Who are We?
FriluftsLEADERSHIP combines the thrill of outdoor exploration with expert leadership training.
We harness the power of nature to boost mental clarity, foster teamwork, and drive personal growth.
Our experienced team understands the challenges of leadership firsthand. We've honed our skills through rigorous training and real-world experiences in diverse environments. We've faced language barriers, cultural differences, extreme weather, and tight deadlines.
By blending outdoor adventures with leadership coaching, we empower individuals and teams to overcome obstacles, enhance their skills, and achieve their full potential. We believe in the transformative power of character development and strive to help people unlock their inner strength and resilience.
Mission
Our mission is to inspire personal and professional growth by creating a supportive environment for individuals to develop their leadership and teamwork skills.
Vision
Our vision is to foster a community of inspired leaders who are passionate about the outdoors, value diverse perspectives, and possess the courage, compassion, and communication skills to positively impact their world.
Meet the Team
The core team is based around two very different people, both with deep experiences in their own fields and joined by their shared passions for the outdoors, the development of leaders and most importantly,
their love of good cakes and great coffee served in amazing places.
Ade Hawkins
Owner and Technical Director
Ade is a seasoned leader with a unique blend of military experience and outdoor expertise. With over four decades of service in the British Army, he has led teams in diverse and challenging environments, from combat zones to global crisis response operations. His extensive experience in training, logistics, and strategic planning, including a key role in Scotland's COVID-19 response, has honed his leadership skills to the highest level.
​
A passionate outdoorsman, mountaineer and skier, Ade's guiding experiences include expeditions in the Himalayas, Alps, USA and South America. His firsthand experience in extreme conditions has given him a deep understanding of the physical and mental demands of outdoor leadership. As a skilled instructor and mentor, he has trained countless individuals in outdoor education, leadership, and the skills needed to foster a great team.
​
Ade's ability to combine technical expertise with a strong sense of humor and empathy makes him a highly effective leader and a sought-after guide. His leadership philosophy is rooted in practical experience and a commitment to fostering teamwork, resilience, and personal growth.
Jen McKeown
Artic Nature Guide and Leadership Mentor
Jen's diverse career path, from a PhD in Mathematics to an Arctic Nature Guide, reflects her passion for science, technology, and the great outdoors. She has taught science, led expeditions, and served in the British Army, where she honed her leadership skills.
​
Jen’s love for winter adventure has led her to Antarctica and Svalbard, where she gained extensive experience in cold-weather travel and polar exploration. She is a certified Arctic Nature Guide and owns and operates 'Snowstorm Adventures', a winter ski guiding company based in Finse, Norway.
​
Jen brings a collaborative and inclusive leadership style to FriluftsLEADERSHIP, where she contributes as a guide, leadership trainer, and technical advisor. Her ability to inspire and empower others, even in the most challenging conditions, makes her a valuable asset to any team keen to improve.