About Us
At Nova Inner Sustainability, our mission is to offer transformative learning experiences that support individuals to drive positive change. The Nova Course embodies our dedication to enhancing personal growth and sustainable development.
A Message from Our Founder
Discover the inspiration behind The Nova Course directly from our Founder and Course Leader, Isobel. In this personal account, Isobel reflects on the journey that led to the development of our unique course and the commitment to integrating personal growth with sustainable practices.
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There are a few factors that played a part in the reason for creating The Nova Course. I would say the seed was set in childhood, we travelled a lot, so seeing other cultures, and the serene beauty of the natural world enriched my experiences of people and planet from a very young age.
Then choosing my academic path was clear, I wanted to learn more about our interaction with the world. Between my degrees, I discovered self-development for the first time - it was profoundly transformative. I realised I was the author of my life and not just the avatar. I took full responsibility for my life, my choices, and particularly my relationships. A new world opened.
Then, in October 2020, I was struck by an illness, Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). It consumed my every waking moment. I was stuck. Paused. Waiting. Impatient. Hurting. And it was the most uncomfortable pain. It disfigured me. I lost my sense of self. I was a shell. A desperate victim, and I really hate that word. Nobody got me, or, that’s how I felt at the time. I envied people like I’d never envied before. I searched tirelessly for a cure, for solace, for understanding.
At the time, I had no idea that what I would gain would be remarkable. I received support, and care, and slowly began to share my experience with others. I ended up creating a retreat for fellow TSW Warriors. That day moved me to my core. It was filled with tears and humility, like I’d never seen before. I found inner strength from this condition when nothing externally could fix me. I knew that I wanted to bring inner health to others as much and as often as I could.
When I eventually graduated my master’s, I started job searching. I attended interviews and I was totally disheartened by my prospects in the sustainability world. Everything felt vacuous, for show - greenwashing comes to mind.
To my surprise, shock, I would say, initially anyway. I became pregnant. I didn’t know it then but it was my time. My time to brainstorm, to think, to imagine, to create. And so was born The Nova Course, and Nova Inner Sustainability. The beautiful tying together of all difficult and important lessons. And so the next chapter begins.
Q&A With The Team
Curious about what drives our team’s passion for Nova Inner Sustainability and The Nova Course? In this Q&A, our team shares their motivations, standout moments, and hopes for participants, offering an inside look at the heart and soul of our work. Watch to learn more about the people behind our mission and the impact The Nova Course strives to achieve.
Meet the Team
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Isobel Gabbitas
Founder & Course Leader
Isobel is a social scientist with a BSc in Global Development and Sustainability and an MSc in Global Studies. She is passionate about the intersection between inner development and socio-environmental change. Isobel has worked in various sectors in the UK, Canada, and Sweden, and taught in English and Swedish secondary schools. A mother, entrepreneur, and activist, Isobel is on a mission to create an educational organisation that integrates personal and sustainable development, aiming for inner growth to drive outer change.
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Julia Lohaller Sachet
Chief Operating Officer
Julia is the backbone of our organisation, managing operations behind the scenes with expertise and dedication. Inspired by the three pillars of sustainability, she holds a Bachelor's degree in natural and social sciences, specialising in sustainable food systems. With experience in non-profits, care work, and governmental environmental agency work, Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role.
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Joanna Kay
Head of Marketing & Branding
With over 10 years of experience in design and marketing, Joanna has a diverse background ranging from corporate marketing to nurturing startup success. Joanna thrives on collaborating with like-minded entrepreneurs and forward-thinking brands with ethical and sustainable missions. Her dedication and creative vision ensure our brand resonates deeply with our values and aspirations.
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Gabriella Björk-Gabbitas
Creative Director
Our Creative Director, Gabriella, is a trained actor as well as writer, director and divisor of theatre productions. Active in the community seeking meaningful change and striving for equality. A keen interest in nature and gardening lead to training professionally as a horticulturist and garden designer alongside working in the performing arts. A committed pacifist, feminist, activist and optimist seeking solutions and maintaining hope.
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Tim Hunt
Course Coach
Inspired by linking people to natural environments and pushing for a society which values inclusion and sustainable economic growth. Tim is a keen surfer, curious soul and true people person who has worked on and managed many projects exclusively focusing on or combining education, training, wellbeing and mental health, adventure sports, environmental growth, the circular economy and business incubation.
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Florence Early
Course Coach
Flo is dedicated to revolutionising education with a woodland-based school for vulnerable youth. Passionate about the environment and the intricate connections we share with it, Flo aims to transform education to embrace eco-friendly practices that address individual needs. With a wealth of experience, knowledge and a heartfelt commitment to nurturing both people and the planet, Flo embodies a deep connection with nature. Adding to her achievements, Flo is a four-time cheese rolling champion!
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire passionate leaders with the knowledge and tools to create meaningful change. We nurture personal growth alongside sustainable development, offering a welcoming space where you can grow, connect, and leave a positive mark on the world.
Vision Statement
We envision a world where people are inspired and emboldened to take action towards a sustainable, safe and thriving planet for all, and for generations to come. Personal growth is at the core of what we do to create resilience, and therefore, nurture a global community of future-thinking, conscientious leaders who drive meaningful socio-environmental change. We are dedicated to supporting people internally, so they can act externally, making the world a better and safer place for all.