Who we are — The Green Hat Company

You’re in the right place

If you are a busy senior leader seeking to improve the performance and wellbeing of the people you manage, then The Green Hat Company can help you ease this process. You may be responsible for staff retention, personal and team development, reducing staff absences, or simply have the desire to build a more positive working environment.

Wellbeing, Mindfulness, Nature Connection, Creative Change, Shinrin Yoku, Relationships building, Self-awareness, Team development, Learning for growth

Welcome to our world

Our Story

We are often asked why we are called The Green Hat Company – the answer is a simple one: Mark bought Fiona a gorgeous green hat when they were working and travelling in Iceland.

This trip was a pivotal moment for them when they both recognised their shared passion of truly understanding the importance of human connection with one another and the equally powerful importance of being in, and with, nature.

Additionally, the Green Hat is the creative and provocative hat:

The green represents plants growing, and new opportunities, according to Edward de Bono (in his book Six Thinking Hats).

The Green Hat came to symbolise our desire to share our knowledge, experience, and passion with others in creative and provocative ways. So that’s where The Green Hat Company all began!

Mission

Fiona and Mark are passionate about supporting and nurturing individuals, to make connections with themselves and others, to make positive changes in their communities and organisations. We aim to empower all humans to live their best lives through learning through education and training that is authentic and based upon integrity. We care about your wellbeing.

At the Green Hat Company our practice is evidence based, for example the World Health Organisation. We consider wellbeing holistically: not only our physical and mental health, but also our connection with the environment and with others. We are committed to creating positive change bringing many years of experience and passion, we curate opportunities for authentic learning, growth, and positive development.

The team

Fiona and Mark are values driven and champion the human qualities of warmth, kindness, generosity, and compassion.

Our shared values, of social and environmental justice, includes a commitment to equality and inclusion for all, supporting those who may not believe in themselves, and those disadvantaged by their circumstances. We are both curious, playful, and passionate professionals, and seek to share these qualities with everyone.

Professional exploreres

Fiona Carden

Fiona is passionate about learning and innovation as tools to bring about social change. She has extensive experience as an educator leading on research and practice in academic settings, the private sector and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE).

The passionate practitioner

Fiona is particularly interested in equality and inclusivity for marginalised communities and individuals facing multiple disadvantage. She is motivated to bring new opportunities, through innovation and learning, to promote independence and autonomy, in order to improve lives and communities. Fiona champions the vision that through learning we can develop personal and community social capital, enabling people to be leaders in their own lives.

Most recently Fiona has been the Chief Executive Officer of a pioneering charity that runs a multi-agency wellbeing hub that enables people and organisations to work together, to create the conditions for people to lead their best lives, and do their best work; and for organisations to achieve their greatest impact and value. For more details about Fiona please visit her on LinkedIn

Mark Leather

Mark’s earliest childhood memories of the beach and the sea, and ‘messing around’ outdoors with others remain powerful and influential. Despite growing up in the urban sprawl of London, Mark has sought time outdoors away from concrete, steel, and roads!

The experienced educator

His true passion is about people and processes rather than subjects and knowledge. For further information on his academic interests and publications please visit him on ResearchGate.

Most recently, Dr Mark Leather has been an Associate Professor of Education at a university in the SW of England, and a Guest Professor at the University of Iceland.

Mark specialises his teaching, and research, in outdoor, experiential, and residential approaches to education where informal and opportunistic teaching moments are possible.

The nature we experience around us is our constant inspiration. These photographs are of our favourite places to reconnect with ourselves and the Earth.

A sunny day with the trees walking above Budleigh beach

FAQs

Please see our Workshops, Consultancy and Speaking pages for an indicative range of our interactive workshops, consultancy options, or project evaluation.
We can design and tailor a course for you - to meet your specific needs. Get in touch to discuss this with us.
We are based in Devon, UK and travel nationally and internationally.
Yes! We are happy to work with clients where best suits your aims and your budget.
This varies and is dependent upon the size of the group, the length of our workshops, consultancy, or project evaluation.