients seek support around burnout, low engagement and staff retention, with outdoor sessions offering a practical way to reset thinking and improve communication.

A growing part of her work involves promoting “hybrid-plus” working – introducing the outdoors as a third workspace alongside the office and home.

Teams are encouraged to hold walking meetings, move one-to-ones outside or take calls in open-air settings to boost wellbeing and innovation.

Jane added: “Organisations are under pressure to find fresh, practical ways to boost focus, motivation and wellbeing.” Jane explains.

“Currently, only one in ten UK employees are engaged at work – costing the economy almost £300 billion a year – with burnout and presenteeism leading to the loss of almost 50 working days per employee annually.

“By championing ‘Outdoors is a Habit’ – stepping outside regularly, leaders and their teams can help overcome such challenges.”

Jane has also developed the Fresh Perspective 90-Day Challenge, helping organisations embed outdoor time into daily routines.

The programme encourages small, achievable changes that build motivation, spark new ideas and improve team engagement over time.

“This isn’t about yomping across moors or scaling rock faces,” Jane added.

“It’s about every day, practical changes that add up to major results.

“I’ve seen it happen time and again: small step changes become powerful catalysts for growth.”

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