I'm Joyce Li, the PhD Grandma dedicated to guiding you through the messy yet beautiful journey of midlife transition to find your true purpose.
Bridging Strategy and Soul
I am a strategic project advisor, researcher, content creator, teacher, and facilitator dedicated to a single, urgent question:
How do we move from a life of successful achievement to a life of significance?
My career has been defined by the pursuit of clarity and impact. Over the last decades, I have navigated the complex worlds of high-stakes project management, agile coaching, and strategic leadership. While I have helped countless teams and organizations reach their potential, I discovered a recurring theme: the most successful people were often the ones feeling most unsteady. They had the "what" and the "how," but were searching for a deeper "why."
The Research Behind the Work
My path led me to complete my PhD in Human Relationships at Martin Luther University College. My research into minimalist living and human flourishing fundamentally reshaped my understanding of success. I realized that true impact isn't found in accumulating more, but in stripping away the non-essential to reveal the purpose that was there all along.
Why I Do What I Do
I believe that we are currently facing a collective turning point. We have mastered the art of being "busy," but we are starving for coherence. Whether I am working as a strategic project advisor or facilitating a group, my goal is to help you build a life that is as meaningful as it is effective.
I currently live in British Columbia, where the stillness of the landscape serves as a daily reminder of the intentionality I bring to my work. When I am not facilitating, you can find me practicing the "art of the essential", whether through writing about Indigenous knowledge and ancient wisdom, or working with my hands to create homemade crafts.
How We Can Work Together
I am currently focused on guiding professionals through this transition from success to significance. Here is how you can engage with my work:
The Purpose Alignment Lab: A guided, small-group experience for professionals ready to transition from a career of "what's next" to a life of "what matters." We use my proprietary Harvest Career Portfolio framework to turn your purpose into a performance strategy. [Coming soon].
Speaking & Workshops: I share insights from my research on human flourishing and purpose-led strategy at conferences, corporate retreats, and leadership summits. [Invite me to speak at your next event].
The Blog: I regularly explore the intersection of ancient wisdom, minimalism, and modern life. [Read my latest reflections].
My Life Mission started here:
My Immigration Story
Life Purpose
(My WHY)
I help people over 40 discover and articulate their life purpose so they can focus on living their full potential.
Life Mission
(The HOW)
To inspire and equip people over 40 to flourish through embracing minimalism.
Life Vision
(The NORTH STAR)
To cultivate a world where people live their purpose, creating a ripple effect of collective well-being and planetary health.
Personal Legend:
Joyce’s destiny is to inspire, equip, and mobilize others to flourish—
a purpose so compelling that all the universe conspires to help her achieve it.
My Life Story
From East to West
Born and raised in Hong Kong, I fell in love with North America at fifteen when my geography teacher, Mr. Chin, introduced us to the majestic Rocky Mountains, the vast Great Lakes, three surrounding oceans, and the iconic Appalachian Mountains. I secretly promised myself that one day I would live in a place where mountains, oceans, and lakes are breathtaking, and where the values of liberty, fairness, and justice are deeply rooted. I also dreamed of speaking English as perfectly as the Queen of England.
Proud to be Canadian
Fast forward to today: I have lived in Ontario, Canada, since 1987 and relocated to the beautiful town of Squamish, British Columbia, in the fall of 2024.
I am a mother of four adult children, who are my greatest reflections and sources of strength. My four grandchildren inspire me to live fully, keep learning, and give generously. My husband supports me unconditionally, allowing me to focus on my work, studies, and numerous projects.
Professionally, my career can be categorized into 3 segments. They intertwine and enrich one another: Information Technology (IT) Consultant, Clinical Counselling, Trainer/Instructor, and Researcher.
Academic Degrees
PhD in Human Relationships - Martin Luther University College of Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Master of Science, Aging and Health - Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
Master of Christian Counselling - Canada Christian College, Toronto, ON, Canada
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - California State University, Fresno, California, USA