Defining Moments with Dustin

What does it take to build a winning team, lead with integrity, and create a sporting legacy that lasts for generations? In this episode of Defining Moments, host Dustin Heise sits down with Tricia Smith, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee, four-time Olympian, Olympic silver medalist, and one of Canada's most influential sport leaders. From growing up in a family where sport, resourcefulness, and respect were part of everyday life to representing Canada on the Olympic stage, Tricia s...

What does it take to chase a dream, compete on the world stage, and build a successful career beyond professional sports? In this episode of Defining Moments, host Dustin Heise sits down with Ben LeSage, Canadian National Rugby Team player, three-time Major League Rugby champion with the New England Free Jacks, and experienced startup operator. Ben shares his journey from studying engineering at the University of British Columbia to representing Canada at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He reflects...

What does it take to lead a sport, build a lasting community, and turn personal setbacks into defining moments? In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Nolan Thiessen, CEO of Curling Canada, to explore the leadership lessons that shaped his journey from competitive athlete to sports executive. Nolan shares how falling short of his baseball dream taught him to take ownership of his growth, why reaching out to a mentor changed his career, and how listening, trust, and a...

What makes sport so powerful at bringing people together? In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Larry Peters, Chief Revenue Officer at World of Dance, to explore the business, culture, and community behind sports and entertainment. Larry shares what he has learned from more than 15 years working across major sports, live entertainment, brand partnerships, technology, and new market development. The conversation covers why sport creates such a strong shared identity,...

What if sport could do more than build fitness and competition, and actually help solve loneliness? In this episode of Defining Moments, Dustin Heise sits down with Jess Jess Nicol, Co-Founder & CEO of Nicol, to explore how racquet sports can create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. Jess shares how Nicol grew from a junior squash program into a growing network of multi-racquet clubs built around belonging, play, and community. She talks about building through COV...