Our guest boot camper this week is Katie Paterson.
Katie is a communications strategist, a round-the-world cyclist and founder of The Outsiders.
Katie’s energy is immense, but this creative high starts at a low moment.
When Katie moved to Edinburgh, she was expecting her first child. Then the pandemic hit. Life shrank to mum duties, then those duties doubled, freelance work and long days without much connection or freedom.
Then, one January afternoon, everything changed.
She chose to do something simple… to escape.
She walked up Calton Hill, Edinburgh.
And something shifted.
“I climbed the hill, and it made me feel better.”
That climb was the switch.
Katie shared how she was feeling on LinkedIn. The responses flooded in.
People felt the same and were seeking connection.
So, Katie did what Katie does. She took action.
The Outsiders was born. A community of freelancers who meet outside to walk and work together. A group who inspire, innovate and connect.
No noisy coffee shops. No dull meeting rooms.
Just people walking, thinking and talking.
Two years later, more than 600 people have joined a walk. Collaborations have started. Friendships formed. Work created.
Katie’s belief is simple.
Walking is a thinking tool.
Sometimes the only thing stopping us from using it… permission.
CREATIVE WORKOUT:
Climb the Hill
Katie’s moment on Calton Hill wasn’t just a walk.
It was a reset.
A small act of freedom.
A step away from the noise.
Here’s your challenge.
Step 1: Break the rule
Give yourself permission to leave your desk.
Right now, if you can.
Later today, if you can’t.
Step 2: Climb your hill
Go outside, move for 15–20 minutes, and let yourself reset.
If there’s a hill, head for it.
If not, just keep moving.
Even a small distance creates perspective.
Step 3: Let the shift happen
Don’t force ideas. Let your mind wander.
Sometimes clarity arrives.
Sometimes the problem shrinks.
Something usually shifts.
Step 4: When the idea lands, act
Send the message.
Write the note.
Make the call.
Movement often unlocks the next step.
TRY ONE OF THESE
- Turn a catch-up into a walking meeting.
- Block 20 minutes each week or day for “thinking time” outside.
- Protect a small greenbelt for your mind this week.
ABOUT KATIE:
Katie helps organisations to try to change the world for the better, to reach and inspire more people. Find out more about Katie.
She’s also the founder of The Outsiders, encouraging freelancers to step away from screens and take their thinking outside.
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
THE CREATIVE COOLDOWN:
Look beyond your bubble
What if a doctor prescribed fresh air?
WWF and parkrun’s Prescription for Nature campaign champions the benefits of getting outdoors and getting moving.
A simple but powerful reminder that nature can boost both body and mind.
Find out more about the campaign here.
