What does it mean to truly lead with values - especially when the stakes are highest?

In this episode of Defining Moments, host Dustin Heise, CEO of Canada Snowboard, sits down with Karen O’Neill, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, for a powerful conversation on leadership, purpose, and the courage to make values-based decisions under pressure.

Karen reflects on the defining moments that shaped her leadership philosophy — including Canada’s unprecedented decision in March 2020 to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in the interest of athlete safety. She shares why pausing in moments of tension is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use, how purpose fuels resilience, and why athlete-first values must always guide decision-making.

Together, Dustin and Karen explore the transformative power of sport, the rise of athlete leadership, and why - even in challenging times - the future of sport in Canada remains bright.

This episode is a masterclass in values-based leadership, grit, and the lasting impact sport can have far beyond competition.

Sport has the power to do far more than win medals - it can unite communities, shape national identity, and create pathways for the next generation of leaders.

In this episode of Defining Moments, host Dustin Heise, CEO of Canada Snowboard, sits down with Katherine Henderson, President and CEO of Hockey Canada, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, nation-building, and the true impact of sport in Canada.

Katherine reflects on how sport has shaped her life, why listening to communities is essential for sustainable success, and how major moments - from international games to grassroots rinks - can bring people together across differences. She also shares her approach to values-based leadership, preparing athletes and systems for Olympic moments, and her candid advice to young women aspiring to lead in sport.

This is a powerful conversation about authenticity, ambition, and why sport remains one of Canada’s most important tools for unity.

What happens when you stop chasing titles - and start building something bigger than yourself?

In this episode of Defining Moments, host Dustin Heise, CEO of Canada Snowboard, sits down with Russell Reimer, President of Small Victories and one of Canada’s most influential advisors in major sport events, athlete branding, and sport tourism.

Russ shares how a clear career vision - not a job ladder - shaped his path from Olympic broadcasts to leading bids for the X Games, SailGP, and the Calgary 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Together, they explore entrepreneurial thinking in sport, why Canada underestimates the economic and cultural power of events, and how private risk, storytelling, and coalition-building can unlock government support.

The conversation culminates in a powerful reflection on athlete resilience through the remarkable comeback story of Mark McMorris, and why impact, mentorship, and legacy - not wins alone - are what truly define success.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, vision, and how sport can galvanize communities, inspire nations, and shape lives.

In this episode of Defining Moments, host Dustin Heise sits down with Tom Renney, senior advisor at Hohen Athletics and former president and CEO of Hockey Canada. Tom has coached at the highest levels of hockey, including the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and the Edmonton Oilers, as well as the Olympic Games.

Together, Dustin and Tom explore how sport has the power to galvanize communities, shape leaders, and leave a lasting impact beyond the scoreboard. From touching small towns across Canada to leading the New York Rangers through challenging times post-9/11, Tom shares firsthand stories of mentorship, resilience, and the responsibility of leadership.

They also discuss the upcoming Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the potential of sport to unite nations, and how young leaders can rise to meet extraordinary challenges.

This conversation is a testament to the power of sport, leadership, and leaving a positive legacy.

In this episode of Defining Moments, host Dustin Heise sits down with Tyler Turner, Paralympic champion, world-class multi-sport athlete, and relentless advocate for resilience and perseverance. Tyler opens up about his life-changing skydiving accident, the journey of rebuilding himself, and the mindset that fueled his rise to world champion.

From overcoming addiction and physical recovery to embracing joy and finding passion, Tyler shares invaluable insights on setting small goals, celebrating victories, and maintaining momentum even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, determination, and finding purpose after adversity.

Tune in to be inspired, motivated, and reminded that even the toughest setbacks can become defining moments in your life.

In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Dr. Michael Naraine, a trailblazing leader in sport management and marketing, to explore what it takes to drive meaningful change in the Canadian sports system. As the Board Chair of Canada Snowboard, President of the North American Sport Management Association, and Associate Professor at Brock University, Michael shares his insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of sport in Canada.

They discuss how Canada Snowboard navigated transformational growth, the importance of adaptability and strategic risk-taking, and the role of universities as incubators for innovation in sports. Michael also reflects on his personal journey as the first racialized chair of Canada Snowboard and his vision for inspiring the next generation of sport professionals.

Whether you’re in non-profit sports, professional athletics, or just passionate about leadership and innovation, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real-world lessons.

Tune in to hear how strategy, vision, and people come together to define success in Canadian sport - and beyond.

In this powerful episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with his good friend Mike Bartlett, CEO of Canada Basketball, to explore the journey of turning Canadian basketball into a global powerhouse. From the Dream Team spark that ignited a young fan in Oakville to bold leadership decisions that put winning on the podium above simply qualifying, Mike shares the defining moments that shaped his path and the relentless ambition now driving Canada Basketball forward.

They dive deep into investing ahead of revenue, treating athletes like pros, using sport as a vehicle for social good, building authentic relationships with players, and dreaming of the day Canada steals Olympic basketball gold from the United States on the world stage. A candid, inspiring conversation between two Canadian sport leaders who refuse to accept anything less than world-leading.

If you believe sport can change a country, this one’s for you.