Defining Moments with Dustin

In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Suzanne Paulins, Chief Executive Officer of Swimming Canada, to explore the leadership lessons she's learned from grassroots sport, parent volunteering, and guiding one of Canada's most successful Olympic organizations.Suzanne shares why feedback-rich cultures create stronger teams, how a clear sense of purpose helps leaders navigate complexity, and the remarkable story of relocating Canada's Olympic and Paralympic Swimming Trials just weeks before the event after a facility fire threatened the competition.The conversation dives into athlete-centred leadership, building accessible sport systems, creating opportunities for future generations, and why Suzanne believes sport remains one of the most powerful nation-building forces in Canada.Whether you're a leader in sport, business, or your community, this episode offers practical insights on collaboration, resilience, and leading with purpose.

In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Lyle Adams, Founder and CEO of Spry, a leading collegiate athletics management platform helping athletic departments streamline operations and better support coaches, administrators, and student-athletes.A former professional soccer player turned sports technology entrepreneur, Lyle shares how lessons from elite sport shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and building a high-growth company. He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of learning from failure, and why growth is rarely linear.The conversation explores the future of collegiate athletics, the increasing complexity facing athletes and administrators, and how technology can create more time for coaches to focus on what matters most: developing people. Lyle also offers thoughtful insights on athlete specialization, NIL, the transfer portal, and the evolving landscape of sport.This episode is packed with practical leadership lessons on perseverance, innovation, culture, and solving the right problems.What You'll Learn: Why failure is one of the greatest tools for growth  How elite athletes develop transferable leadership skills  The importance of building feedback-driven cultures  Why solving problems matters more than building features  The future of college athletics and sports technology  How leaders can create more impact by focusing on efficiency and people

In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Matthew Jolles, President & CEO of Gotham Sports & Entertainment Holdings, to explore how sport can become more than competition.Matthew shares how his time with ESPN and X Games shaped his belief in sport as a platform for culture, inclusion, and opportunity. He also unpacks his mission to make youth sports more transformational, affordable, and athlete-focused.From servant leadership to building organizations where players feel known by name, this conversation is about creating lasting impact in sport, business, and community.

In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Brett M. Johnson, CEO of Benevolent Capital and one of the most influential voices in the business of sport today. Brett shares the journey behind building Rhode Island FC, helping lead the resurgence of Ipswich Town FC, and why he believes sport is one of the most powerful tools for community connection and long-term economic impact.The conversation dives into sports ownership, entrepreneurship, leadership, stadium development, and the lessons Brett has learned while building organizations that extend far beyond the game itself. From taking risks and surviving adversity to creating values-driven cultures and investing in people first, Brett offers a candid look into what it really takes to build something meaningful in sport and business.This episode is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and the future of sports as an asset class.

On this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Andrew Baker to explore the power of sport far beyond the podium. From being inspired by the 1996 Olympics as a young athlete to helping shape the future of Canadian sport at the Canadian Olympic Committee, Andrew shares the defining moments that shaped his leadership journey.The conversation dives into the future of sport in Canada, the impact of the recent historic investment into the national sport system, and why modernizing sport means creating stronger connections between grassroots participation and high-performance success. Andrew also shares insights on Olympic hosting, global leadership, and how Canada can continue to inspire the next generation through sport.This episode is a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, innovation, and the role sport can play in building stronger communities across Canada and around the world. 

What does it take to lead a national sport through pressure, change, and a global spotlight?In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Kevin Blue, CEO & General Secretary of Canada Soccer, to unpack the mindset behind high-stakes leadership.From his early days as a competitive golfer to leading major sports organizations across North America, Kevin shares how the mental game shapes decision-making at the highest level. He breaks down how he approached stepping into Canada Soccer without a traditional soccer background, why humility can build credibility, and how leaders earn trust in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.They also dive into the future of sport in Canada, including the role of philanthropy in funding, the challenge of aligning organizations around a shared vision, and the massive opportunity ahead with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is a conversation about staying grounded under pressure, leading through uncertainty, and building something bigger than yourself.

On this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Marnie McBean, one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians and now a Senator representing Ontario.They dive into leadership at the highest level, what sport teaches us about teamwork, and why Canada is underestimating the true value of investing in athletics and physical activity. Marnie shares her powerful concept of the “done list,” how preparation creates confidence, and why the smallest details often lead to the biggest breakthroughs.She also reflects on quiet moments behind Olympic greatness, lessons from leading Team Canada, and how sport can unite communities and shape a stronger nation. This is a conversation about ambition, perspective, resilience, and what it really takes to win in life and leadership. 

In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Chris Bright, Executive Director of Karate Canada and former professional hockey player who represented Team Canada internationally, including earning a World Championship bronze medal and winning Spengler Cup gold.Chris shares his journey from professional hockey to leading national sport organizations and shaping the future of sport governance in Canada. Drawing on experience with Hockey Canada, Taekwondo Canada, and now Karate Canada, Chris reflects on the leadership lessons learned across high-performance environments and the role sport plays in transforming lives.Together, Dustin and Chris explore the realities of leadership in modern sport, the importance of grassroots access, and how national sport organizations can align around a clear North Star. They also discuss the need for stronger collaboration between sport, government, and corporate Canada to ensure the next generation of athletes can access sport and thrive.This episode highlights the defining moments that shape leaders — and the responsibility sport leaders carry to build stronger teams, stronger communities, and a stronger future for Canadian sport.In this episode:How elite sport shaped Chris’s leadership philosophyLessons from representing Canada internationally and winning Spengler Cup goldWhy adaptability is critical when leading across multiple sportsThe transformative power of grassroots sport programsHow Karate Canada is aligning around its strategic North StarWhy collaboration across sport, government, and business matters for the future of Canadian sport

In this special segment on Defining Moments with Dustin, Ben Mulroney sits down with Dustin Heise and athlete Tyler Turner to explore the future of snowboarding in Canada. Ben leads the conversation, asking key questions about global competition, the role of strategic partnerships, and how indoor training facilities around the world are giving other countries an edge. The discussion dives deep into strategies to support young athletes, grow the snow sport community, and ensure Canada remains a leader on the podium. Insightful, inspiring, and full of ideas for anyone passionate about sport, innovation, and building a winning ecosystem.

In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, four-time Olympic medalist, two-time Canadian flag bearer, and current Member of Parliament for Milton. Adam shares his journey from the Olympic podium to the halls of Parliament, his role as Canada’s Secretary of State for Sport, and his unique position as FIFA Sherpa ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.They discuss the massive economic and social impact of sport in Canada, the power of athletics to unite people across cultures, and the defining moments that shaped Adam’s leadership both on and off the field. Adam also shares his vision for making sport more accessible for all Canadians and the importance of advocacy in creating meaningful change.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and the transformative power of sport.

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.