‘This is the only planet in our solar system. And in the universe that we're aware of, as of right now, that actually harbours life. Life as we know it, at least. And we've looked, trust me. I know the people who are looking and have been looking, and they haven't found it yet. This is like a really big deal. Life is here. It may not be anywhere else. And if that's true, why wouldn't we design with life at the very centre of everything we do? And not just human life. All of life, because we're not the only ones on this planet’ - Sarah DeWitt

Happiest surrounded by trees Sarah DeWitts feet touch the ground in Washington D.C where she places planetary health at the centre of her work and life. Held within deep winter our conversations explore her recent regenerative sabbatical where she consciously chose life over work. She purposively stepped away from her chosen career trajectory where she experienced censorship, reorganisation and being offshored to live in alignment with her true passion and purpose.

Story-teller at heart Sarah shares a snap shot of our planet observed from above in her seventeen-year career at NASA. Inspired by the iconic ‘Pale Blue Dot’ image and her time alongside people who work with the stars her perspective spans into the cosmos and beyond with an inherent systems approach.

Sarah challenges the wider accepted constructs of our business world based on financial compensation and utterly derails the concept of work-life balance. We touch on the endemic scarcity mindset that unconsciously underpins the coaching profession and how the seemingly divergent trends of AI and nature offer the opportunity to connect and converge.

Bio

Sarah DeWitt is a systems change leader who guides individuals and organizations through major seismic shifts. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Washington DC Master Naturalist, and 2025 With Life Fellow in regenerative leadership. With degrees in geology and science documentary filmmaking, plus two NASA exceptional service medals for her efforts in science communication, Sarah has made it her mission to centre planetary health in her work and her life.

As a life-long learner, she has mastered the art of career reinvention and enjoys helping others make their own big leaps. For over 20 years she has provided a calm presence to leaders navigating high-pressure situations from rocket launches to global acquisitions, emphasising regenerative practices that promote both human and planetary well-being.

Website: www.sarahldewitt.com

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Resources:

Image: The Pale Blue Dot

Location: Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Training Provider: The Forest Therapy School

Training Provider: With Life Fellowship

LinkededIn Profile: Melanie Choukas-Bradley

Online Workshop: Seasons of Need: Regenerating Ourselves and Our Planet (28 Feb & 1 Mar 26). $20 Discount with code: NEED26

To find out more:

www.rootedrisingpodcast.com