We had the good fortune of connecting with Kanoa Greene and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kanoa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I don’t believe anything great happens without having to take great risks! From taking the leap of leaving the comfort of a successful corporate career to creating a career and life of my dreams…the journey has been filled with moments where I’ve been challenged to take risks in order to get to where I ultimately want to go. I can honestly say that every risk I’ve ever taken has paid off largely and in most cases far greater than I ever could have anticipated.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In a time where ‘body-positive’ has become a buzz word, I get excited about the fact that I get to bring something fresh to the space while also innovating within the fitness industry. When I first took the leap in becoming a fitness professional, as a plus-size woman there was very little representation of instructors or trainers out there that looked similar to me. There was little talk about how someone could celebrate the body they are in at every stage of the journey and use fitness solely as a means of gaining strength, agility and health to live one’s life to its fullest. In the beginning, I believe there were challenges in making my vision come to life, but mostly from self doubt. At the time, I wasn’t certain a plus-size fitness professional could be successful and the biggest obstacles I faced was overcoming my own disbelief, but I was relentless in taking on step after another until I my own belief caught up with the success that was happening. It taught me that there is power in not giving up, even when all of the doubts and fears are screaming at you to stop. Had I thrown in the towel during those first few years, I would never have been able to see the impact my work has had in helping evolve the fitness and outdoor active space. In 2021, I will be launching the world’s first surf retreat for plus-size women which is literally changing the face of surfing and helping make it a truly size-inclusive sport.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am inspired and driven by all women. There is not a woman I’ve met who I don’t draw some bit of inspiration or insight from because we all have stories. If we are brave enough to share them, there is something for anyone out there to gain inspiration, perspective and wisdom. I am constantly inspired by what we are able to do, who we are as women and our ability to overcome and uplift, it’s incredible. I am not who or where I would be without the innumerable number of women who have poured into me, my journey or my life in some way.

Instagram: instagram.com/kanoagreene