Episode #182: Nuno Santos Fernandes

Guest Bio

Nuno Santos Fernandes is a mentor and partner at Walking Mentorship, a company that combines walking in nature with personal and team development programs. Nuno brings a diverse background that includes founding a dog hotel, running an environmental NGO, managing veterinary clinics, and overseeing development and construction projects. His journey into walking mentorship began unexpectedly during a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, an experience that profoundly influenced his approach to self-reflection and growth.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Nuno Santos Fernandes about his unique approach to personal development through walking. Nuno explains how Walking Mentorship uses nature and walking as intentional tools to facilitate inner reflection and transformation rather than focusing on trekking or physical challenge alone. He emphasizes the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with oneself in the natural environment to gain clarity and create actionable plans for life changes.

Throughout their conversation, Nuno shares insights on how walking in nature naturally encourages a reflective mindset, helping participants explore deeper questions about their lives, relationships, and futures. He also discusses how the programs accommodate different fitness levels and personal needs, making sure the experience remains accessible and meaningful. The episode touches on the value of both solo reflection and group interaction, highlighting how dialogue during these walks can reveal blind spots and foster personal growth.

Nuno reflects on his own journey, from a curious and introverted child to an entrepreneur and mentor dedicated to helping others find balance and intentionality. He shares how his experience on the Camino de Santiago shifted his perspective, allowing him to make peace with difficult decisions and move toward a life chosen consciously. The episode closes with a look at the community and connections formed through these programs and the ongoing work of Walking Mentorship.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Walking in nature serves as a co-facilitator for personal and team development, creating space for reflection and insight.
• ✓ The programs focus on internal journeys rather than just physical endurance or hiking achievements.
• ✓ Slowing down during walks is encouraged to help participants reconnect with their pace and surroundings.
• ✓ Walking naturally supports mental clarity by shifting the brain into a more relaxed, wide-focus state.
• ✓ Reflection during walking is structured with prompts and opportunities to capture insights for future action planning.
• ✓ Group conversations during walks help participants organize their thoughts, uncover blind spots, and gain new perspectives.
• ✓ The programs are designed to be accessible and adjustable to different physical abilities and life stages.
• ✓ Personal growth is supported through incremental changes rather than drastic overnight transformations.
• ✓ Participants often experience meaningful connections and friendships through shared experiences in the programs.
• ✓ Walking Mentorship emphasizes voluntary participation and creating a safe, supportive environment for individual journeys.

What You’ll Find on Walking Mentorship

• ✓ Personal and team development programs that integrate walking in nature as a central tool for growth.
• ✓ Immersive week-long and shorter programs across Europe, the US, Asia, and Africa.
• ✓ A focus on reflection, mindfulness, and intentional life planning rather than extreme physical challenges.
• ✓ Guided prompts and structured reflection exercises during walks to help participants gain clarity.
• ✓ Opportunities for both solitary reflection and meaningful group interactions.
• ✓ A welcoming space for individuals at different stages of life seeking to reconnect with themselves and nature.
• ✓ Access to the Keep Walking With Me Podcast hosted by Nuno and his colleagues.