Meet Pam Cho of Trek Executive Coaching, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Cho.

Hi Pam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love of nature started very early. My dad taught my two sisters and me how to identify bird songs, trees and flowers growing up. Our mom encouraged us to play outside in all kinds of weather — sunny days, rain, and snow. Being outdoors has always brought me comfort and joy.

Professionally, my career has included working in government, corporate, non-profit and managing my current executive coaching practice. I served in corporate communications and leadership roles, including time at the White House, in an international trade association, and as a communications executive for Fortune 500 companies. In 2009, I founded Trek Executive Coaching, where I currently work with all levels of professionals on leadership and personal development.

During the pandemic, I shifted from online coaching sessions to working with clients outdoors. I started inviting clients to meet at a park or nature center for their coaching session – to sit at a picnic table or walk on a nature trail. They enjoyed it, and I did too. I had great results holding conversations outdoors, where clients had open space to breathe, reflect and restore their mental and physical wellbeing.

It was during that time that I learned about the practice of “Shinrin-Yoku” or Forest Bathing – a wellbeing practice in Japan that encourages time outdoors. In 2023 I earned a certification as a Forest Therapy Guide from the ANFT (Association of Nature & Forest Therapy) in the US. and furthered my studies in Japan in 2024 and in South Korea in 2025, working with forest bathing guides and medical practitioners. I love the science behind what I do – offering evidence-based group and individual outdoor experiences.

Today, my work combines executive coaching, forest bathing, and mindfulness. I offer 90-min. guided forest therapy walks for groups, and outdoor coaching sessions for individuals in area parks and nature centers.

Since 2023, I’ve worked with individuals and groups from organizations such as US Bank, The Christ Hospital, the University of Cincinnati, P&G, Kroger, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the VA Hospital, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber and Fifth Third Bank. The guided walks offer relaxation, restoration, and tips on how to incorporate nature therapy at home and work.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think I have a lot of company from other entrepreneurs when I say being a business owner is not always a smooth ride. The last three years of pivoting to outdoor coaching and offering group forest bathing walks have been some of the most challenging and rewarding.

The term “Forest Bathing” is something that is both simple and powerful, and makes people immediately inquisitive. When people first hear the phrase “Forest Bathing,” they often wonder if it involves water or a bathing suit. I always smile and explain that forest bathing is the literal translation of the Japanese term “Shinrin-Yoku,” which refers to the practice of slowing down and taking in the healing atmosphere of the forest.

Weather can also be a challenge. I’ve had to be very flexible working in the outdoors. We’ve had to reschedule forest bathing walks because of storms and extreme temperatures. I’ve learned to think creatively about how to bring nature-based experiences to people in different settings, including hospitals, workplaces, gardens, and indoor spaces.

The biggest challenge, though, is cultural. We live in a world that rewards speed, productivity, and constant availability. My work invites people to slow down, notice, breathe, and reconnect. That can feel unfamiliar at first, but with a little time people sink into a space that is relaxing and restorative.

When people experience outdoor work with me — something shifts. I once guided a group of military veterans on a forest bathing walk. One veteran told me afterward that he meditates inside his house every morning, but that the experience of meditating outdoors felt much more powerful. He said he planned to change his routine and move his meditation practice outdoors.

Another participant who takes medication for anxiety shared that the forest bathing walk helped further reduce her symptoms. A high school student told me they felt less stressed about upcoming exams after spending time outdoors and doing forest bathing meditations.

These moments remind me why this work matters. Nature has a way of reaching people gently, but deeply.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What I’m most proud of has been my ability to grow my 16-yr coaching business by responding to the needs of my clients and the business environments they’re working in. I’ve designed leadership programs held in area coffee shops for young professionals, served as an “executive coach in residence” for a corporation, and during the pandemic started offering outdoor coaching sessions.

I’m known for bringing my extensive business background from my time in corporate to my executive coaching clients, as well as my creativity and flexibility to delivering programs that have instant impact. I’m an encourager and bring a heart-centered approach when working with clients. I get so much satisfaction seeing shifts take place with clients that brings them more confidence and joy in their work.

My current offerings include 1:1 outdoor executive coaching, and group Forest Bathing walks in Greater Cincinnati parks and nature centers.

In addition to the work I’ve mentioned earlier, I also enjoy giving presentations on the practice of “Shinrin-Yoku” or Forest Bathing, especially sharing insights and photos from my studies in Japan and South Korea.

I also enjoy helping clients design mindfulness gardens or “sit spots” – a term that refers to an outdoor space that you visit regularly – ideally daily, for relaxation, reflection and grounding. It’s often a bench or chair in a backyard or patio with plants, flowers, herbs etc. I have a business partnership with Wimberg Landscaping who are experts in designing gardens and selecting native and pollinator plants to help with these designs. I start every day outdoors, sitting in my “sit spot” chair on our patio taking deep breaths and listening to the sounds around me. It’s a great way to get grounded before starting your day.

Since the pandemic, I’ve had the privilege of guiding a wide range of people on forest bathing walks, including military veterans, cancer patients, school teachers, corporate executives, hospital staff, students, and community groups.

While each group is different, the needs are often very similar. I find a lot of people these days are tired, carrying a lot of stress and moving quickly without time to pause. I enjoy offering an evidence-based and heart-centered practice that gives people hope, energy and clarity.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I’m so encouraged by the explosive growth we’re seeing in people and organizations incorporating nature and the outdoors into health and wellbeing initiatives. We’re seeing more and more research support the premise that nature and time outdoors has a powerful impact on our physiological and psychological wellbeing.

Medical practitioners are writing prescriptions for time outdoors through national programs like “ParkRX.” Schools, hospitals, hotels and corporate offices are installing nature-based “biophilic” interior design elements to support wellbeing.

Memberships at park districts and nature centers are growing as more individuals and families discover the power of nature and are spending more time outdoors. People are learning and appreciating the fact that spending time outdoors is not a luxury, but an important part of their wellbeing.

In healthcare especially, I believe nature-based programs will become more common as organizations look for meaningful ways to support staff wellbeing and address burnout. A guided walk in the woods cannot solve every problem, but it can help people pause, breathe, feel supported, and reconnect with their own sense of calm and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trekcoaching.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbgardendesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbgardendesign/?locale=sw_KE
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamlowecho/