Together, Chris and Steve have a rich history of working with others to make a difference; whether it be in the woods helping Scouts build campfires and cook on open-fires or in a conference centre facilitating whole-staff engagement workshops; whether it be 1:1 coaching sessions listening to people’s stories and identifying their needs or training teenagers to complete their Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Back to Basics workshops give us the opportunity to combine our love of the outdoors with our wish to make a difference in others’ lives. We hope that sharing our experience as well as our woods, streams, hills and mountains with you will help you to…
Pause | Reflect | Grow
Chris Rayner – your ‘tutor’ and coach
I have spent the last 30 years working with people; supporting, guiding, teaching, mentoring, coaching and managing them. Early careers in banking and teaching (after a Classics degree at Bristol University) led to management responsibilities and leading teams. After gaining an Institute of Leadership and Management Level 7 Coaching Diploma 15 years ago, I’ve had the privilege to coach others and be trusted with their innermost thoughts and challenges. As an out-going, garrulous Irish lass it has been humbling to learn to listen to others and become skilled at helping them to listen to themselves more. The calm, silent moments experienced in mindful practices have helped me deal with some painful issues and as a result become more self-aware and reflective.
Both Steve and I have over 25 years’ experience in Scouting and I currently run an Explorer Scout Unit. Living outdoors, cooking on fires, sleeping in tents and hammocks is second nature to us. Relaxing around a campfire is an experience to be shared again and again.
Steve Rayner OBE – your outdoor instructor
(and woodcutter!)
An early passion for aircraft and how things work naturally led to an Aeronautical Engineering degree and then to a career in the MOD, based in London and then Bristol, managing multi-million pound projects. In 2004, Chris and I decided to move to Wales and start our own Leadership and Management Consultancy, working primarily with Swansea University. At the same time I launched a Canoe Club in Brecon and, as an experienced Mountain Leader and hill-walker, continued exploring our landscape on foot.
I now balance my time across a variety of roles; challenging new Army recruits in outdoor activities on water and up mountains; running Canoe Coaching and First Aid courses; and renovating our farm cottage.
