Building Thrive: An Entrepreneur's Evolution
My name is Jennifer Lee, and I am the Founder and CEO of Thrive Health and Wellness. My entrepreneurial journey began in 2022 when I decided to return to school and transition from a career in high-performance coaching—where I had the privilege of working with Canadian and Olympic team members for over 20 years—to pursue my passion for health and wellness.
During my time in the Health and Wellness Coaching program, I connected with the Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) and had the opportunity to participate in the Longo Innovate and Create Entrepreneurship (ICE) program. This experience was truly transformative, providing invaluable insights and mentorship. It was during this time that the vision for Thrive Health and Wellness was born.
About Thrive Health and Wellness
Thrive Health and Wellness is dedicated to helping executives and busy professionals prioritize their well-being without compromising their demanding schedules. Our mission is to provide personalized, sustainable health solutions that seamlessly integrate into a fast-paced lifestyle.
We offer a range of services designed to optimize physical health, enhance mental clarity, and improve overall performance, empowering high achievers to show up as their best selves—both professionally and personally. Through customized wellness plans, evidence-based strategies, and expert guidance, we help clients manage stress, boost energy levels, and develop long-term habits for success.
At Thrive, we believe that peak performance starts with well-being. By incorporating practical and effective health strategies into daily routines, we enable professionals to not just keep up with their busy lives but to truly thrive.
The Thrive Journey
Thrive Health and Wellness started as a vision to create meaningful change in the health and wellness space. In the early days, we were in our beta phase, testing ideas and refining our approach. However, the reality of scaling a business was daunting. That’s where the BMO Launch Me Competition made all the difference. The funding and mentorship I received helped transform Thrive from a concept into a fully launched business, equipping me with the tools and confidence to grow.
Beyond financial support, the experience challenged me in ways I never expected. Coming from a non-business background, I found writing a business plan overwhelming. Yet, that process forced me to analyze my company’s structure, market positioning, and long-term strategy. It refined my vision and built a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
Then came the pitch competition. Standing before a panel of judges, articulating my business model, and defending my vision pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. But it also gave me the confidence to speak about my business with clarity and conviction—something that has been invaluable on my entrepreneurial journey.
Looking Ahead
Today, Thrive Health and Wellness is growing faster and reaching more people than I ever imagined. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of the Longo CfE and the BMO Launch Me program. Their mentorship, resources, and belief in entrepreneurs like myself have been life-changing.
To those just beginning their entrepreneurial journey, seize every opportunity, embrace every challenge, and surround yourself with a strong support system. Success isn’t just about the end goal—it’s about the lessons learned, the growth achieved, and the people who support you along the way.
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