Ian Yolles

Ian Yolles grew up in Toronto. In 1978 he started as an intern at COBWS. After overcoming his skepticism, he hung around until 1990, working as an assistant instructor, instructor, course director, and program director, serving the last five years as the school’s executive director. Along the way, he received a postgraduate research fellowship from the Thomas J. Watson Foundation, enabling him to work at most of the Outward Bound schools around the world. After Outward Bound, he became interested in progressive businesses, leading him to work at the Body Shop, Patagonia, and Nike. He then cofounded Nau. Today he lives with his wife, Irene, in Portland, Oregon, serves as the board chair at NatureBridge, and often seeks inspiration in nature.