Defining Moments with Dustin

Brett M. Johnson – CEO, Benevolent Capital | Chairman of Rhode Island FC & Centreville Bank Stadium

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.

Andrew Baker – Chief External Affairs Officer, Canadian Olympic Committee

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.

Kevin Blue - CEO & General Secretary, Canada Soccer

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.

Marnie McBean - Senator, Senate of Canada

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.

Chris Bright – Executive Director, Karate Canada

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 philosophy * Lessons from representing Canada internationally and winning Spengler Cup gold * Why adaptability is critical when leading across multiple sports * The transformative power of grassroots sport programs * How Karate Canada is aligning around its strategic North Star * Why collaboration across sport, government, and business matters for the future of Canadian sport