#178 A Metaphor For Our Lives - Alison Smith

Life Beyond The Numbers

"I then realised that if gardening can be a metaphor for supplier management, nature's landscapes could be a metaphor for our lives." Alison Smith

Alison Smith and I discuss her unique approach as a facilitator, coach, and author, of using nature and its landscapes as powerful metaphors to bridge understanding in business and life. Over a 24-year journey, Alison has developed various techniques, including drawing, walking, and storytelling metaphors, to help individuals gain insights while leaving their logical minds aside. Alison also highlights the significance of language, mindset, and creativity, and shares how her journey from 'sleepwalking' through life to embracing her creativity has unfolded. We also explore the importance of allowing space for internal wisdom and the benefits of stepping outside the traditional confines of a work environment.

Alison Smith wears a number of hats - facilitator, coach, trainer, author, podcaster, and poet. She helps people, inside and outside of organisations, see situations from a different perspective to see the wood for the trees and get back on track. She has over 35 years of applying these in a procurement environment but they're no longer exclusively applied there. Her work with others is done in nature, parks, museums, offices and virtually. She mainly works in Scotland and the rest of the UK but has also ventured further afield.
Connect with Alison

Through her website

On LinkedIn

Resources Mentioned

Landscaping Your Life Podcast

Can't See the Wood for the Trees by Alison Smith

Start Close In by David Whyte