Noelani Eichner

I attribute my success to my incredible determination and the amazing community of women I train with. My inspiration to attempt a triathlon came to me at a birthday party for a toddler. After seeing a father who had exhausted himself so completely he could sleep through noise and chaos, I thought, I'd really like to feel that amount of exhaustion from a physical event. Mind you, I couldn't swim - I could frolick, but as far as an actual stroke with some kind of mechanics, I was at a loss. This was in May, and there was a triathlon in September, and I thought, "Can I train for this in less than 4 months?" I went to a pool and swam 25 yards and was gasping for air, thinking how am I going to do this? From May to September, I kept showing up. The best part about that first triathlon was that it was an all-female event. While being in the company of strong women, there's also patience, support, and grace, creating a less tense atmosphere for any newbie. When I crossed the finish line, I peed my pants (no shame!), hugged my kids, and cried in full joy. Catching what's known as "the bug", the following year I did 4 more races. On my 40th birthday, I did my first half Ironman, and that was when I picked up a coach. The women I train with - like my friend Monique who is the most amazing female athlete I know, a triple threat, strong in all three disciplines of the sport, a two-time Boston qualifier who still holds records at her high school swim record at 62 years old - they inspire me every day. I've climbed Mount Washington with some of these people. Everyone has a struggle - cancer survivors, people who have lost loved ones, mental health issues - and we all bring it to this similar table where we feed off of each other's amazing energy.

Never take anything personally. As a Marketing professional, the opinions of others often come hard and fast. Being able to pivot quickly, adjust to an ever-changing market, and collaborate with a team, are of the utmost importance.

Never let anything stop you that is within your control. If it's not in your control, adjust how you react, make it constructive. You can't control others opinions or beliefs, but you can control your reaction to those behaviors. You have to get to a point where your mood doesn't shift based on insignificant actions of somebody else. Focus on your physical and mental health, drown out toxic energy. Put down your phone, get away from social media, be present. You are the boss of your own life...so own it.

One of the biggest challenges in Noelani’s field is adapting to the mental demands of remote work, especially maintaining focus, balance, and creative momentum outside of a traditional studio environment. She also points to the lasting impact of pandemic-related layoffs and the broader mental-health strain affecting younger generations, particularly in relation to social media and constant digital comparison.

The values that are most important to me are accountability and integrity. Everything that happens to you is because of you, it is not because of outside influences. This next generation is constantly playing the "blame game" when something goes wrong. Own your sh*t. When life gets tough, be tougher. What you really want in life will take hard work to achieve, no matter what is it. The reward for hard work, is more hard work. Struggle, but keep climbing, never quit on your dreams. What you become on the other side, will make it all worth it.