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 playing field to the boardroom. Together, Dustin and Garrett discuss building intentional cultures, leading through growth, and why protecting culture is one of leadership's most important responsibilities.

The conversation also dives into Golf Canada's remarkable growth, the organization's world-class events strategy, and the transformative impact of First Tee – a program that has already reached more than 275,000 Canadian youth through the game of golf. Garrett shares his vision for the future of Canadian sport, the importance of innovation and accessibility, and why sport's greatest legacy extends far beyond the scoreboard.

Whether you're a leader in sport, business, or community, this episode offers powerful insights on culture, purpose, and creating lasting impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The defining moment that launched Garrett's executive leadership journey
• Why culture must be built intentionally - not accidentally
• How Golf Canada scaled while maintaining a strong organizational culture
• The impact of First Tee and using sport to develop life skills
• Why the future of Canadian sport depends on participation, innovation, and accessibility
• How sport can create lifelong impact beyond wins and losses

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 success, and building cultures that embrace accountability and innovation. The conversation dives into strategic planning, managing change, growing participation in sport, leveraging AI, and why communication remains one of the most important leadership skills in any organization.

From expanding fencing's reach through creative partnerships and earned media to navigating the opportunities and challenges of emerging technology, Phil offers practical insights for leaders inside and outside of sport.

Whether you're leading a national governing body, a business, or a growing team, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on adapting, innovating, and building organizations that thrive in uncertain times.

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.