Chris Coladonato
Founder, Speaker and Coach at Connection Catalyst
Professional Training and Coaching
Baltimore, MD, USA
Biography
Are you feeling disconnected and overwhelmed in today's fast-paced, tech-focused world? Meet Chris Coladonato, a speaker, coach, and founder of Connection Catalyst, a company that helps individuals build more meaningful connections with themselves and the world around them by tapping into the power of nature. With over 20 years of experience in talent development and human resources, including 13+ years as a remote employee, Chris has learned the importance of prioritizing human connection and well-being in today's fast-paced, tech-focused work environment.
Her current work is rooted in her professional journey, particularly the challenges she faced when transitioning to remote work, which led her to seek solace and inspiration in nature. Chris now guides professionals in prioritizing their well-being by immersing themselves in the natural world and unplugging from technology. Through her signature talks and guided nature walks, Chris offers valuable insights and techniques on engaging with nature to lower stress, improve well-being, and cultivate a sense of wonder and presence. By unlocking the transformative power of nature, she helps individuals tap into their creativity and forge deeper connections with the world around them, ultimately leading to improved performance.
Chris is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and a former member of the ATD International Board of Directors. She is also the author of the May 2022 TD at Work: A Guide to Supporting Hybrid Team Leaders, published by ATD Press.
Reach out to Chris to learn more about her work and how you can benefit from the transformative power of nature. With her wealth of experience, passion for nature, and unique perspective on the importance of human connection, she'll help you harness the power of nature to achieve greater well-being and more meaningful connections in your life.
Passion
My passions are spending time in and learning from nature, helping humans connect with themselves and the world around them, hiking, walking in nature, paint by numbers, disco music (and 80s too!) and sewing.
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions
Topics
Origin Story
I wasn't always a nature lover. While I enjoyed spending time outdoors hiking and biking, my true love and appreciation for the outdoors didn't come until I started working remotely in 2008. I struggled with working from home especially when not a lot of people in my organization were remote. I was sitting all day and often worked into the evening because I hadn't gotten good at setting boundaries for myself. One day, I realized that I needed to do something or else I would end up burned out and exhausted. So, one day, I took a walk before I started work and another at 4:30 PM when I used to start my commute home. I kept taking walks and then would walk during lunch. I started visiting local parks and trails and noticed how much better I felt when I left. I found myself going to the trail to calm down, ideate and get inspired and connect with something more than my screen. It was magic for me. And now, I'm learning the science behind it all and sharing with others how they can connect with nature to get calm, gain clarity and get connected.
Example talks
Revive Your Vibe in Nature
This nature immersive talk is aimed at inspiring individuals to reconnect with the natural world and its therapeutic benefits. Chris will bring the natural world to life for attendees when she highlights the many physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and increased creativity. The talk will also explore ways in which people can incorporate nature into their daily lives, such as taking walks outside, practicing mindfulness in natural settings, or simply spending time in a garden or park. Attendees will leave with a renewed appreciation for the healing power of nature and practical tips for incorporating it into their daily routines
Nature: THE Connection Catalyst
Let’s delve into the transformative power of nature in building deeper connections with oneself and the world. Chris will discuss how being in nature can help individuals connect with their inner selves, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth. The talk will also explore how spending time in nature can enhance social connections by fostering empathy, compassion, and a sense of community with others. Chris will provide practical tips and tools for using nature as a catalyst for building deeper connections, such as mindfulness practices, journaling, and immersive experiences in natural settings. Attendees will leave with a newfound appreciation for the power of nature in facilitating personal and social connection, and with actionable steps to incorporate these principles into their daily lives.
The Magic of Human Connection
In today's virtual and hybrid workplace, making and maintaining connections with others can be more challenging than ever before. But why is that? We have more technology to connect with others than ever before so why are we feeling so disconnected? In this session, we'll explore a framework for designing connections that matter. You'll learn how to Make Space for It, Make Time for It, and Make it Matter. Discover how intentional connection can create a thriving virtual workplace and improve your overall well-being. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to architect your virtual workplace for success.