Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kate Dunn-Flynn

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kate Dunn-Flynn. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Kate, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I live by the expression, “Work for yourself before you work for someone else”. As someone who is employed full-time and an entrepreneur, I have the unique and beautiful challenge of balancing a demanding work schedule. Because of this, I make sure to balance personal self-care with my work responsibilities so that I can give the best to my students and clients, as well as my family and friends. This means waking up at 7 am (our dog, Harry, is our alarm clock!), making Harry’s breakfast and pouring myself a cup of my favourite tea (Sloane’s Heavenly Cream) that I can savour while reading a great book (I’m currently reading “Is a River Alive?” by Robert Macfarlane). By 8 am I meet with my sangha group online for our daily 10 minute meditation before getting outside with Harry for the first of our three walks for the day. I am a big proponent of connecting with nature before connecting online. These morning rituals allow me to start the day balanced and ready to focus on my priorities with clarity and intention.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I earned my M.A. in Sociology from Western University and an Hons. B.A. in Sociology and Women’s Studies from McMaster University. I am currently a full-time Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies where I teach a wide range of courses focused on social inequality, EDI principles, positive psychology, and gender. I’m trained in Unified Mindfulness (UM), positive space, rainbow diversity, and mental health first aid, and completed my Empowered Educator microcredential through eCampusOntario in 2024.

Earlier this year I founded Rooted in Wellness Canada, an online platform committed to sharing the principles of positive psychology and fostering a culture of strong mental health within my community. I had the pleasure of being invited to speak as both a keynote speaker and guest speaker for CEDP (College Educator Development Program), CDAG (Curriculum Developers Affinity Group), OASW (Ontario Association of Social Workers), McMaster University, Mindfulness Hamilton, and Mindfulness Toronto. I also had the pleasure of having an article on digital wellness published by Alive Magazine this Fall and was invited on a number of podcasts this year, including The Audacious Living Podcast hosted by my friend, Audley Stephenson. I am forever grateful to the connections I’ve made and the community that I am a part of.

The most exciting highlight of this year was the official book launch of my children’s book, Dreaming of Dresses! The journey from writing to being published to launching the book was nothing short of rewarding and the thrill of seeing my words come to life was truly awe-inspiring. Having the book published is especially close to my heart as my talented mum (@vintagesparrowstudio) beautifully illustrated it, making this journey even more meaningful.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my parents, which was foundational. From an early age, they created a home where individuality was celebrated. They have always encouraged me to explore my interests, speak my mind, and stay true to my values. Because of their encouragement and unwavering support, I grew up with a strong sense of confidence and self‑worth. Their belief in me taught me that authenticity is more valuable than conformity, and that lesson continues to guide how I show up in the world today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I wouldn’t say there was ever a time when I almost gave up, but there were many points in my journey toward publishing my book when the rejections piled up and it felt like the challenges were never-ending. After sending out what seemed like countless proposals and receiving rejection after rejection, I started to question if my book would ever be read by anyone other than my immediate family, not to mention that every “no” I received felt deeply personal.

What kept me going was remembering why I wrote the book in the first place. I reminded myself that the story mattered and that the right publisher would come along when the timing was right. That mindset helped me push through the discouragement. Eventually, I connected with my publisher, Marcia of Twin Horseshoes Publishing, who not only believed in the value of the book but shared my passion for its message.

This process taught me persistence, patience, and the importance of aligning with people who genuinely support your vision.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. In my classroom and in my daily life I strive to embody the principles of positive psychology and wellness that I teach. Authenticity is central to both and living in alignment with my values, practicing gratitude, and building resilience are not just lessons I share with students and clients but also practices I integrate into my own life.

The person my students and clients see, which is someone who encourages them to embrace their strengths, cultivate positivity and optimism, and prioritize their well‑being, is the same person my family and friends know outside of my work. I believe authenticity is the key to flourishing and is foundational to meaningful relationships and connections. It is the pathway towards living in alignment with our strengths and values.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Spending so much time connected to my tech devices! I feel this especially when I am engaging mindlessly versus mindfully, too. When I am delivering workshops on digital wellness I often ask my clients, “If you could add 15 extra years to your life, how would you spend your time?” When I pose this question the most common responses are: “I’d travel”, “I’d spend more time with my family and friends”, and “I’d engage with a hobby I’ve never had time for before.” I’ve never heard someone say they would spend more time in online meetings or doomscroll through social media. Immersing myself in research around digital wellness has broadened my understanding of the need for greater balance between our offline and online lives so that I can prioritize presence, connection, and well‑being over constant digital stimulation.

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Image Credits
Hannah Kiviranta & Sidra Gul

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