CEO Global Network Podcast

Dustin Heise, CEO of Canada Snowboard – Leading Through Uncertainty and Scaling with Values

John Wilson Season 1 Episode 12

How do you lead an organization through crisis, double its size, and still stay true to your core values?

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson speaks with Dustin Heise, CEO of Canada Snowboard, about the leadership lessons he’s learned guiding his team to record-breaking results—even in the middle of a global pandemic.

Dustin shares how values, trust, and resilience powered Canada Snowboard to become the world’s top Olympic snowboard nation. He also reveals the surprising parallels between risk and flow on the mountain and decision-making in the boardroom, as well as his approach to scaling fast without losing culture.

Whether you’re leading in sport, business, or life - this conversation is packed with insights on faith, perseverance, and raising the bar after big wins.

00:00 – Welcome
John introduces Dustin Heise, CEO of Canada Snowboard.

00:26 – You led Canada Snowboard through a pandemic and still hit record-breaking results. What mindset did you lean on when everything was so uncertain?
Dustin explains why faith, values, trust, and resiliency became the foundation for navigating uncertainty and coming out stronger.

01:54 – You’ve doubled revenue and team size in just five years. What’s your secret to scaling without losing core values?
Dustin shares how staying accountable to values, listening to people, and constant recalibration made growth possible without sacrificing culture.

04:10 – Snowboarding is about risk and flow. How have those principles shaped your leadership style?
Dustin draws parallels between measured risk in snowboarding and decision-making in business, and how flow emerges from persistence and resilience.

06:06 – What leadership lesson from the mountain has served you best in the boardroom?
Dustin talks about the importance of stepping back, preparing, and staying disciplined—whether choosing a line down a slope or aligning a board of directors.

08:51 – Canada became the top Olympic snowboard nation under your leadership. How do you keep raising the bar after that kind of success?
Dustin explains how defining purpose, measuring values, investing in culture, and striving for innovation keep the organization pushing higher.

11:48 – Closing
John thanks Dustin for sharing his leadership journey and insights.