Meet Judy. She is a director of the Kelowna Apple Triathlon and has a a passion for marketing, photography and the tech industry!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m a native of Northern Ontario, and lived in Vancouver since university. In 2011 I started living part-time in Kelowna, moving here full-time in early 2015.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner Stephen Barbour, because he thinks I’m a excellent cook and wine steward! He’s insightful, unconventional, adventurous, athletic and an excellent traveler. We do everything and go everywhere!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lakeview Market on Pandosy: it’s hyper-local, independently owned, well priced, and staffed by sweet people who remember you. Lakeview deserves to be our first choice for grocery items before looking at other stores.
Describe yourself in one word.
Multifaceted.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
To La Paz in Mexico’s Baja: so much natural beauty around that city, great food culture, lovely people - all with warm water and dependable sunshine.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
In Summer, it’s ALL about The Lake: kayaking, swimming, cycling, picnics, boating, wine at sunset. In Winter, it’s ALL about alpine skiing at Big White, then after, a hot beverage watching the day’s waning light.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Um, not for public consumption. It was deeply silly and clothing-optional.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Suffering & recovering from serious illness, years ago, taught me about myself and others. It inspired my realization that life is not a drill, to live fully and consciously, laughing at every opportunity.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Wandering solo for hours in the Summer, harvesting wild blueberries in nearby Northern Ontario hills, singing to the family dog that kept me company.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I’m a director of the Kelowna Apple Triathlon and I contribute to various local charities. I was an executive-in-residence at Accelerate Okanagan, and still mentor several technology company CEOs locally. That said, I seek involvement in groups relating to building community & supporting people in meeting life’s basic needs (food & shelter).
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Raise compassion levels - a challenge in our self-oriented world. A more compassionate world would make reducing hunger & misery a priority, and would dissolve so many artificial barriers.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
In Summer, either hiking locally, or recharging & swimming at one of Kelowna’s pocket beaches with some reading & a picnic. In Winter it’s either a day skiing at Big White, sunset at The Eldorado deck, or cooking a feast in my Lower Mission kitchen.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
On a high level, I like the welcoming, compassionate tone of Kelowna’s ‘Vision to 2040’ where economic opportunity and good lifestyle are open to all. On a deeper level, I think everything starts with a roof over one’s head and food on one’s plate. So any changes that improve housing affordability and livability, as well as food security and distribution, will make huge impact on Kelowna live, now and later.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna has it all: stunning natural setting, great downtown, links to the world, and a can-do, dynamic attitude. Our easy reach to Vancouver lets me maintain vital personal relationships & professional involvement, too.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- a Winter-long ski tour of the Pyrenees & The Alps
- build a small, brilliantly-designed house and garden high over Okanagan Lake
- when I’m 75, deliver a kick-butt TEDx-style talk that’s widely enjoyed and shared
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can’t choose: That I’m fluently bilingual in French & English? That I did stand-up comedy? That I wrote an urban newspaper column for 14 years? Or that I’m a keen gardener and quite like getting dirty?
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
What is the name of your business/organization?
I have two careers: primary is a consultancy to technology-enabled businesses, The Cabo Group. But everyone simply knows the “Judy Bishop” brand for my director, coaching and financing-related work. My secondary career is “The Travelling Eye Photography."
Why did you get into/start this business?
My consultancy started in 1992 to meet the need for expertise in strategic marketing, financing advisory and tech company development. The Travelling Eye produces travel and action lifestyle photos licensed globally by photo agency Getty Images since 2007.
What is the goal of your business?
My consultancy helps growing tech businesses thrive by coaching senior executives, sitting on boards, or advising on strategy. Travelling Eye captures useful photos that show the world in fresh ways, tap into curiosity, and inspire care for Nature.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life? In life it’s been the traumas when death robbed me of my best gal pal, and later, my spouse. In work I’ve been challenged to shoehorn my multi-faceted self into actionable career choices. I’m an impatient optimist, always wanting to make more happen.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I don’t look back much, except to understand. That said, I’d probably draw clear boundaries better and earlier.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“Life could be worse,” as my acknowledgement that something absolutely amazing is happening.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
I have two: “A beautiful woman should lose her mirror early.” and “Sleep is never a waste of time.”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Melinda Gates, the driving force behind the Gates Foundation’s massive global investments to empower poor societies (by enabling birth control and educating women) and reduce misery due to controllable infectious diseases.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support each other and build community! The local economy only flourishes if locals are engaged with it. If locals don’t consume what’s produced here, who will? Besides, so many local products rank among the best - why buy from further afield?
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have several personal ones that I’ll keep private. Mostly I’ve learned to relax, let things flow more, and recognize that it’s never too late to have a happy childhood!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Andrew Greer, maybe Kelowna’s best-known social entrepreneurs. Andrew is the driving force behind Purppl, the social enterprise accelerator that helps entrepreneurs develop predictable, sustainable business models while they seek to solve tough community.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
I think you should focus on Larry Widmer, Community Futures Development of Central Okanagan. Larry has helped a huge number of businesses and people get what they need to build and grow in Kelowna. He’s a warm and genuine man, and a pleasure to be around.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I quite like the definition of insanity as doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. As a cheerleader for innovation, I challenge everyone to innovate - personally, professionally, socially. Change things up, don’t play it safe. Challenge what you believe is sacred, elevate to eye level that which is buried or rarely examined. There’s deep joy lurking all around us, if we’re willing to have it!
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!
