In the latest episode of PEP Talk, Karen Daniels shared her deeply personal and inspiring story. Diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2019, Karen faced a life-altering journey that transformed her outlook and purpose. Today, she channels her experiences into helping others live healthier and purpose-driven lives through her business, Thrive Together: Mind Your Health.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Karen, a mother of two and a caregiver for her elderly mother, was working in the private sector as a health and safety practitioner when her life took a drastic turn. The diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer came with a 50:50 survival chance, even with treatment.
“I had a year of isolation during chemotherapy,” Karen recalled. “It gave me time to reflect and ask, ‘What do I want to do with my life?’” Her journey was marked by faith, resilience, and a determination to find meaning beyond her illness.
Reflecting on Purpose
During her treatment, Karen’s faith became her anchor. “By God’s grace, I’m still here,” she shared. “I realized God preserved my life for a purpose.” This period of reflection led her to shift from a self-focused life to one dedicated to serving her community.
Karen’s experiences inspired her to establish Thrive Together: Mind Your Health, a business focused on empowering individuals to prioritize mental health, adopt holistic wellness practices, and embrace healthier lifestyles.
Thrive Together: A Mission to Empower
The foundation of Thrive Together lies in the belief that no one stands alone. Karen draws inspiration from a quote by the late Efeso Collins: “No one stands alone, no one succeeds alone, no one suffers alone.” This philosophy underscores her approach to community health and wellbeing.
Through her business, Karen runs mental health courses like the Nedley Depression and Anxiety Recovery Program and Optimize Your Brain. These programs educate participants on the lifestyle habits that harm or heal the brain, equipping them with practical tools to improve their mental health.

Practical Steps for Community Impact
Karen’s courses go beyond traditional classroom settings. She incorporates midweek field trips to foster connection and practical application of lessons. From nature walks to library visits, participants engage in activities that strengthen their minds and build community bonds.
“The beauty of these courses is that they’re holistic,” Karen explained. “It’s about drinking enough water, exercising, practicing gratitude, and learning new skills to grow the brain.”
Why We Recommend the Lean Canvas Framework
For entrepreneurs like Karen, who are in the early stages of growing a business, the Lean Canvas framework can be an invaluable tool. This single-page template helps identify key aspects of a business, including target audiences, unique value propositions, and revenue streams. While Karen has not used this framework yet, it’s a powerful resource for others looking to create impactful, community-focused solutions.
For more information on the Lean Canvas framework and how it can benefit your business, visit the Lean Canvas Website.
Connect with Karen Daniels
Karen’s work through Thrive Together is transforming lives and fostering a sense of community. To learn more about her programs or to get involved, you can reach her at:
Email: thrivetogether@outlook.co.nz
Bouncing back
Karen Daniels’ story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of purpose. Her journey from a life-threatening diagnosis to a mission-driven life inspires us all to reflect on what truly matters and take bold steps toward making a difference. Her story reminds us that even the hardest journeys can lead to profound transformation.

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