In this episode of "When I Stop Fighting the Podcast," host Daryl Dittmer speaks with Felicity Ashley, a mother of three, accomplished marketer, and one of fewer than 250 women to row an ocean—a feat made even more remarkable as she did so while unknowingly battling bowel cancer. Felicity’s story is one of resilience and transformation, as she moved from a high-powered business career to becoming a motivational speaker and best-selling author. The conversation opens with reflections on life’s storms, both external and internal, and the mindset required to overcome them. Felicity emphasizes the value of reframing adversity as a stepping stone and seizing opportunities to live fully and without regret.
Both Daryl and Felicity share how life-threatening health challenges forced them to reevaluate their priorities and routines. For Felicity, her cancer diagnosis was a catalyst for a profound shift in perspective. She felt compelled to share her story, raising awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and inspiring others to be proactive about their health. The discussion highlights the critical role of mindset, self-care, and the formation of habits to support well-being and resilience. Felicity describes the unexpected joy and simplicity she experienced during her forty days at sea, which allowed her to reconnect with herself away from the noise of everyday life.
Throughout the episode, Felicity advocates for an action-oriented approach to life—encouraging listeners to try, take risks, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. She and Daryl discuss the importance of discipline in maintaining a balanced life and preventing burnout, especially as responsibilities increase with age. Felicity shares how her daily routines, like morning exercise and cold plunges, have become essential for her mental and physical health, enabling her to remain resilient and focus on helping others.
The conversation concludes with Felicity’s reflections on her speaking career and her memoir, "Stronger Than the Storm." She describes writing as a therapeutic process that allowed her to process her experiences and share them with authenticity. Felicity and Daryl agree that everyone possesses untapped strength, and that sharing personal stories can inspire and create positive change. Felicity’s journey stands as a testament to the power of mindset, resilience, and the ripple effect of courageously helping others by sharing one’s own story.
Please find Felicity here:
https://www.felicityashley.com/
https://www.instagram.com/felicityashleyspeaker/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicityashley/
