Defining Moments with Dustin

What if student-athletes had access to the truth before committing to a college program? In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Keirsten Sires, Founder and CEO of 2aDays, to discuss how transparency, trust, and athlete-first leadership are reshaping the college sports landscape. Drawing from her own recruiting experience, Keirsten shares the defining moment that inspired...

In this episode of Defining Moments , Dustin Heise sits down with Garrett Ball, Chief Operating Officer at Golf Canada, to explore the leadership lessons that emerge when sport, business, and purpose intersect. A five-time national lacrosse champion turned executive leader, Garrett shares the defining phone call that shifted his career trajectory and how his competitive drive evolved from the play...

What does it take to lead change in a rapidly evolving sports landscape? In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, to explore leadership, innovation, and the realities of transforming sports organizations in an era of constant change. Phil shares lessons from leading major organizational turnarounds, balancing commercial growth with athlete...

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 leade...

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 ap...

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 transforma...

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 impac...

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 Canad...

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...

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,”...

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...

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 in...

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...

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...

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...

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 ladde...

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...

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 emb...

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 insight...

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 sh...