Stepping Into Success: Reflections on Our First NetWalking Event & Celebrating National Walking Month

I'm sure you'll agree there’s something uniquely powerful about combining movement with conversation.

Walking opens up creativity, eases tension and fosters genuine connections - something we experienced firsthand at our inaugural NetWalking event.

NetWalking was born from a simple idea: what if business networking didn’t have to mean lukewarm coffee, name badges and fluorescent-lit meeting rooms? What if it could mean something fresher, freer and a little more... human?

Our first NetWalking session put that idea to the test, and thanks to everyone who joined us, it was a resounding success.

Inaugural NetWalking Attendees from March 2025.

To everyone who came along, I wanted to say "thank you".

Thank you for turning up with curiosity and open minds. Thank you for swapping business cards in motion, for letting conversations flow with your footsteps and for proving that meaningful connections can happen just as easily on a walking trail as they can in a boardroom.

We met at the Greenwich Picturehouse, walked a short distance to Greenwich Park, laced up our trainers and headed off on our first group walk. What followed was a couple of miles of brilliant conversation, shared ideas, gentle exercise and a refreshing break from our desks.

Coinciding beautifully with National Walking Month (May), our first session proved that blending business networking with outdoor activity isn’t just a refreshing change - it’s a game-changer.

A Walking Start: What We Learned on the Path

On a crisp Saturday morning in March, professionals from various industries gathered at the Greenwich Picturehouse for our first NetWalking event.

The concept was simple: replace stuffy conference rooms with scenic routes around Greenwich Park, swap rigid agendas with free-flowing conversations and trade sedentary small talk for energising strides.

One of the most striking things about our first walk for me was how naturally the conversations evolved.

Without a table between us, without a strict agenda, people spoke more freely and listened more deeply.

Some talked about their business challenges, others about personal goals. Some shared stories of big career shifts or quiet wins they hadn’t had a chance to celebrate elsewhere.

There were moments of laughter, moments of insight, and plenty of “I hadn’t thought of it that way before.”

It turns out that walking side by side changes the dynamic. It removes some of the pressure of formal networking and replaces it with a sense of camaraderie. There’s no awkward small talk when the scenery keeps shifting and the rhythm of your stride keeps things moving.

We also discovered that there’s something powerful about physically moving forward while talking about professional growth. It’s a nice metaphor - and also a very real motivator.

Ideas seemed to come more easily, perspectives opened up and energy levels stayed high.

Whether it was the fresh air (or as fresh is it gets in London), the natural surroundings or the endorphins from getting active, the feedback was unanimous: it felt good!

Why Walking Works for Networking

As I've just touched upon, traditional networking often involves forced interactions in crowded spaces, where conversations can feel transactional.

Walking, on the other hand, naturally fosters openness and creativity. Don't just take me word for it, studies have shown that:

• Physical movement boosts cognitive function, making discussions more dynamic (Oppezzo & Schwartz, 2014).

• Side-by-side walking reduces social tension, making it easier to connect than face-to-face across a table (University of Michigan, 2015).

• Outdoor settings enhance mood and reduce stress, leading to more authentic exchanges (Barton & Pretty, 2010).

Our attendees experienced this firsthand; discussions flowed effortlessly, ideas sparked naturally and by the end of the walk, connections felt more meaningful than a typical networking event.

Celebrating National Walking Month

May, as it does every year, also marks National Walking Month, an initiative by organisations like Living Streets and the Ramblers to promote the physical, mental and social benefits of walking.

The theme in 2024 was “Walk Your Way” and in 2025 it was "The Great Space Walk" but they all encourage people to integrate walking into daily routines - whether for commuting, socialising or wellbeing.

Our NetWalking event aligned perfectly with this mission. Here’s why I believe that walking is such a powerful tool for professionals:

1. Boosts Creativity & Problem-Solving

Many great thinkers - from Steve Jobs to Aristotle - were known for their walking meetings.

Movement stimulates brain activity, helping break mental blocks and sparking innovation.

Several attendees mentioned how walking helped them think differently about challenges they were facing in their work.

2. Enhances Wellbeing & Reduces Stress

Unlike indoor networking events (which can sometimes feel draining), walking outdoors lowers cortisol levels and increases endorphins. One participant remarked:

"I usually leave networking events exhausted, but this time, I felt energised!"

3. Encourages More Authentic Connections

Without the pressure of formal seating arrangements, conversations felt more organic. People naturally paired up, switched walking partners, and engaged in deeper discussions than typical elevator pitches.

Feedback From Our First NetWalking Group

I asked attendees to share their thoughts and the responses, as you can see below, were overwhelmingly positive.

"The informal setting made networking feel less forced - I had some of the best business conversations I’ve had in months."

"I loved that it didn’t feel like ‘work.’ It was exercise, socialising, and networking all in one."

"I came with a problem I’d been stuck on for weeks, and by the end of the walk, I had a fresh perspective - thanks to a chance conversation!"

Suggestions for Future Walks:

• Different routes (urban parks, riverside paths, woodland trails)

• Themed discussions (industry-specific topics, skill-sharing)

• Longer walks for experienced walkers and those who want extended networking

The Science Behind Walking & Networking

Why does walking make such a difference in professional interactions? Research supports what we experienced:

• Stanford University (2014) found that walking increases creative output by 60% compared to sitting.

• Harvard Business Review highlights that walking meetings lead to more honest, collaborative discussions.

• A UK study on workplace wellbeing showed that employees who walk during breaks report higher job satisfaction and productivity.

By integrating movement into networking, we’re not just talking - we’re thinking, problem-solving and building stronger relationships.

What’s Next for NetWalking?

The first NetWalking session was just the beginning and already the appetite for more is clear.

More walks are on the way, all taking place on the last Saturday of the month (excluding December). I think it's important to remember that this group isn’t just about networking. It’s about reconnecting - with each other, with the outdoors and with the big-picture thinking that often gets lost in the hustle of emails and meetings. It’s about breaking out of our bubbles and discovering new ideas in unexpected places.

If you came along to the first walk, we’d love to hear what you thought. If you missed it—don’t worry. There’s plenty more to come, and we’d be thrilled to have you with us next time.

Based on feedback and some of my own thinking, here’s what’s coming for the rest of 2025 and beyond.

1. Monthly NetWalking Meet-Ups

We’ve already announced regular sessions for the rest of 2025 and will explore different scenic routes to keep things fresh. Find out more here.

2. Themed Walks

Future events that we're working on include:

• Startup Strides - For entrepreneurs and innovators just setting off on their entrepreneurial journey.

• Wellbeing Walks - Focusing primarily on mental health and work-life balance.

• Industry-Specific Routes - Tailored for sectors like tech, finance, or creative arts.

3. Guest Walkers

We’re always looking to invite inspiring business leaders to join future walks, offering insights while we stroll. If there's anyone you think would be worth inviting along and listening too, please leave a comment blow.

4. Corporate NetWalking Programs

Companies are recognising the benefits of walking meetings - we’re exploring ways to bring NetWalking into workplaces.

Of course these events are as much yours as they are mine. If you have any ideas on what we can do or what you'd like to see, please leave a comment below.

5. Sponsorships

To help increase the reach and enhance our events for everyone we're also looking to attract sponsors. More details on our first coming for June's walk!

If you or your business are interested in sponsoring a future NetWalking event, please get in touch to discuss.

Final Thoughts: Why This Is More Than Just a Walk

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

My whole vision for our NetWalking initiative was always that it shouldn't just be another networking group - I want it to be a movement (literally!).

In a world where screen time dominates and professional interactions often feel transactional, stepping outside and walking together brings back a human element to networking.

As we reflect on National Walking Month, I'm reminded of the simple power of putting one foot in front of the other - for our health, our minds and our professional relationships.

To everyone who joined our first walk, I just wanted to say another HUGE thank you. I was so grateful to you for giving up your time. You proved to me that the future of networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards - it’s about sharing steps, stories and success.

Here’s to many more walks ahead! #BelieveInSuccess

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Again, I wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who turned up and made it such a success. If you'd like to join us and experience it for yourself, please click here to find out when the upcoming events are and how to sign-up.

If you would enjoyed this blog and would like to help support me and the work we're doing here at P45, then please consider buying me a virtual coffee by clicking the link below. I won't even have to walk to the shop to get it ;-)