Conversations with Joanne Jolee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanne Jolee.

Hi Joanne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Thank you VoyagePhoenix for this opportunity.

This year, I published my book, “How to Move a Mountain, and Other Important Things To Know,” partly inspired by challenges my husband and I faced during a massive undertaking to build our mountaintop dream home, dubbed the “Giant White Fortress” by the Tribune, and a desire to encourage others to step forward, discover solutions and plow through life’s obstacles with confidence.

The book and house were the culmination of many life lessons, beginning in my native New Zealand, emigrating to a new land, raising a family, and embarking on a variety of successful business ventures.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life constantly serves us challenges and unexpected turns that require persistence to resolve. As problems emerge we set our minds to finding the answers – there is always an answer.

Resilience is key when we are blocked, stuck at a crossroads, or facing difficult life transitions. This is the message of my book and I give personal examples of mountains I have encountered and how I dealt with them.

When a mountain is in your way you can take a shovel to it, you can climb and conquer it – and mountains can be moved with faith.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love working in business, but my passion and creative expression are in music, I have a conservatory training in piano, music theory, and voice. I believe in the power of music to heal and empower and after the suicide of my teenage brother, I became convinced that everyone must have a music education – including my five children who all play an instrument!

My husband and I founded a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation and established a music school at the Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa. The children received weekly lessons in piano, guitar, and violin at no charge. Another part of our mission was to provide music therapy sessions for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Groundbreaking scientific studies continue to prove the incredible benefits of daily music-making for all ages. I am also a lifelong sailor and internationally licensed yacht helmsman and I get away to the ocean (from the Arizona desert) as often as possible for refreshment and inspiration.

Any big plans?
(Laughing). I spent last year locked away to finish my book and had to put all music projects on hold, but I’m back in the studio producing another album of original music. This forced break was good because I am inspired to take my creative work into new territory.

I’m excited. My husband and I work together in our investment and consulting firm negotiating on behalf of investors, and buyers and sellers in their real estate-related transactions.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, our music charity was terminated leaving an empty spot – I am searching for the right place to pour that energy.

Contact Info:

• Email: joanne@joannejolee.com
• Website: https://joannejolee.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannejoleemusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JoanneJolee

Image Credits
Pinnacle American Records, LLC