We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lindsy Matthews a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lindsy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease, Ulcerative Colitis, as a child, I have no memories that don’t include details around living with this disease. My parents had to help me learn to take care of myself, because I had to grow up a little faster than others my age.
I have early memories of being angry and upset when everyone around me could just eat whatever they wanted without getting sick, and it felt unfair because they didn’t even know how lucky they were.
I remember my mom gently reminding me that eating is a super normal human thing to do, and that resentment at others for doing what came normal would just make it harder on me. In other words, I would have to be the one to adapt if I wanted to make the most of the life I’ve been given, and even appreciate it.
I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the beginning of a special kind of resilience. My ability to adapt time and time again became a skill. I got good at accepting and moving forward no matter what health challenges came my way. I made it my superpower.
I give my parents credit for helping me find my way to life of resilience, acceptance and of course the skills to make the most of any situation that comes my way.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was a personal trainer and fitness entrepreneur for over 15 years, starting my first business as a fitness studio owner in Toronto when I was just 22 years old. It led me to a bootcamp and personal training business in Aurora, and I adapted my business to corporate virtual fitness classes during the pandemic. I’ve had the pleasure of working with hundreds of clients, mostly women of all ages and from all walks of life, as well as some incredible corporations and it has been the most satisfying and wonderful career.
My health challenges led me to retire from fitness in January of 2022, when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. I was able to maintain my business during my early stage breast cancer experience starting in 2018, but it became too hard.
I’ve been writing about my experiences since then on my blog, and it’s enabled me to discover my love for writing and sharing my story with vulnerability and a sense of humour. I write about Breast Cancer, autoimmune disease, parenting, and life in general.
Recently I won Speaker Slam, North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition – where I took the stage to share my experiences in the Against All Odds themed competition. I’ve reawakened my love for public speaking and I’m now pursuing keynote speaking. Plus, I get to take the stage again at the Grand Slam in November, where I get to compete for the Speaker Slam’s title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year.
Of course my favorite job title is mom. I have two kids aged 7 & 8, and they’re my main motivation to fight hard and live well. Together, my husband and I are making sure our life is filled with fun and adventure with them so they’ll always know how good life is, even when it’s hard. They’re watching me, and how I handle what life throws me will become their playbook one day when hard things happen to them.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivot could be my middle name. The amount of times I’ve had to pivot in my business, career and life has made me who I am today.
My business has evolved from working as a personal trainer in a gym to studio owner, to selling that business and taking on a smaller bootcamp business while I focused on building a family, then growing that bootcamp business to transforming it to a virtual corporate fitness coaching business, and then deciding to leave the fitness industry to pursue life coaching, and finally letting my life circumstances lead me to writing and speaking. Every single pivot has been a monumental learning and growth opportunity – because I’ve always chosen to see it that way – and made my life better and more fulfilling.
To pivot is to adapt is to grow.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I could go back, I wouldn’t change anything. I feel like working in the health and wellness industry is where I’ve always been meant to be. My unique experiences and willingness to share with others has enabled me to help others who are in similar situations feel seen and heard.
I was called to exercise and nutrition early on when I was on my own autoimmune health journey. My love for it blossomed and evolved as my health journey continued to progress and change. Every step of the way I was guided to what made the most sense, and it’s led me to incredible people and amazing opportunities. I’m so grateful for everyone who’s crossed my path along the way.
And health is everyone’s most important asset. Investing in your health is important, and I’ve always been so happy to help others achieve their goals and live a healthy lifestyle, physically and emotionally. I hope I’ll be able to continue to do so through my writing and speaking. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindsymatthews.com
- Instagram: @lindsymatthews
- Facebook: Lindsy Matthews
- Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/lindsy-matthews-9495015
- Twitter: @LindsyMatthews
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs7y-jXLiKgL0hawmBB0gFA
- YouTube: @LindsyMatthews
Image Credits
Darius Bashar – first photo