In the highland waters of Lesotho, Emily Rodger discovers that fishing for yellowfish is more than a pursuit – it’s a lesson in presence, community, and the quiet strength of places that don’t demand attention, but simply invite you in.

Read about how I learned to build a wood-and-canvas canoe and connected to my youth exploring the great outdoors!

“Being on the water was the first time that I remember, in months, not thinking about the accident or all of the pressure that I was putting on myself or that I was feeling from others around competition and sport,” said the former competitive cyclist. 

On International Women’s Day 2025, Atlantic Business Magazine released their annual 25 Most Powerful Women in Business issue, and I am incredibly honoured to be on that list.

It’s typical for Emily Rodger to wake at 4 a.m. each day. The early rise is necessary for the sought-after executive coach, inspirational speaker, award-winning cyclist, gifted fly-fisher, podcast host and philanthropist to accomplish everything on her to-do list.

There are many things I admire about Emily Rodger, a high-performance athlete, including her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Emily Rodger, a former Canadian and world champion cyclist has a new passion - fly fishing. She shows a brown trout caught on one of her expeditions.