What we're about
Embracing struggle as opportunity
Developing awareness of our thoughts and feelings
Building community by helping each other do what matters
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.
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 a disease that we need to cure.
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.
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 redesigning 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.
Over the past 9 years, he's facilitated training and development programs across the U.S. and internationally. He's spent the past 2 years learning and practicing ACT, and attended the ACT Bootcamp in Portland in 2020. As an educator, Marc organized and hosted multiple leadership retreats and state-wide conferences for students and advisors. In the edtech space, he's developed hands-on training programs for over 15,000 teachers internationally who use an adaptive writing program to help students share their voices in clear and compelling ways. He's also been acertified USA Climbing coach, working with athletes who competed and placed among the top 20 climbers at the national and regional level.