97 – The Outdoors as a Catalyst for Personal Growth and Discovery with Cory McGowan

What can we gain from spending time outdoors?


While nature is commonly linked to well-being, it also serves as a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.


In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Cory McGowan to discuss how he integrates nature and adventure into his coaching, helping individuals unlock their full potential and achieve personal growth.




Podcast Highlights


Cory McGowan

Cory McGowan

Cory McGowan is a Japan-based leadership and executive coach who helps adventurous leaders achieve results by going beyond their actions to explore who they are. His transformational coaching practice incorporates nature, the outdoors, and adventure.


Relocating to Japan

Cory’s journey to Japan began when he accompanied a friend who was studying Japanese there. Initially planning to stay for a few months, he quickly ran out of money and found work as an English teacher. Coming from a family of educators, he discovered a passion for teaching, particularly with children. After a brief return to the U.S. due to his mother’s passing, Cory felt unfinished with Japan and returned to work in Chiba.


His career evolved from teaching to recruiting and eventually to a role at Kidzania, an edutainment theme park, where he advanced to a director-level position. As the first foreigner in high-level management at the organization, Cory developed a deep curiosity about the challenges of management and organizational dynamics. This curiosity ultimately led him to explore organizational development and, eventually, coaching.


Cory currently resides in Minakami, a modest, agricultural town in Japan's Gunma Prefecture, celebrated for its onsen, breathtaking natural beauty, and convenient proximity to Tokyo—just over an hour away by bullet train. While rural Japan is often perceived as closed-off, Minakami is notably open and welcoming, with a long history of foreign residents attracted to its unique charm and vibrant outdoor lifestyle.



Smiling with your heart

Although Cory has set ambitious goals for his projects this year, he acknowledged the struggles and feelings of loneliness that come with being a solopreneur. However, a recent uplifting experience that brought a genuine smile to his face was spending a day snowboarding with his two teenage sons. 


Despite their usual independence, they surprised him by wanting to join him on the slopes. The day was filled with joy, fresh snow, and shared moments. This simple yet meaningful experience reminded Cory of the deeper purpose behind his hard work and challenges—creating lasting memories and cherishing life’s simple pleasures with his family.


“All it takes is sometimes just to spend a bit of quality time with the people you love. It's not the answer to all life's problems and challenges, but it is what you live for.” - Nicholas Kemp


Smiling with your heart


Managing the challenges of being a coach

As a coach, Cory appreciates the flexibility and accessibility of online work but acknowledges its challenges, such as the emotional weight of supporting clients through deep personal issues. To manage this, he practices self-care through journaling, meditation, movement, and spending time outdoors. 


He also builds strong support systems, connecting with coaching colleagues worldwide and fostering local friendships and community programs in Minakami. These efforts help him maintain balance and prepare for the future while appreciating his peaceful workspace.



Guiding adventurous leaders

Cory redefines adventure, emphasizing that it’s not just about extreme expeditions but about making bold, often unexpected choices that excite and challenge. He views leadership itself as inherently adventurous and seeks to work with leaders who are willing to take risks and make unconventional decisions. 


Cory invites these leaders to join him outdoors for three-day, in-person sessions where they explore their goals, address personal challenges, and reflect on their leadership approaches. He finds the outdoors to be a powerful tool, acting as a mirror for how individuals navigate complex leadership situations, offering valuable insights and moments of joy.


“Leadership itself is innately adventurous. And I want to work with people who are willing to make bold choices, probably counter intuitive choices, and people that are willing to come out here and be with me in the outdoors.” - Cory McGowan


Guiding adventurous leaders


Life experiments

Being an entrepreneur gives Cory the freedom to explore and experiment. Although entrepreneurship wasn’t his initial goal, he loves the opportunities it provides for creativity and connection. One experiment he started last year was organizing motorcycle tours in Japan, combining his love of riding with networking. The tours attract adventurous individuals who align with his coaching style and goals.


This year, Cory plans to focus on local community projects. He aims to interview small business owners for a podcast, promoting their work while exploring the challenges and opportunities of rural businesses. This project also seeks to foster collaboration and mutual support among local entrepreneurs.


Additionally, Cory co-founded a community event called ‘Hare To Ke,’ which blends art, food, and meaningful discussions to help participants envision the future of their town, Minakami. The event encourages proactive community changes. These experiments reflect Cory's passion for integrating creativity, connection, and community building.



Hosting retreats and engaging in leadership work

Most of Cory’s coaching focuses on individual clients, featuring a core program called Wilderness Visioning Retreats. These three-day retreats in Minakami blend glamping, outdoor adventures, and strategic planning to help clients develop a clear vision and actionable goals.


Cory also conducts group retreats, including men’s retreats and corporate off-sites, all designed to connect participants with nature. These retreats offer comfortable accommodations and outdoor activities such as river excursions and mountain hikes, guided by local experts.


He describes these retreats as the most rewarding aspect of his work, highlighting the unique value of integrating outdoor experiences with personal and professional growth.



Forthcoming retreats

Cory is particularly excited about inviting people to his Wilderness Visioning Retreat, which he is now offering as a standalone three-day program. Previously part of a year-long coaching engagement, this retreat focuses on helping participants clarify their goals for the next 6–12 months, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop actionable plans.


Cory encourages individuals in Japan or visitors to the country to join the retreat, highlighting its accessibility and unique value. He also finds fulfillment in supporting local partners, such as venues, food providers, and outdoor guides, through this offering. Combining personal growth with a visit to Japan makes this retreat a compelling experience.



Feeling mixed emotions when meeting clients

Cory reflects on the balance between preparation and spontaneity when hosting retreats. He emphasizes that while creating structure and planning are crucial, equally important is trusting the process and stepping aside to let the space and participants naturally connect. He highlights the challenge, especially for newcomers, of relinquishing control and embracing openness. 


While Japan's high level of organization creates structure, it also introduces a tension between demanding precision and embracing openness. However, this dynamic provides a unique opportunity to navigate and create impactful spaces for participants.



Experiencing ikigai in nature

Cory shares his appreciation for the subtle changes in nature since moving to a rural area. Growing up in nature, he didn’t fully appreciate it, especially after living in Tokyo, but now, he finds joy in the nuanced shifts of the seasons. In Japan, there are 24 distinct seasons, which Cory finds fascinating. 


He enjoys observing the gradual changes, such as the varying shades of green in spring or the lush, jungle-like appearance of the river valley in summer. These subtle shifts in nature remind him of the importance of slowing down to truly notice and appreciate the environment around us.


“There's so many subtleties available if we can be in an environment where we can slow down enough to see them and notice them.” - Cory McGowan


Experiencing ikigai in nature


Conclusion

Spending time outdoors is not only beneficial for our health, but it also offers valuable opportunities for self-exploration and personal growth. Fortunately, places like Japan boast breathtaking natural landscapes that allow us to fully immerse ourselves in nature. As we enjoy these environments, it’s equally important that we take steps to protect and preserve them for future generations.

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