John Furlong
CEO Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games.
Interested in booking John Furlong for your next event?
Fill out our "no obligation" request form to receive your FREE pricing and availability consultation for John Furlong.
John Furlong’s keynote speeches can move you to tears, while inspiring you to reach higher, challenge traditional thinking and dig deeper to achieve your own goals. John Furlong has been described as a Sports Hero, Nation Builder and the Ultimate Crisis Manager. Known for his masterful storytelling and innovative leadership style, he continues to inspire, regaling audiences with the many remarkable and fascinating untold stories behind the Games. He is one of the longest serving leaders in Olympic history.
He was there at the beginning of the bid phase and went on to become CEO of VANOC, leading the organisation through many trials and tribulations, all the way through to the closing ceremonies. He was relentless in his pursuit to deliver a Games that would touch the hearts and minds of every Canadian.
Many said it was a vision too far, urging him to set the goals at a more attainable level. Furlong refused and through an exhaustive ten year journey went on to deliver, what have now been recognised by the IOC as, the most successful Winter Games ever. John Furlong was the first VANOC employee and led the growth of the organisation to a team of 55,000 employees over a ten year period; Imagine hosting 2,600 participants from 82 nations competing in 86 events; Imagine finding the creativity to develop a record $760 million in domestic sponsorship amidst a global economic crisis; Imagine, successfully navigating all levels of government and staying true to the vision to connect with the hearts and minds of all Canadians.
John Furlong continues to bring the same level of passion & focus to each keynote address, working hard to craft a speech that will resonate with each audience. Following a pre-event telephone briefing, John will carefully select the most powerful stories to illustrate the lessons learned throughout his incredible ten year Olympic Journey. Whether your goal is, to better understand the importance of a compelling vision, finding the courage to stay the course in times of adversity, values based leadership, effective teambuilding, community engagement, deeper partnerships, understanding sustainability, crisis management or you simply wish to gain a glimpse behind the Games to hear some of the remarkably inspiring human stories, you can be certain that John Furlong will has the depth of material and speaking skills to powerfully connect with your group.
His new book, Patriot Hearts – Inside the Olympics that changed a nation, will be launched February 11, 2011, the one year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.
He was there at the beginning of the bid phase and went on to become CEO of VANOC, leading the organisation through many trials and tribulations, all the way through to the closing ceremonies. He was relentless in his pursuit to deliver a Games that would touch the hearts and minds of every Canadian.
Many said it was a vision too far, urging him to set the goals at a more attainable level. Furlong refused and through an exhaustive ten year journey went on to deliver, what have now been recognised by the IOC as, the most successful Winter Games ever. John Furlong was the first VANOC employee and led the growth of the organisation to a team of 55,000 employees over a ten year period; Imagine hosting 2,600 participants from 82 nations competing in 86 events; Imagine finding the creativity to develop a record $760 million in domestic sponsorship amidst a global economic crisis; Imagine, successfully navigating all levels of government and staying true to the vision to connect with the hearts and minds of all Canadians.
John Furlong continues to bring the same level of passion & focus to each keynote address, working hard to craft a speech that will resonate with each audience. Following a pre-event telephone briefing, John will carefully select the most powerful stories to illustrate the lessons learned throughout his incredible ten year Olympic Journey. Whether your goal is, to better understand the importance of a compelling vision, finding the courage to stay the course in times of adversity, values based leadership, effective teambuilding, community engagement, deeper partnerships, understanding sustainability, crisis management or you simply wish to gain a glimpse behind the Games to hear some of the remarkably inspiring human stories, you can be certain that John Furlong will has the depth of material and speaking skills to powerfully connect with your group.
His new book, Patriot Hearts – Inside the Olympics that changed a nation, will be launched February 11, 2011, the one year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.
"very inspiring and touching talk by Mr. Furlong - A great ambassador for Canada."
Kerry Mitchell, Manager, Political/Economic and Public Affairs, Canadian Consulate General, Buffalo, New York
"Expectations were high, but John hit this way beyond expectations. This is not a group of people who get often to their feet...and many were in tears. It was perfect!"
Lisa Vogt, McCarthy Tetrault
"I have had the pleasure over my 20 year career of hearing and hiring many great speakers, but John Furlong stands out as one of the best. His message was outstanding and his passion is absolutely incredible. He is truly an inspiring individual and I would put my personal guarantee on it that an audience would not be disappointed no matter what part of the world you are from."
Angie Pfeifer, C.M.M. Assistant Vice-President, Corporate Meetings, Travel & Incentives Investors Group Financial Services
"John’s speech truly touched our group. His words were both moving and motivational. I believe history will show John to be one of our most inspirational leaders and the most passionate Canadians of our time."
David Bodnar, Terasen Gas, Director, Community, Aboriginal & Government Relations
Your presentation was just amazing...We are so lucky that you shared your exciting Olympic experience with us. You made us so proud and what a great leader you are."
François Morin, Bell Canada, Marchés Affaires
"John Furlong inspired us all with his eloquent address and has reinforced the purpose and importance of our organisation. He has definitely raised the bar for our next event."
Francis LeBlanc, Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians.
"Your thoughts on teamwork, trust, excellence, creativity and sustainability, discussed with examples from your experience, were extremely relevant and interesting... It's difficult to express just how proud we are of what you and your team accomplished."
Jamie Adam, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
"You were an excellent choice for key note speaker."
Paul M. Tellier, P.C, C.C., Q.C., BCE, Corporate Director
"The Games have elevated Canada on the world stage. Mark my words, some day historians will look back at Canada's growing strength in the 21st century and they will say that it all began right here, on the West Coast, with the best Winter Olympic Games the world has ever seen."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, CBC.ca
"Expectations were high, but John hit this way beyond expectations. This is not a group of people who get often to their feet...and many were in tears. It was perfect!"
Lisa Vogt, McCarthy Tetrault
"I have had the pleasure over my 20 year career of hearing and hiring many great speakers, but John Furlong stands out as one of the best. His message was outstanding and his passion is absolutely incredible. He is truly an inspiring individual and I would put my personal guarantee on it that an audience would not be disappointed no matter what part of the world you are from."
Angie Pfeifer, C.M.M. Assistant Vice-President, Corporate Meetings, Travel & Incentives Investors Group Financial Services
"John’s speech truly touched our group. His words were both moving and motivational. I believe history will show John to be one of our most inspirational leaders and the most passionate Canadians of our time."
David Bodnar, Terasen Gas, Director, Community, Aboriginal & Government Relations
Your presentation was just amazing...We are so lucky that you shared your exciting Olympic experience with us. You made us so proud and what a great leader you are."
François Morin, Bell Canada, Marchés Affaires
"John Furlong inspired us all with his eloquent address and has reinforced the purpose and importance of our organisation. He has definitely raised the bar for our next event."
Francis LeBlanc, Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians.
"Your thoughts on teamwork, trust, excellence, creativity and sustainability, discussed with examples from your experience, were extremely relevant and interesting... It's difficult to express just how proud we are of what you and your team accomplished."
Jamie Adam, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
"You were an excellent choice for key note speaker."
Paul M. Tellier, P.C, C.C., Q.C., BCE, Corporate Director
"The Games have elevated Canada on the world stage. Mark my words, some day historians will look back at Canada's growing strength in the 21st century and they will say that it all began right here, on the West Coast, with the best Winter Olympic Games the world has ever seen."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, CBC.ca