Originally hailing from Newcastle, Liz Elder started out in London as a Chartered Organisational Psychologist and has pursued a successful career as a management consultant specialising in business psychology. Liz has worked internationally across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific advising large public and private sector organisations.

In 2010, Liz decided to take a break from consultancy to focus on her two main passions, surfing and yoga. Liz has successfully set up ‘Portugal Surf Yoga Camp’ a small business in Portugal offering an eco but ‘glam-camping’ experience in the comfort of tipis, proving that ‘back in nature’ doesn’t have to mean ‘roughing it’.

The camp opens on May 1st 2010 ready for the summer, offering a relaxing setting where guests can rejunevate mind and body with worldclass surfing and yoga tutition. Liz is looking forward to a summer in the sun developing her knowledge of sustainable living and environmental issues. For more information on the Surf Yoga Camp, see online here.

Have you always wanted to manage an eco-campsite?

Not always, I am a chartered organisational psychologist by background and have immensely enjoyed my professional career. However, when the opportunity of a sabbatical came up I realised that it was a ‘now or never’ opportunity to go independent and put my business skills to the test whilst doing the two activities I love most – surfing and yoga.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

Hard work and aiming to be the best I can be. If there is anything I would have done differently it would be to have learnt how to ask for help at an earlier stage. I have often struggled on by myself, despite being surrounded by amazing colleagues and friends who are more than willing to support me.

Who helped you along the way?

My parents always put a high value on education and hard work – without their attention and encouragement I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Who inspires you?

My boyfriend inspired me to set up Portugal Surf Yoga Camp. He has successfully set up his own business and my immediate logic was ‘well if he can…!’

What’s so special about Portugal Surf Yoga Camp?

I believe that the recent changes in the economic climate in Europe, and in fact globally, have made a lot of people look at their lives and perhaps reassess their priorities. I think people are moving away from the ‘work hard – buy hard’ way of living and are looking to engage in activities and groups that offer longer lasting rewards and pleasures, rather than immediate satisfaction. The concept of Surf Yoga Camp is to create an environment where people can relax comfortably close to nature, without having a detrimental effect on the environment, engage in healthy activities and learn new skills through surfing and yoga, and of course have fun!

What made you choose Peniche as the location for your camp?

I was immediately drawn to Portugal after spending a number of holidays there over the years. It is a country with so much more to offer than simply the Algarve. Peniche is an excellent surfing spot sitting on a Peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, surrounded by beautiful scenery of vast beaches, pine forests and lagoons. On top of this, the coffee shops, bars and cultural delights of cosmopolitan Lisbon are less than one hour’s drive away.

Why yoga?

I have found that yoga has genuinely helped me to be healthier and relax. I am naturally a high energy person, but the downside to this is that I am prone to take on too much and get a bit burnt out. Yoga has helped me relax and have a clear mind to avoid stress.

What do you think is the biggest problem in British society today and what is the most positive thing?

I think Britain is quickly heading towards a real obesity problem with dwindling outdoor activities and clubs available for young people. I think the Olympic bandwagon has yet to deliver a significant impact on promoting sport and activity to young people. I am a great fan of the British stiff upper lip, I’m always impressed by the British resilience to stay calm and carry on.

Do you feel British or European?

I feel British at the moment, but I anticipate that after my move to Portugal I’ll feel more European. I’m looking forward to getting involved in a new community and exploring a different culture.

What couldn’t you live without?

With my hair, antifrizz curl hair gel is always an essential!

Dream purchase?

A classic VW camper van.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Yael Naim’s New Soul always cheers me up if I’m feeling a little down.

One piece of advice for women thinking about setting up a business?

You will be busy. Maximise any natural ability for multi-tasking and make sure you use all the technology available to you.

Favourite movie?

That’s a really hard one. I really enjoyed Into The Wild (2007), an inspirational story of the rejection of conventional life but given my current eco-project, the ending seems all the more disturbing.

Favourite European city and why?

Prague – I lived there for a while in 2008 and absolutely loved it. I rented a beautiful attic flat in a 19th Century building which overlooked the river, so felt like some kind of artisan. My favourite thing was mooching around the vintage shops in the little back streets around Prague castle.

How do you stay motivated?

By staying focused on the goal I am trying to achieve, and sharing any worries or concerns with my friends who constantly impress me with their creativity and enthusiasm for life.

Desert island book?

I hate re-reading books, I always want to be surprised with a new story, so I’m looking forward to reading Zadie Smith’s next novel as I’ve really enjoyed her previous books.

Favourite bar?

Proud Cabaret in London. It was my 30th birthday last month and I had a great night with all my friends at this burlesque club, a little gem hidden away between the office blocks in the City. I really love the opulence of the bar.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

For the first time in my life, I am not totally sure. In the past I have always had clear plans about my career and life. Now I’m at a stage where I want to try something completely new – and I’m really enjoying it. I hope that in five years time my life with involve living and travelling internationally, combining my professional background in psychology with healthy outdoor living. But who knows what is in store!

Can you run in heels?

Absolutely – as a petite 5’1” I have been running in heels most of my life.