In Focus | Lorraine Richmond

Meet Lorraine! She's all about encouraging the mindset that we are better together!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Saskatchewan-born prairie girl. I've been in Kelowna for 14 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I have a million favourite people in my world. I adore the human race and all of the accompanying messy beauty of humanity. My favourite of all favourites is someone that has traversed the journey with me through planned adventures, ordinary joyful moments and the devastations of grief and unexpected change.. He makes me coffee every morning, cheerleads me on with gritty truthfulness that I'd rather not listen to... and offers unending support and genuine belief to whatever greater good I attempt to accomplish. And he does his own good work in the world. Meet Don Richmond, my husband, and friend.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Third Space Coffee is a local favourite. I like it because they invest directly into community health and wellbeing. Aside from this important focus and investment, it’s a fantastic uptown/downtown space to gather for invigorating, worthy conversations.

Describe yourself in one word.
RelentlesslyPurposeful.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Kona ...to smile at the warm sunshine, dance on the beach, breathe in the fragrance of the tropical flowers and drink in the wild air of the ocean.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
One favourite activity? Just one? Okay,.. it's drinking good, good coffee. But it's not really about the coffee, Kelowna abounds with individuals willing to engage in genuine conversations about personal ambition and longing, and what it is to have meaningful work with a life that works.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Decades ago, I was invited to be the guest soloist at a notably prestigious wedding of the daughter of the conductor of the Edmonton Symphony (spoiler alert; all guests are uber talented and I am not). The pianist began the introduction in the wrong key and attempted to correct the key before I sang the first note. However I chose to begin singing in what I hoped would be a better key. We continued to attempt to find and share the same key throughout the entire first verse. No luck.

In hopes that we would finally land on the same key, the pianist played an exuberant bridge and waited for me to begin the second verse. However, as we noticed that many of the wedding guests were now holding their breathe (in shock, horror and disbelief), we made a decision to end the song abruptly. Painfully and unceremoniously, we returned to our front row seats, where we promptly went into uncontrollable, inappropriate fits of laughter.

Thankfully, mobile phones and easy-access cameras were not in the hands of the wedding guests at that time. (P.S. don't ask me to sing at your next event).

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having the privilege to hear the transparent voice of leaders who have a strong will to lead themselves well, so that in turn they may lead both the vision and their people well.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Watching big-sky sunrises and sunsets over the rolling hills of the prairies (it's not all flat).

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've been on boards of non-profits, provided pro bono coaching and workshops to individuals and organizations on a restricted or zero budget, facilitated Pink Pinstripe Lunch & Learns, shared presentations at Okanagan College and UBCO. As well, I organize groups of people to volunteer for one-off service projects throughout Kelowna and West Kelowna during the spring and fall.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Eliminate human trafficking, on every level.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
By the water (with coffee).

Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
In workplace cultures. Since so many people give their valuable time to a workplace for the better portion of their week (and life), I'd like to see businesses and organizations be relentlessly diligent about evolving their culture to a context where core values and meaningful purpose would be actualized for all stakeholders.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Six-month sabbatical in Italy.
2. Shared vacation time with family or friends.
3. Actively contribute to inspire humanity in meaningful ways until I'm 85 years old (then I'll settle in and write a memoir of what really mattered in my brief lifetime).



Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Became a teacher and entrepreneur at age 12. Taught piano lessons for real money (which was a big deal at age 12 on the prairies). Continued to teach piano for almost 2 decades.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
LinkedIn: Lorraine Richmond

What is the name of your business/organization?
Lorraine Richmond Leadership Coaching.

Why did you get into this business?
I began the business to contribute my coaching expertise and leadership experience to influence the shift from the past I-centric culture to a more relevant WE-culture. I am still passionate about influencing these changes today. In business, leadership and life, I have known the gift of being valued for my values, capacity and unique contributions. I have also experienced the discomfort and dissonance of working with and for others who appeared to only care about their own ego, agenda, and economic success, at the expense of the constituents. Throughout the years, these experiences have continued to serve as a catalyst for my business, my trade and my art. I believe there is a current need in business, companies and institutional culture to transition from past behaviours and leadership thinking to an evolved culture that holds the shared place of respect and human dignity for all. Why does this matter? Because within each of us lies the capacity to influence another life, alter an industry, transform a community and in our unique and shared capacity, make a bigger, bolder difference to create a better world. #bettertogether

What is the goal of your business?
To inspire, influence and equip leaders, managers and the everyday person to 1) live a meaningful life, that contributes to a positive, productive, healthy and profitable culture where core values and purpose matter and 2) to facilitate the building and rebuilding of trust as the core currency of business and everything meaningful.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Wanting change for people more then they want it for themselves.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Same: hold the same intrinsic core values.
Different: a louder, stronger voice for freedom, respect and human dignity for all.



What do you always find yourself saying?
1. Better together. 2. Notice & Name (clarity, clarity, clarity)

What is your best piece of life advice?
At least once a year for the rest of your life, prioritize personal clarity on life's 4 biggest questions: 1. Who am I now (aside from my role, status, position or in comparison to someone or something)? 2. Where am I going? 3. How will I get there? 4. Why does it matter?

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Brené Brown.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Improving the world begins with investing in our local community, investing in the efforts of local people who dedicate their time, talent and investments to make our community a special place. If we want to enjoy the Okanagan as unique and wonderful, then we have a responsibility to invest in the people and businesses who make it so.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I'm most proud of the diligence and commitment to continue with my education and ongoing learning. New knowledge, current research, and differing perspectives from a larger sphere have been the backbone and foundation for my business as well as for my personal resilience and growth.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Whenever I think about this individual who has endured extensive heartache, disease, loss, and pain and yet, continues to resurface with tenacity, grace, forgiveness, resilience, generosity, and selfless kindness, I am deeply inspired.
She walks with the many beautiful souls who have no home, no hope, no help and shares what she has (which isn't always much). Her name may never be in neon lights or in a hall of fame, but in my view, Judy Dobson is gold.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dawn Himer.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I love our Okanagan and it's people. For me, there is a great joy in being a connector, having great conversations in the moment, getting to know new people and connecting others together who have shared values, talents, and interests. Thank you to all the kind and progressive individuals who are open to new friendships, new ways, and new opportunities to be better together. #bettertogether.

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!