Four-time Olympian Silken Laumann is one of Canada's most inspirational leaders. As the reigning world champion rower she fought back from a devastating training accident and medical predictions of never being able to row again, to win a bronze medal in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
In ten weeks she made the greatest comeback in Canadian Sports History, becoming a symbol of spirit and hope to all Canadians. Since winning bronze in Barcelona, Silken Laumann has continued to act as an inspirational force, encouraging people to dream big, live in the moment, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to future success.
Silken retired in March 1999 having won three Olympic medals and four World Championships. Her list of other medals and awards at World and International competitions is extensive. In 1997 Silken Laumann was the first non-American to receive the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award. She was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
Although her competitive rowing career ended in 1999, her ability to inspire continued. Silken shifted her thinking to take her story of Courage, Determination and Perseverance to Canadians and others on a personal level. Silken is graced with the gift of empathy. She reaches out and connects with people's struggles, their doubt and their pain. By sharing her own moments of doubt, times when she didn't know what the next step would be, moments where she was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, Silken reveals herself as a truly compassionate human being and connects deeply with her audience. Her message of courage has the potential to transform an audience's image of themselves and their possibility in the world. She demonstrates how a shift in attitude can release the energy needed to face and overcome our own obstacles.
Presentation Topics
- An Olympic Story - The Courage to Dream.
- Personal Excellence - Moving from Good to Great
Testimonials
“Thank you for giving such a terrific presentation. It’s obvious you care about your audience, by being so thoroughly prepared.”
Cronkhite Supply
“As you could tell by the group’s standing ovation your speech moved us emotionally and was a highlight of our weekend.”
AMJ Campbell
"Silken's message was right on target for what we are trying to achieve in the development of Public Service leaders. Compassion is of primary importance to the current and future leaders of the Public Service of Canada."
The Canadian Centre for Management Development
You provided our sales team with valuable new skills, applicable to both their business and personal lives."
Microsoft
