HEY I’M JESS!
I am a multifaceted force fueled by a good cup of coffee, resilience, joy, and an unyielding drive to make a difference. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother of three, I wear many hats; I'm a speaker, coach, philanthropist, entrepreneur, author, and self-proclaimed live wire. Beyond these titles, my true calling lies in serving others—a natural helper and challenger at heart, embodying the traits of an Enneagram Type 2 and 8.
My journey toward this purposeful path was sparked by profound loss—the passing of my father-in-law and then just 18 months later the heartbreaking loss of our son, Lewiston. Their departures, one after the other, served as stark reminders of life's fleeting nature. The average person gets 30,000 days to live, their short time with us urged me to go all in and pursue my dreams, regardless of the challenges.
Having grappled with my own mental health struggles since high school, I refused to surrender to hard things.
Depression, suicidal thoughts, and the suffocating sense of loneliness were all too familiar. Determined not to merely exist, I embarked on a holistic journey prioritizing my mental, physical, emotional, and soul health.
As a professional speaker, I've had the privilege of speaking on stages across North America, both virtually and in person, offering invaluable tools to navigate life's darkest moments and inspiring others to embrace The Hard Work of Joy.
Alongside my husband—affectionately known as 'Hot Ronnie'—we Co-Founded The Love For Lewiston Foundation, transforming our pain into purpose. Together our incredible community has raised over $2.4 million for Lewiston’s legacy and continues to reshape lives and healthcare for families living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
In 2020, amid global turmoil, I published my first book "Bring The Joy," a refreshing testament to resilience, filled with laughter and meaningful insights. This journey led me to coaching, where I empower individuals to unearth their potential, just as I once did with unwavering support.
Discovering my neurodivergence later in life reframed my understanding of myself, and provided me with a blueprint for success. It deeply changed my marriage, business, and childhood experiences. My ADHD diagnosis became my superpower, empowering me to advocate for my needs and embrace my unique perspective.
In moments of solace, you'll find me journaling, reading and dreaming really big with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, relishing the warmth of the sun and the company of my beloved family by the water's edge. You will typically find me with a minimum of three beverages in hand and a wad of blue gum. I embrace each moment with gratitude, enthusiasm and grace, a testament to life's endless possibilities.
I am the recipient of The 2021 Doc Seaman -Generosity of Spirit Award, winner of The Best Documentary at the 2022 Okotoks Film Festival for a documentary that I co produced called One Seven Nine and the recipient of the 2022 Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Dr. Katie Mander’s Courage to Inspire Award. I also was inducted into the 2022 Class of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40.
We don’t always get to choose what happens to us but we do get a choice in our response.
Each chapter I write will be one worth reading and will be a response to the gifts and blessings I was given.
“Resiliency is a choice. It's a myriad of choices made through the course of our days. Choosing to be resilient during life's small setbacks like missing a deadline, losing at a board game, or burning dinner will help give you a mindset and disposition for resiliency that will help carry you through moments of darkness.”
— JESSICA JANZEN
-
2014
Jessica quits her 9-5 career and starts her own business.
-
2016
Her son Lewiston is diagnosed with SMA and passes away.
-
2017
Founded The Love For Lewiston Foundation.
-
2020
Bring the Joy is published.
-
2022
LFL has raised over $2M dollars & Jessica is named Calgary’s Top 40 under 40.
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
Since February 2022, more than 20,000 infants in Alberta have been screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This is thanks to Jessica Janzen Olstad, who once swore that no family would endure what hers went through with her son, Lewiston. “I don’t want a mother to have to sit holding her baby wondering, ‘Is this your last breath?.’
A mother of three children (“two earth-side, one up in heaven”), Janzen Olstad works as a speaker and executive coach, encouraging people to find joy, even in difficult circumstances. In 2020, she wrote a book, Bring The Joy, which is available in bookstores and online.
“I’ve learned that you can be mad and that’s okay. You can healthily channel that energy into rocket fuel to continue to create change.”
Why I Stopped Focusing on My Mental Health
How shifting my focus changed everything.
5 Books That Changed My Life
LET’S CONNECT!
Got more questions, curious about coaching, speaking, workshops or our foundation and hosting an event.