#19 When the Dream Fails: Lisa Sedlar on Resilience, Self-Worth, and Unexpected Gifts

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Lisa Sedlar, the visionary CEO and self-described “food justice warrior.” Lisa shares her remarkable journey—from leaving a comfortable CEO position at New Seasons Market, to founding Green Zebra Grocery, a healthy convenience store chain aiming to rethink how communities access food. But when COVID-19 and a cascade of personal crises hit, Lisa found herself facing failure head-on—testing her resilience, self-worth, and capacity for vulnerability.

In this deeply honest conversation, Lisa reveals how the collapse of her business became an unexpected gift, prompting her to confront lifelong fears, reevaluate what truly matters, and find strength in vulnerability and community. Together, Scott and Lisa explore the universal challenge of weathering life’s curveballs, and how embracing failure can lead to growth, faith, and a renewed connection to others. Tune in for a moving story of ambition, loss, humility, and the surprising power of letting go.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Lisa Sedlar describes herself as a "food justice warrior" and the founder of a healthy convenience store chain. 
• Lisa openly talks about her deep fear of failure and how her self-worth was tied to her success. 
• The episode explores how Lisa’s fear of being perceived as a failure was "literally terrifying" for her.
• Green Zebra Grocery was ultimately forced to close due to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Lisa faced multiple curveballs at once—business closure, family health crises, financial strain, and the end of a long-term relationship. 
• The episode delves into vulnerability and the value of "finishing the sentence" about our deepest fears. 
• Lisa shared how the business closure led her to deepen her faith and seek community. 
• After the closure of Green Zebra, Lisa said the experience became “the greatest gift of her life.” 
• Lisa and Scott discuss the discomfort around receiving help when you have always been the one to support others. 
• Lisa uses a baseball metaphor: “practice hitting curveballs” to prepare for life’s unpredictability. 

Key Moments:

(00:00) Reimagining Convenience Stores

(03:49) Healthy, Ethical Convenience Stores

(06:23) Entrepreneurial Dream Shattered by Covid

(10:21) Embracing Vulnerability in Adversity

(15:44) Navigating Family Crises and Upheaval

(17:24) Meaningful Community-Driven Closure of Stores 

(21:28) Reevaluating Fear and Failure

(25:52) Faith, Community, and Giving Back

(26:55) Opening Up to Receive Support