What we're about

Vision

We envision a world where people feel safe and empowered to do what they care about most — where they have the skills and resources to adapt in changing circumstances

Mission

Our mission is to create environments that help individuals develop the emotional skills and self-understanding they need to transform organizations from within

Values

Embracing struggle as opportunity
 

Developing awareness of our thoughts and feelings

Building community  by helping each other do what matters

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Taking values-driven action 

The Longer Version

Whenever someone asks, “What is Step Outside about?” I often feel the pressure to frontload my response with the problems that we solve because that’s how we operate culturally. When our car needs a repair, we take it to the shop. When we break a bone, we have doctors fix it. And when we’re looking for more convenience, we download an app.

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When we try to apply this problem-solution model to our thoughts and emotions, however, we find ourselves in a continuous cycle of feeling healed or broken. The “problem” that we currently have culturally is a deep belief that something is wrong with us — that discomfort and pain and hardship are problems in need of a cure. 

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In our workshops, we focus on developing a willingness to engage with challenging thoughts and emotions. From there, we step back and notice what's happening in the moment, acknowledge the discomfort, and respond in ways that align with our values. We do this with fear when it arises 70 feet up on a rock face while dangling from a rope, and we do it in conversations when our insecurities surface in small groups. 

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As we practice these skills, we start making room for more workable responses in our jobs, in our relationships, and in our lives. Whether that’s taking a few steps towards feeling more connected and attentive from moment to moment, or rethinking how we communicate and function within teams, Step Outside is about starting where we are and moving towards what matters. 

Who We Are

Marc McCann, Founder & CEO

Marc believes deeply in people and their capacity to grow. He's learned from experience that we can overcome our own limiting beliefs with a willingness to lean into challenges. And he's seen even better results when individuals work through those challenges in communities that value self-awareness and transparent communication. Marc's at his best when he's working with teams who are committed to introducing, developing, and sharpening these skills.

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Over the past 9 years, he's facilitated training and development programs across the U.S. and internationally. He's spent the past 3 years learning and practicing ACT, and finished the Prosocial Facilitator training in 2021. Over the past decade, he's developed training programs for over 10,000 teachers and leaders, and facilitated more than 1,000 training sessions. Prior to Step Outside, he's worked as a teacher, a start-up manager, and certified USA Climbing coach.