Edward Lefurgy

Edward Lefurgy is a devoted school counselor and basketball coach based in Coldstream, British Columbia. Born on September 6, 1982, in Chilliwack, BC, Edward has built a substantial career focused on youth development and mental health. With a rich educational background, including a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the Fraser Valley and Masters degrees in Educational Leadership and Counseling, Edward brings a deep understanding and empathy to his roles. He currently serves as a counselor at Kalamalka Secondary School and is the founder of Roots Sports Club, a youth basketball organization. Through his business, Olive Branch Wellness, and his community involvement, Edward has committed thousands of hours to mentoring young athletes, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being. His leadership has fostered a supportive environment that encourages young people to thrive both on and off the court.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My days are pretty structured around school and sports. I start early, often meeting with students or planning sessions for the day. My productivity comes from strict prioritization—ensuring that urgent tasks are handled immediately and always carving out time for planning and reflection.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I believe in collaboration. Whether it’s a new strategy for the basketball team or a counseling program, discussing it with colleagues, students, and other coaches helps refine the idea and bring varied perspectives that make the concept stronger and more actionable.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The increasing focus on mental health in schools excites me. Seeing how much it is now intertwined with educational policies and practices shows a promising shift towards holistic development of students.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Making lists. I jot down what needs to be done daily and check off tasks as I complete them. It keeps me organized and focused, ensuring I don’t overlook anything.

What advice would you give your younger self?

“Be patient and persistent.” Success in coaching, counseling, and life comes from consistency and the willingness to keep pushing forward, even when results aren’t immediate.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I often say that every young person should be involved in team sports, no matter their skill level. It teaches invaluable life skills and resilience that are hard to learn in other settings.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Reflect daily. Taking time to think about what went well and what didn’t allows for continuous personal and professional growth.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

Physical activity helps clear my mind and refocus my energies on what’s essential.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Networking within and outside the education and sports sectors.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

Early in my coaching career, I focused too much on wins and not enough on player development. After a particularly tough season, I shifted my focus to developing skills and building character. The lesson was clear: success follows development.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A website or something that connects retired athletes with schools for coaching and mentoring. There’s a lot of untapped potential in the experiences of former athletes that can be leveraged to inspire and teach young people.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

I use a simple app called Clickup for organizing tasks and projects. It allows me to categorize tasks under various headings and monitor progress throughout the day.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

“The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle. It’s about how talent is developed and nurtured, which resonates deeply with my work in coaching and counseling.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I enjoyed “Ted Lasso.” It’s about an American football coach leading a British soccer team, but it’s more about leadership, compassion, and resilience—themes that are very close to my heart in both my professional and personal life.