Interview conducted by Chanèle McFarlane
Photography by Selina Whittaker

What do you know about Josie Dye?

Maybe you know she’s a Canadian radio and television personality. Perhaps you know her as the one who forgot the words to our national anthem at a lacrosse game. Or both. Either way, here’s the one thing you need to know for sure: she’s an incredibly fearless woman.

As the host of The Josie Dye Show on Indie88, she’s on air every morning from 6am-10am to share the news and, of course, her misadventures alongside her co-hosts. She’s also a sought-after public speaker who has the ability to share unique career and motivational speeches for a diverse range of audiences.

After experiencing her very public singing mishap in 2012, there’s not many people that would have the courage to overcome it. But like we said, she’s fearless like no other and is proof that what doesn’t kill you will certainly make you stronger.

It’s so easy for us to believe we know everything there is to know about our media personalities. After all, we listen to them everyday! That said, we’re happy to have had the chance to catch up with Josie to get to know her outside of her career journey, and also, what she’s learned along the way. Here’s Josie on fitting projects into her lifestyle, why she’s always on the hunt for a new adventure and her love for popsicles and podcasts:

Tell us about a time that life handed you lemons. Did you make lemonade?

Four years ago, my first child was born with a rare, genetic disease called Sotos syndrome. When you first search this disease on the internet, you see an overgrowth syndrome, with many physical and developmental issues and it's really quite overwhelming to think about how to deal with all the problems that come with having a sick child. The lemonade happened just by meeting my son. He is inquisitive, funny, adorable and sensitive. All things any mother would want. I don't think I made the lemonade, but I was open to the possibilities of a miracle.

After that first year, how did you scale your business and continue to grow?

I always thought of my brand. What I had was fearlessness for being "real". I expanded this into as many opportunities as possible, such as TV, commercials, corporate events. Today I host my own morning show, I’m starting a podcast and I only agree to working on projects that fit with my lifestyle!

“I want to work till I’m 90 and still feel as though I need more time.”

How much of your success as an entrepreneur has come from taking risks versus playing it safe?

I am always safe financially. Always. I feel so many people dream big, and don't think of the overall requirements needed to build equity, interest and investments. But concerning my personality and taking new opportunities, 100% comes from risk taking.
I left a secure job in TV and Radio to come to Indie and give Mornings a shot! I love all my risks. When I fail, and I do fail, I always have a plan B or plan C.

How do you measure success in your career?

How happy I am. If I'm bored, I know it's time to make a change. I get bored quickly. I don’t think there is room for boredom in this lifetime. I’m always looking for my new adventure.

You're 30 minutes away from walking into an important meeting. What do you do to get yourself in the right headspace?

At the 30 min mark you should know exactly what you are going to say and do. This is the time you need confidence. Talk to that one cheerleader you have in your life and get that extra needed boost.

What is something that you read, watch or listen to regularly?

I love watching the news. But I must admit I watch it for the wrong reasons. Sometimes I like to watch the style of banter between the anchors, and sometimes I look at outfit ideas, jokes, how they interact…and yes, the news.
I listen to podcasts about everything and everyone. When I go for a run, I end up learning about some odd fascinating politician. Yesterday my podcast was about foods that cause cancer, fun stuff.

What excites you most about your career?

It excites me to try new opportunities and push boundaries of what I can do. I like re-inventing myself and I like meeting new people. I want to work till I’m 90 and still feel as though I need more time.

Finding time for yourself can be difficult as an entrepreneur. Do you have a self-care routine and what does that look like?

I love to run. I try and enter as many 10K as possible. It’s relaxing and it helps me calm my thoughts. I also believe in one popsicle a day, but who am I!! Lol

What is something on your bucket list?

Let's not talk about my bucket list. You could YouTube me singing O Canada at the Toronto Rock game. I think a bucket list is one of those things that could ruin your present life!

What is something in your bag that would surprise us?

Diaper rash cream.