Rooted in her Polynesian values, Kanoe Pelfrey seamlessly bridges the worlds of film and high-tech innovation as the founder of Volakka. From classical piano and acting to fintech and sustainable agribusiness, she leverages creative storytelling and technology to drive meaningful global impact.
What initially drew you to your current field, and how has your journey evolved since then?
I love tech and the film industry. I love the energy and good things that come from both worlds. As far as the film industry, I grew up where we had family friends deeply in that space. They heavily influenced me wanting to go into acting where I had an acting coach with my Dad at times who would join as well. I grew up doing ballet, hula and dance with piano where I spent a lot of time in developing my skills in performing arts. My sister had a really huge impact on my life where she inspired me to go into that industry. I am excited to work on two upcoming films and develop my character as Kika in Dark Little Secrets as well as Mishayla in The Art Gallery Run as an actress in those two films. I am a creative producer in a few other upcoming films planned to be shot in 2027 as well.
As far as the tech industry in 2021, I made some new friends at a film festival where I felt really drawn to how happy one of my friends was in his career as well as him describing his job in fintech. At the time his energy and passion towards his job felt magnetic. I wanted to learn more about it after talking with him so I researched it then decided to take certificate courses at Oxford in open banking fintech and AI, blockchain strategy and cybersecurity. shortly after in 2022. Then joined a program at CalTech for blockchain development and architecture.
Later on I ended up writing a dev book to help people as well as implement more concepts aligned with sustainability tech. I created a dictionary to help people understand what things meant to introduce more people to the industry was my goal. I really wanted others to feel the same love and passion I feel about it.
Now I am the founder of a tech company called Volakka that does projects in fintech, sustainability, agribusiness and construction. I hope to make positive impacts starting in Hawaii, California, Oregon and Washington then see where it can go from there.
I love both of these worlds and want to keep seeing where it takes me. I hope I get to keep meeting awesome people in it.
Can you share a pivotal experience that significantly influenced your career or personal growth?
A pivotal experience that influenced my personal growth would be my Dad passing away in 2021 where I had to learn how to adapt fast in a cut throat industry. It helped me build skills for other industries. All of the lessons my Dad had prepared me for in Hawaii really came to life and I knew how to handle a lot of those situations because in a way I was training for those moments when I spent time with my Dad whether I knew it or not then. He taught me the importance of responsibility with taking care of my ohana and animals at the beach and on the ranch. The most important lesson my Dad taught me in life is how you treat all people, animals, your community and things with respect. That has been one of the greatest lessons that I am grateful for.
I feel lucky to have grown up with Polynesian values that have a focus on responsibility to take care of other people no matter what challenges might come towards you. In Hawaii you really take care of others where my Dad did a great job of showing me the importance of Kuleana and Malama. Kuleana being a duty as well as a calling along with a leader’s duty to protect, support, and invest in their people. Malama being to care for, protect, preserve, and nurture.
This loss being one of the hardest things I have ever gone through has made me a lot stronger.
What hidden talents or hobbies do you have that might surprise people?
I would probably say my hidden talent and hobby would be piano. I started training at 5 years old to become a concert pianist and at 15 years old memorized 21 pages of music performing Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. I reached my goal that I created when I was 7 years old watching one of the older girls in my piano studio play Hungarian Rhapsody. I used to go to music festivals and compete where it is a huge part of my life that I don’t really share with people.
How do you stay creatively inspired and motivated in your work?
I stay creatively inspired by going to places that remind me of the person that I would like to become. I like going to Coachella and Tomorrowland where for some reason I meet a lot of people in the film industry and tech world at these events where it allows me to be in a different mode where I am in a more fun environment brainstorming with people in my industry.
Is there a tradition or custom from your upbringing that still holds a special place in your life?
My Dad is Polynesian where he played American football and loved it very much. He married my Mom who grew up as an Oregonian that happens to be a Oregon Duck fan where that is my Mom’s alma mater. Every year as a family we would watch the Civil War American Football game of University of Oregon vs Oregon State during Thanksgiving. I don’t watch football at all despite that being a big part of my Dad’s life at one point though I love watching the game! We would have a lūʻau to celebrate the history of Nike supporting the Ducks and the Oregon Ducks.
I always celebrated Friendsgiving in the Big Island too where you and your friends bring a dish then sit around the table telling stories and saying what you are thankful for. Then we would go surfing around sunset later on after Friendsgiving. This tradition will always hold a special place in my life and be something I always share.
What has been the most challenging project or situation in your career, and how did you navigate it?
There are many challenging projects and situations. I would say my job is mostly crisis management a lot of times where external factors occur which make it very challenging because those factors are out of your control. I think sometimes one will be in situations where there are several situations where there is definitely no winning outcome. One has to navigate it by being resilient, determined and open to other people’s ideas you might not like though might be a better solution.
An example would be natural disasters where we have had to figure out how to deal with landslides and protect areas from more disasters from occurring where we have to do everything safely. In situations like these you have to rely on heavily experienced people and work as a team to make things safe for people to use those roads and areas again.
Who has been a major influence or mentor in your life, and what lessons have they imparted?
A major influence and mentor would be my cousin Corey. We both grew up with Polynesian values. He is one of the best leaders that I know who understands Kuleana and Malama deeply. One of the lessons he has imparted is being famous, having lots of money and focusing on things that are materialistic should not be idolized or given any attention if those people do not treat others with respect.
I don’t want to live my life like that where one is in a constant cycle of seeking approval. I don’t want to spend my time around people who do not treat others right where I really like to have a good time in life. I don’t really care what socioeconomic background someone comes from. I just want to surround myself with people with similar values that care about their community and the impact they have on other lives.
I see my Ohana on the Big Island where my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and Ohana could always have a good time at the beach, the ranch or a park where we didn’t need fancy things to make us happy. When I think back to memories made with my Ohana we had fun just being around each other laughing a lot making simple dishes having a picnic style party at the beach. I want my life to have more focus on having fun with Ohana and friends where I don’t want to lose sight of what are the most important things.
Can you recount a turning point or milestone in your career that was particularly significant?
A turning point in my career was probably being 29 years old and realizing that when you get to management that sometimes you feel like you are being hit by a fire hydrant where the water keeps hitting you and doesn’t really stop. It makes you realize that you are there in the mix and you have to figure out that it really is sink or swim mode where you have to find a way to swim. It was a milestone to realize while it might seem hard if one has leadership abilities it is a privilege to be in that role figuring out how to help others grow in their career and be in a position to find creativity in solutions.
Aside from your professional work, what passions or interests do you pursue?
Aside from my professional work, I have a passion for tennis and interest in horses. I love EDM and like listening to upcoming DJs.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills needed to succeed in your industry?
In my industries one needs patience and the ability to keep going at something when times become very challenging. Discipline is really key and having courage to voice what you think is needed.
What book, movie, or artistic work has significantly shaped your worldview or professional approach?
The novel The Great Gatsby showed me that it is amazing how much love can really make someone want to become the best version of themself. That determination and ability to keep fighting for what he wants is impressive. I realize one has to have a lot of tenacity and I think as far as professional approaches I want to strive on having that quality where I also wake up feeling inspired to keep going after things with all that I have.
What piece of advice would you offer to someone aspiring to make a mark in your field?
I had all these people tell me how they have a lot more experience than me or how you aren’t at a certain level yet. I ignored them then went on to become my best version of myself. Go find what is you and get creative. Don’t let a room of randoms distract you from going after what you would like to achieve.
How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being?
I feel like active downtime management really helps with scheduling. It is important to choose activities that really restore your energy.
If you could collaborate with anyone, past or present, in your field, who would it be and why?
Tim Berners-Lee! I met him at the World Economic Forum and I find him the most fascinating guy who is really charismatic. He created the world wide web. I think he would have a lot of ideas about innovation in global foods and agribusiness where he might have some deep insight on how to approach projects.
Looking toward the future, what are your major goals or aspirations, both personally and professionally?
My major goals and aspirations in agribusiness would be working on projects that focus on the global food crisis where more people have access to food and helping farmers generate more income. I would like to focus on tech projects probably more in global food, sustainability, agribusiness and construction. Professionally I would like to be one of the top innovators in agribusiness. My hometown is like the Silicon Valley of agribusiness where you are constantly exposed to new ideas and creations. I love spending time in Milan where I get a lot of ideas for designs on projects. Milan is one of the best creative hubs in the world where one is drawn to it.
Personally my goals are to help my community and surround myself with good friends.
What are your thoughts on Milan as a hub for creativity and innovation, and how do you think it compares to other major cities in your field?
I absolutely love Milan as a hub for creativity and innovation! In my field over the years I have always learned the most there where I make a point of driving three hours away when I have a training camp in Laax to work in Milan getting ideas for inspo. Also I come to Milan to walk at fashion weeks as well and modeling gigs where during those two weeks of the year I see the city come to life in a different way than I do when I am there for business meetings.
