Speaking and workshops

Speaking

I’ve delivered keynote speeches in both the US and the UK and have participated as a guest speaker, expert patient and panelist at numerous events. My approachable and engaging delivery enables me to address a wide audience, from adults to adolescents. My topics cover resilience, well-being, nature connection and disability. I can present at your well-being event or deliver an inspiring, lived-experience talk. Tailoring each talk to your organisation’s specific needs, I can provide a bespoke experience that will resonate with and inspire your audience.

Watch my TEDx talk to hear how losing my sight led to the creation of a science-art exhibition with Cambridge neuroscientists that transformed the public’s mindful brainwaves into music and art.

I have been a guest on countless podcasts including The Good Life Project, RNIB and Women’s Radio Station along with several local BBC radio stations. My story has been featured on Radio Four’s Shortcuts and I was a guest on In Touch

The Urban Reboot Programme

People are the heart of any business. Give them the tools to restore balance when they experience stress at work and instil a culture of positivity, connection and creativity. 

My well-being workshops provide a practical, science-informed programme that utilises simple ‘micro-practices’ that can be done at your desk to de-stress and urban nature on your doorstep.  Enjoy the health benefits of nature connection, even in the midst of the city and boost workplace morale.

Knowledge is only half of the battle: I deliver a simple, tried-and-tested approach that doesn’t require radical change, but instead implements small shifts that fit in with life. This improves not only stress management, but fosters resilience and overall wellness.

Workshop format

– 2 x 2-hour workshops in office.

– 1 x 2-hour ‘ParkBathe’ in a local green park which teaches Forest bathing to relax and reduce stress. 

* ParkBathe is a green health project providing accessible well-being in London parks. To find out more about forest bathing and the ParkBathe well-being study (which saw a 40% reduction in anxiety after a 1-hour session) visit the ParkBathe website.

The Urban Reboot programme consists of two online or in-person workshops followed by a 2-hour session outside in a nearby urban green space. The programme is for up to 15 people, but larger groups can be accommodated, just get in touch to discuss your needs. Workshops can be run as ‘lunchtime learning sessions’ or at any time of the day. It is possible to deliver the sessions as standalone workshops, but the most impact comes from booking them as a series of three as each session builds on the previous one. 

Benefits for employees

  • Practical Strategies: Employees are taught easy-to-implement science-informed tools for daily well-being.
  • Equips your employees: Provides insight and skills to recognise and dial down stress in order to adapt more easily and get back on track.
  • Nature Connection: Explore the restorative power of nature to boost mood, concentration and creativity.
  • Foster relationships: Connect with colleagues by sharing the unexpected pleasure of nature connection and learn to support each other.
  • Holistic Wellbeing: Employees are exposed to various stress reduction tools including mindfulness, breathing techniques and ParkBathing in order to discover what works best for them.
  • Engaging Delivery: Interactive sessions for a fun and memorable experience.
  • Measurable Impact: Tangible improvements in employee satisfaction, productivity and stress management.

There is a growing body of research from around the world, that suggests that time spent in nature has health benefits. Many of us intuitively understand that being outdoors makes us feel better, but with increasingly busy lives and work and financial pressures, we often forget to invest in our well-being. 

A recent meta analysis found the following:

  • Being connected to nature is beneficial for human health and nature conservation.
  • Reinforcing human-nature connections can improve sustainability more than expected.
  • These relationships are neglected by current public policies.

Invest in your team’s well-being with a practical and sustainable programme. Contact me for an exploratory call to see how a nature-based well-being initiative can contribute to a healthier, more resilient workforce.

I am the founder of ParkBathe, a green health movement that encourages sceptics to engage in nature connection. I am a qualified executive coach (AoEC) an experienced trainer and mental health first aider. I have completed training in ACE (adverse childhood experiences), personal well-being and stress management. I teach meditation, regularly consult on meditation research projects with Cambridge university and I am a published well-being author. I am IFS informed.

To find out more and discuss the needs of your organisation please email Vanessa at [email protected] to arrange an exploratory call.

Urban Reboot Testimonials:

“Every single bloody thing stood out for me today! It was really good – like amazing what we learnt. I was thinking about all the people in my life that could benefit from this workshop.”

“I would recommend these workshops to all humans to allow yourself to recognise stress and to rebrand it. Doing different types of micro-practices stood out for me, trying meditation and experiencing a sense of relaxation in the session. Also realising that you don’t need to spend hours – just two minutes is beneficial.

“I found the session a great balance – emotional and yet grounding. Others would benefit from the relaxation techniques and practical tips on building self-awareness.”

“I learnt about changing attitudes towards stress and not always seeing it as a harmful thing but that it can be a really positive thing when you look at it that way. Also the micro-practices are really useful – a practical way to reduce stress and increase awareness and I found that very helpful. I found the body scan we did really good and I’m going to practice it more. I think it was quite refreshing, like doing a reboot for the body and mind.”

The programme has been enlightening in every way. I have a sudden zest for being in nature, noticing the colours, sounds and the vastness of trees. I went for a walk in Wales at a National Park and found I was engulfed in the colours, sounds and smells of where I was walking, which gave me so much energy. I have also felt the ability to totally relaxed and feel as if I have a rested mind. I have found this such a positive experience with this training and feel this should be rolled out to all those in stressful situations.”

The workshop was interesting, refreshing and Vanessa was very engaging and made it a really enjoyable experience. It’s been a great group.”

“I’ve learnt how to think about myself, and to put myself first because I forget to do that sometimes. I was thinking about all the people in my life that could really benefit from this – I mean really benefit – like people with OCD. Vanessa you’re lovely, honestly we have learnt so much today!”

Credit: Unsplash

Credit: Lesly-Juarez – Unsplash

Credit: Sébastien Gatto

Featured in

ParkBathe Training Testimonials 

‘The training delivered was well received and Vanessa was able to very competently communicate effectively with other potential group leaders. It was very inspiring and non clinical and hopefully a good resource to use in future when I can build confidence to lead some walks. Hoping to pilot a walk in the next month.’

Green Partnership commissioner 

‘I am excited to help introduce Parkbathe to my local community. My goal is to remind people how good it feels to be out in nature. There are so many benefit to getting outdoors, both physical and mental and to top it off Parkbathe is free to everyone.’

ParkBathe trainee

‘Vanessa’s passion, enthusiasm and ability to bring Parkbathe alive is infectious and so motivating. I am very much looking forward to joining the ParkBathe family!’

ParkBathe trainee

‘I think the parkbathe is an incredible community led activity accessible to all. I am excited to be a part of this and teach people who may be curious of the benefits this walk can offer.’

.ParkBathe trainee

Speaking Testimonials 

‘I really am so incredibly humbled by Vanessa’s powerful return to sight. It is an amazing achievement to embrace an illness with such raw passion and dedication to heal, let alone document this in such an articulate way. I think Vanessa’s strength is something we could all use in bucket loads on a daily basis. I feel honoured that she came to talk to us and shared her story. Thank you.’

Rachel D’Cruze, Managing Director, Sydenham Arts

‘From the moment Vanessa took the stage, she captured the attention of the audience. She was engaging from the beginning of her story until the end. She was able to weave a bit of humour to keep those in attendance wanting more.

Vanessa was able to encourage our patient community and inspire them to continue fighting for themselves. We were honoured to have her as a guest speaker and would recommend her to fulfil any speaking needs.

Jacinta M. Behne, Executive Director, The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation

I have had the pleasure of being present at three talks by Vanessa Potter, including one she gave to the science group I convene. On each occasion she has engaged the audience with talks that were both insightful and enjoyable. She is particularly good at conveying science and, in particular, the scientific method to the non-specialist with infectious enthusiasm. I can’t wait for her to speak to my group again.’

Dr Grahame Danby CPhys MInstP Associate Lecturer, Open University

 ‘I am beyond happy that we chose to have Vanessa speak during the week that Johnson & Johnson UK celebrated International Day of Persons with Disability. Her story was truly inspirational and thought-provoking. The fact that her disability gave way to her second career gives hope to many who find themselves in similar positions.  I particularly admired the persistence, resilience and curiosity that she had during such a challenging time. The feedback after the session has been extremely positive.’

Tara Bacarese-Hamilton, Johnson & Johnson UK.

 

Featured on BBC Radio 4….

Vanessa at NMO Patient Day

Road map to meditation

Meditation is not one-size-fits-all and styles can vary enormously. From mindfulness to hypnosis to psychedelics, Vanessa Potter's consciousness road trip explores 12 different mind-training techniques, providing a tried-and-tested roadmap of which practice might be right for you.

Second Sight

Imagine waking up one morning, suddenly blind and paralysed. In 2012, Vanessa Potter's life took a drastic turn when a catastrophic illness robbed her of two senses. As she gradually regained her sight and mobility, she embarked on a journey of exploration, delving into the science behind her remarkable visual rebirth.

ParkBathe Project

A citizen science green health movement led by the community for the community providing one-hour forest bathing strolls in urban parks in SE London and Lanarkshire. ParkBathe helps local people reduce stress, improve mental and physical health and mitigate social isolation and loneliness. To find out more or book a free walk click below. 

Videos

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