Meet Liz! Liz is originally from Scotland and has been living here in Kelowna for 28 years. She enjoys mountain biking on the beautiful trails here in the Okanagan and spending some quality time with her grandson.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Originally Scotland - Kelowna 28 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My new grandson Reid is just 10 months old. He's changing so quickly that each interaction blows up my heart.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Fresh Air Experience - They are community conscious, provide exceptional products, and support so many athletic and recreational events and causes in our community.
Describe yourself in one word.
Tenacious.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Moab to mountain bike.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Mountain Biking
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was giving a wellness presentation and assumed a woman was pregnant....she was NOT.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Completing my masters in counseling psychology. It has changed every aspect of my life; career, relationships, and outlook on the world.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
On Friday nights, my dad would take my brother and me to buy a treat and then after we would go to a greasy spoon diner for lemon meringue pie.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
A decade ago I founded chicks in the sticks ...this is a community endeavor that supports woman, novice/beginner mountain bikers. I've been leading community rides every Wednesday night for 10 years from April through Sept. Hundreds of women have come through the program. www.chicksinthesticks.ca
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Mental health support for men.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
One of our amazing mountain bike trails.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I am currently one of the very few clinical counselors facilitating a non-profit men in change group. I witness the struggles of good men behaving badly. Many of which who are carrying on the legacies of their abusive upbringings. Creating more programs to support these men helps everyone they are in contact with, partners, children, neighbours, colleagues...even perfect strangers. Awareness and support would change our communities markedly.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
You only need to step out your door to enjoy its beauty and adventure.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Ride Moab
Write a book
Learn the guitar
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I started the first Personal Training Company in Kelowna 24 years ago.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
liz@teamfitnessbc.com Instagram: @coachlizsage Facebook: Liz Sage LinkedIn: Liz Sage
What is the name of your business/organization?
Team fitness inc/action counselling
Why did you get into/start this business?
I grew up as an athlete. I wanted an active career. I believed in active living so much that it came easy to lead others down the path. I transitioned from conditioning coach to life coach to help those stuck to overcome emotional barriers.
What is the goal of your business?
To change lives.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Convincing people they are capable of change.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would hit repeat. It hasn't always been sunshine and champagne but I live a pretty awesome existence and wouldn't want to be without any of the connections and experiences I've had.
What do you always find yourself saying?
It's not what you do but how you do it.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"It's not forever, it's just for now."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Terrance Real. A psychologist who works on and for men's mental health issues and changing the way therapists, life coaches and counsellors work with humans.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It just makes sense. Communities thrive when we support them. Then they, in turn, are solid to support communities.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising my two sons. They are pretty cool humans.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
All the clients I've worked with. Their trust and investment in me has inspired my work and brought such great purpose and meaning to my life.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ellen Churchill
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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