Category Archives: Life’s Lessons

Day 3 – #SoloRoadTrip: Gut Instincts, Gravel Roads & Gaining Time

28 Thursday Aug 2025

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Last night brought a little rain, but Trooper handled it like a champ! I woke up to the soft sounds of the alpaca farm and since the “General Store” wasn’t opened yet 🤣, I said goodbye to my fuzzy four-legged hosts before rolling out and heading south.

🛣️ Mountains, Desert, and a Whole Lot of Driving

Today’s route took me from Montana, through Idaho, and into Nevada — where I officially gained back an hour of time. There was even a road sign to mark the moment that you are “Entering Pacific Time Zone.” I didn’t get the shot (safety first), but I found one online because—those who know me, know how much I love a good road sign.

My planned stop was just north of Elko, but the gravel road leading there was … rough. As in Trooper-is-rattling-and-objects-are-falling-out-of-cupboards rough. As I navigated deeper, everything in me was saying this isn’t the best. The desert landscape, abandoned-looking vehicles, closed-down gas stations … it all made me feel a little uneasy.

💡 Trust the Feeling. Take the Detour.

So I turned Trooper around. 🚐

I rerouted and drove a few more hours south to Winnemucca, Nevada — a town I’ve stayed in on a past #soloroadtrip. There’s something reassuring about familiar ground. I pulled into the same hotel lot, parked Trooper, and walked next door for some wings. Comfort food meets peace of mind. Plus a little wine. 🍷

🫶 Short Calls, Big Impact

As I drove through light rain … downpour rain … lightning … and blazing sunshine, I took a couple of phone calls that turned out to be surprisingly productive, which was a gift. ☎️ And I actually think the hearing is better from Trooper going 80 mph through rain, then my Audi at 65 mph in the sunshine! LOL

I have to give a big thanks to Scott, my steady and supportive rock. As soon as I mentioned my new destination, he was already online scouting out hotels and places to park. I’m so grateful for his quiet but powerful support on these trips (and of me always). I love you, babe.

📚 Books, Podcasts & Backseat Therapists

Today, I finished listening to Careless People. The finale was exactly as the rest of the book — absolutely fascinating and disturbing. I’ll definitely be recommending it to anyone who hasn’t read it yet.

After that heavy listen, I needed a little energy shift. I caught a quick hit of Gabby Bernstein on “How to Release Anxiety,” which included a few new techniques in there.

I also started in on The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende for my September book club pick. So far, I’m into it, but tonight I’ll need to dig into the characters and timelines a bit more. The author weaves between people and time periods, so between that, the changing weather, and going 80 mph … sometimes it was hard to catch it all!

🌙 Closer to Home

The silver lining of today’s detour? I’m now two hours closer to home. 🏡 Tomorrow will be a shorter drive, and after today’s 12-hour journey, I’ll take it.

Here’s to trusting your instincts, leaning into support, and finding cozy rest stops where you least expect them.

Day 1 – #SoloRoadTrip: Tough Goodbyes, Birthday Celebration and a Manifestation Pit Stop

26 Tuesday Aug 2025

Posted by in Family, Life's Lessons, SoloRoad

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Today marked the official beginning of my drive back to California … but emotionally, the road trip started long before Trooper rolled out of Edmonton.

Leaving my parents is always hard, but today hit differently. Those with aging parents know — the moments saying goodbye don’t get easier. My mom’s dementia means she often doesn’t quite realize when I’m leaving, which can feel like a small gift because when I say “not for a week” – the joy on her face is beyond ecstatic. ♥️ Today, just before I left, she looked me straight in the eye and said with such beautiful seriousness: “I think you should just turn that van around and move back to Canada.” 🇨🇦

Cue the smile … and the tears.

My Uncle Dennis might be onto something with his 4am exits and slow roll down the street. 🚙

I had a tremendous few weeks in Edmonton. My sister had a successful surgery and is already on the road to recovery. Watching her lean into the practice of asking for help — something no Fedeyko excels at — was a gift in itself. She even let me do dishes and laundry (!), and while I know she’s in excellent hands with her husband, a big part of me wished I had one more week just to be near. To help. To love. To make sure she really, truly rests. Be kind to yourself, Sis.

With my heart full and a little heavy, I pointed Trooper south down Highway 2 towards Calgary. It’s a straight, uneventful drive — just open skies, prairie fields, and the room to breathe. The simplicity of that stretch let my mind wander, as it always does.

🎧 Audiobook + Podcast Companion

I started Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams — a fascinating, eye-opening, and honestly quite disturbing listen. And everyone that has read it says the same. I had to shift gears to something lighter just after Red Deer, eventually landing on Dear Gabby. “The Universe Has My Back” is one of my fav’s! Within minutes she had me manifesting my future (always on brand, right?). The only downside of this kind of inspired listening is that I couldn’t jot down any notes or action steps. And if I don’t write something down – there is almost zero chance I’ll remember it! ✍️ So I’ll be circling back to her Show Notes to grab the juicy links and manifestation mantras that I couldn’t capture while driving. 🙏

🌙 Being welcomed by a different family

I arrived at the home of my friend and fellow CELS board member, Mirna, just in time for a family birthday dinner for her mother-in-law. It was such a warm, welcoming, joy-filled evening. It was such a privilege to be welcomed into their home, share stories and laughs (so many laughs!), and get a little glimpse into Mirna and her husband, Sepand’s, world. But let me be clear … the real celebrity of the evening was Bizu, Cash & Mina’s dog, who definitely stole the show and most of the attention. 🐾

☕ Up Next: Calgary Coffee Chat

Tomorrow morning Mirna and I will host a CELS Coffee Chat right here in Calgary — a gathering of life science founders, investors, and ecosystem partners for a chance to catch up and share more about our Valley Ready program for Canadian companies scaling into the U.S. I’m so excited for the conversations that will unfold — the chance to reconnect with old friends — and meeting founders building ground-breaking innovation.

Until then, I’m reflecting with gratitude — for family, for friendship, and for the road that always finds a way to lead me exactly where I need to be.

Day 2 #SoloRoadTrip – Picture Perfect View

26 Friday Jul 2024

Posted by in friendship, Life's Lessons, Organization, Travel, Uncategorized

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I’m going to start with the end because the view from my friend’s place is out of this world. I walked in and saw a beautifully set dinner table, complete with wine glass and fresh flowers. And then I turned around and saw the view and said out loud – holy f*&^! WOW #stunning. Tyler said, yeah, that is how most people react. And I’m like, no shit. #Breathtaking.

So now, back to the beginning of the day.

It started off cold in Crescent City this morning. So cold I had to turn my seat warmer on for the first part of my drive! I winded my way through the last miles of California, through majestic forest and a single lane road. I had planned to start my day with some work calls but nature said ‘not yet, Joanne’. So I breathed it all in and enjoyed every moment before I hit the interstate.

I was pleasantly surprised when I got onto Interstate 5 that I still had beautiful mountains and farmer’s fields on either side of the road for what was probably at least 100 miles. I was whizzing along at 75 mph and there was no place to stop for a quick photo so you’ll have to believe me. 😆

Internet found me in time to salvage a few work calls. Of note was my call with Lee-Anne, a founder who participated in Pathway in 2023, my signature program in San Francisco for female founders. Back then, Lee-Anne had eagerly absorbed the lessons shared by the program mentors and investors, and I knew Lee-Ann was someone that had the grit, determination, and grace, to make it big with her idea. And today was the chance for me to catch up and hear an update.

Lee-Anne spoke with such confidence and ease that I smiled more brightly with each element of the business she updated me on. I always love it when I meet a founder that I know I am going to be able to say “I knew her when …”. And I will undoubtedly say that about Lee-Anne.

When we talked about the growth she’s experiencing, mixed in with the daily grind and relentless determination needed to succeed, Lee-Anne embraced both sides of table. “When fear and opportunity hold hands” she said, referring to the incredible excitement and challenges that comes with realizing our dreams.

I’m going to hold that saying close to me. It’s a good reminder that on any giving day, life gives us “yes, and” responses to our prayers.

I ran into brutal traffic along the 5 as I headed East to my friend’s place. The extra 45 minutes wasn’t in my calculations and well, let’s just say I was keeping well hydrated. Turns out the Oregoneans are pretty fussy about the use of their public restrooms. Took 3 stops to find a place I could duck into the washroom unnoticed and not feel the pressure to be a patron. But then again, it was a Starbucks so you know, I indulged and supported … as a token of my appreciation. 🙂

I finally made it to my friends and as you already read in my opening paragraph, their view is stunning. It threw me off balance when I took my first steps into their home. I enveloped the breathtaking view just steps away. Ahhhh …. now I know why you moved to Seattle, Pavan. Well done, my friend. Well done.

Tyler cooked a meal for kings and queens, complete with wine (and more wine) and then some ice cream. The three of us had fun catching up on work, life, and more work. I remembered back to the first time I met Pavan at the Vault in San Francisco when she first arrived on the SF scene. We became instant friends, but then again, if you meet Pavan, you can’t help but create that category together. Her curiosity, matched with her generosity, makes her one pretty amazing human.

While we didn’t solve all of the world’s problems tonight … we did have some really good laughs at how similar our leadership style is and that we recognize the “bar” we set in our own businesses. And no, not that bar.

My eyes are heavy bc it’s much later than the time I set for this to be published. So, until tomorrow. Good night from Seattle. area. ish.

I am enough

21 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Inspiration, Life's Lessons, Love

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last night as I lay in bed, i was reflecting on some people in my life. colleagues. mentors. friends. close relationships. strangers. and i started to feel down. started to feel like I couldn’t compete. started to spin with the thought … “what have I done? … how do i compare? … am I enough?”

so i pulled out my journal and i began to write. because even though my head tells me that i am enough … my ego was getting in my way.

I. Am. Enough." Manifestation Tattoo– Conscious Ink

i am smart enough

i am complete enough

i am fun enough

i am enjoyable enough

i am patient enough

i am outgoing enough

i cook enough

i am resourceful enough

i am courageous enough

i am generous enough

i am curious enough

i am vulnerable enough

i am complete enough

i am tenacious enough

i am witty enough

i am loving enough

i am kind enough

I am enough.

i am enough | Tumblr

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Living Your Potential

26 Sunday Jan 2020

It’s an interesting phenomenon that we can see the potential in others more clearly than they can see in themselves.  And the same goes with how difficult it is to see our own potential and a clear path to our goals and ambitions.

I’ve learned that I’m not going to change this, even though it doesn’t make any sense to my rational brain. But I trust that the Universe has a reason for making it easier to see the potential in others than it is to see it in ourselves.

Therefore the only option is to embrace the challenge and succeed anyway!

there is no man living

Here is what I’m learning about how people are achieving greater levels of success and reaching a higher level of potential.

Set a long term plan

A wise man and mentor referred me to an inspiring and famous quote which says that  we tend to overestimate what we can do in one year but underestimate what we can accomplish in 5, 10 or 20 years. I’ll provide the Bill Gates quote since he’s a tech icon I admire.

“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”

For the first time I created a 5 year plan versus my typical “one year resolution” list of 47 items that I wanted to accomplish in 12 months. It’s already made a huge difference in the way I approach life and has reduced my stress level tremendously.  Last year at this time I would have been freaking out and I would be telling myself — “it’s practically February – one month has almost vanished before my eyes!! — I am no where near accomplishing my long list of goals.”  For more reading on this check out Founderpedia post.

But .. because I have a five-year plan, I’m not freaking out at all. I’ve already accomplished a few things and if I take the long view, then I’m well on my way and feel confident that success is in my future.  Which leads me to …

Celebrate the small wins

We achieve lots of things on a daily basis, but because we’re so focused on accomplishing something big, we erroneously skip over the confidence boost and validation by not celebrating our achievements. Each win doesn’t require a grand stand and parade, but even a short discussion with yourself saying “I did that!” or “What a wonderful accomplishment towards my bigger goal” will increase your mood and give you energy as you tackle the rest of the day, year, decade.

Give. And then give more 

I’m consistently receiving signs these days that in order to increase our happiness and to help us be successful, we need to give. And it’s critical to give when we feel down and least feel like we can, or have, the capacity to give.

Giving doesn’t have to be monetary. It could be as simple as a compliment. And even if you’re a giver … you will be surprised how giving more will unlock the inspiration needed to tackle what seems like an insurmountable task.

Research reported in Adam Grant’s book “Give and Take” (which I highly recommend) shows that giving in chunks (ie: focused giving in a short period of time) versus giving in sprinkles (ie: one small act a day for a week), provides greater satisfaction and a feeling of happiness. And when we are happy, we know that we tend to be more motivated and therefore have a greater chance of working towards our goals and true potential.

Unlock-Your-Potential

Finding happiness 

Happiness isn’t always derived from the work we do or even the goals we’re trying to accomplish. Often finding happiness elsewhere (in an activity we enjoy; spending time with people that inspire us; volunteering with something you care about) can provide you with the happiness that will give you the motivation and push you to dig deeper and reach higher so you can truly unlock your potential.

… and on a personal note, just writing this blog today is a huge win for me that I’m going to celebrate with a delicious Chai Latte and a mini “woot woot” as I hit “publish”. 🙂

Possible

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Community

23 Wednesday Oct 2019

Posted by in community, Family, Inspiration, Life's Lessons

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The other day I heard an important distinction between the meaning of community and the definition of a network.

community-services

A network is a group of interconnected people … which I completely relate to because I have personally built a business by building my network.

A community is a feeling of fellowship of others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.

The distinction between the two got me thinking about what community is … and the community that I have fostered … versus the networks I have built.

And then it dawned on me.  The reason why I have been experiencing a sense of loss and loneliness in my life. It is because I haven’t nurtured enough community, at a time when I think I needed it the most.

There are things we do that help foster community.

Being in a relationship … having a family … a partnership of some kind …

These all lend themselves to shared interests and common goals.

When we have a belief in something, or a strong passion, be it a spiritual belief in God or some passion for say a certain sport or the arts and culture, we have an easier time building connection.  We form relationships where we rely on others and over time, feel confident that no matter what, we are going to be there for each other … be it to pray with … cheer with … create with … or commiserate with.

Community_3

Being a solo entrepreneur can make it difficult to build or keep up within a community. We focus most of our time on our company.  We make decisions to prioritize growing the business over, sometimes, almost everything else.  And we can often seclude ourselves from places of deep connectivity citing a lack of time, energy or a whole host of other reasons, valid or not.

But the cost of disconnection can be great.

It’s almost like we find our own little hole and keep digging ourselves towards the opposite direction of community and support, even though I think we realize it’s exactly what we need to thrive.  We need community and that sense of support to keep our heart and soul alive – so it can fuel our imagination, our passions, and yes, ultimately our business.

We all have a lot to offer to a community, in addition to what we will gain from being a part of one.  But like anything else in life, it starts with taking a step forward in the direction we want to go.  And we don’t know what might stick, so we can’t be scared to go down a few paths to find the right one for us.

Be it for a season, a reason, or a lifetime.  Finding a community, or two or five, feels like a good use of our time.

community-word cloud.jpg

 

Special thanks to my new community #MC and my old #creativeNZ match for the inspiration.

Day 15: Rolling 365 Life Planning

15 Saturday Dec 2018

Posted by in Inspiration, Life's Lessons, LifePlanning, Organization, stress, Writing Topics

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I have experienced a common trait amongst successful people.

They all plan out their life.

And they don’t do it in December as part of their new year’s resolutions .

They do it on a rolling 365 day schedule.

2018 2019.jpeg

They plan when they are going to spend time traveling. See friends. Experience new things. They plan work commitments, of course, and exercise goals. Bucket list items. They plan everything!

Their life inevitably never turns out exactly as planned, but that is not the point.

The point is …

If we don’t know where we are going, how are we going to get there?

So this is not only my encouragement, but also my invitation — for you to look at your goals on a consistent basis.

So what does consistent look like?

Well, we know it is more than once or twice a year.  And I think it’s more than one a month. So I would venture to say that a weekly review will likely yield the best results. It will make you acutely aware of the choices you’re making every day in between.

I had lunch with an incredibly accomplished woman the other day who shared “I put everything on my calendar. If I am planning a vacation and then something comes up, then it’s a decision I have to make as to whether or not I give up my vacation. But without it on the calendar, someone else is controlling my schedule.” BTW – thank you, Jodi, for the incredible opportunity to meet Kathleen – I learned so much!

Look at what you want and where you want to be, and instead of being mindful of it on an annual basis, view it on a rolling 365 day calendar.

Start with planning out your next 12 months and then each month, fill in the next month. Then look at it weekly and keep getting more granular about what you need to do or change in order to achieve your goals.

ny resolution start.jpeg

And remember to celebrate all of the wins along the way!

Day 13: The Art of the Vacation

13 Thursday Dec 2018

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Today we wrapped up my Canadian Women’s Network 2nd cohort program. I’m grateful for everyone that participated and gave of their time and expertise, and I’m humbled by the women that joined me for four days in the Valley — thank you.

One big take away from the week came yesterday when one of the roundtable mentors asked the group “Do you take structured time off”?

And the dialogue that followed was hilarious …

Founders: Like, how do you mean?

Mentor: As in a vacation.

Founders: Gasp! Laughter. Confusion.

Mentor: It helps you be more creative and productive.

Founders: Hum. … can you define, vacation?

Mentor:  Two to three weeks away.  From work.  Totally unplugged. No email. Let someone else on your team step up and show you they can lead when you’re not there. As in not working or checking in with the team.

… and we went ’round and ’round trying to understand what this concept meant and for a few of us (me included), we also tried to find justification for not taking a ‘vacation’ or somehow getting approval that a ‘weekend away’ or ‘checking emails in the mornings’ counted.

And it turns out, it doesn’t.

Now, not everyone struggles with this question, but for those of us that do, I invite you to dream about a vacation.  An actual 2-3 week time period where you unplug. Where would you go? What would bring you joy? Who on your team would lead while you’re away? Are they ready for the responsibility so that you can leave and feel like your business is in good hands? If not, how quickly can you prepare them?

When you allow yourself to dream, your body starts to physically feel different. It starts to relax. So not only should we all have an actual vacation in 2019, we should think about it often and reap the benefits of simply thinking about it and how it’s going to feel once we’re on it!

 

boyne-mountain-1160x770.jpg  beaches.jpg

wine image.jpg

Day 12: What’s Your Superpower

12 Wednesday Dec 2018

Posted by in Inspiration, Life's Lessons, Writing Topics

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This morning’s roundtable, which was a part of my Canadian Women’s Network program, was about How Women Lead. And it was filled with a great number of thought provoking questions that I thought this one would be perfect for a writing topic.

what is your superpower boy.jpg

I write and talk about this often but it cannot be understated.

If it’s not something that you already know, then I invite you to ask yourself, what is your unique strength?

What do you do better than anyone else?  Where do you soar?

Perhaps it’s something that is effortless. Perhaps it’s something that you do and gain huge benefit from.

no one is you and that is your superpower

Here is a hint … It’s one thing that makes you stand out. It gives you an unfair advantage, except it’s completely fair because its your unique skill.

Today the group shared things like …. Sleep; Pulling together a meal for 10 people when you only have enough for two. Networking. Bringing people together.

The other day I listened to a successful founder talk about the 50+ books he reads each year, consistently. So your Superpower could be … Being insatiably curious.

your intuition is your superpower.png

If nothing comes to mind then this is the perfect place to start thinking and doing some writing.

And have some fun with it too!

What’s Your Superpower?

 

i make wine disappear superpower

 

Day 9: Living in Gratitude

09 Sunday Dec 2018

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It seems like no matter where I turn to these days, the answer always includes gratitude.

There are hundreds, or I’m sure thousands (maybe more), of books that have been written on the art and importance of gratitude.  And after decades of being an adult and reading (now listening) to many of them … I agree.

But writing or feeling grateful in a moment (especially when something has brought you down or you’re finding it hard to be positive at all) can be … well, incredibly hard.

But life is hard — so we must forge on.

And therefore in that moment, and for today’s writing topic … I want you to write three things you’re grateful for.  They don’t have to be long or complicated, deep or philosophical … they just have to be real for you in this moment.

You could be grateful for waking up today and feeling healthy.  For today being a Sunday. For the sunshine — or the rain. Or maybe you’re grateful because you made it to the end of the day.

Regardless — I believe acknowledging gratitude in the Universe is one of the best uses of our time. So I invite you to do this daily, if only to list three things.