Cheryl Pounder

Olympic Gold Medalist | Broadcaster | Co-Host, Her Mark Podcast

Leadership Athletes Female Speakers Olympians

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Peak Performance Teamwork & Collaboration

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About This Speaker

Cheryl Pounder is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most accomplished players in Canadian women’s hockey history. She played on six of Canada’s World Championship teams and was named an All-Star Defenseman in 2005. Additionally, Cheryl was voted the top defenseman at the Canadian Women’s Hockey National Championships in 2002, 2004, 2005 (MVP), and 2007, further solidifying her legacy in the sport. However, it is her two Olympic gold medals from the Salt Lake City and Torino Games that remain her greatest career accomplishments.

Cheryl’s career is defined by her belief in the importance of the journey. She shares this powerful message with every audience she speaks to, emphasizing that change is inevitable, and embracing it is key to achieving excellence. She teaches that learning from both failures and successes provides the foundation for growth. As a result, true achievement lies in the details—the commitment, vision, leadership, teamwork, and dedication required every day.

Currently, Cheryl Pounder is a colour commentary analyst for TSN. Her experience includes providing analysis during the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, 2014 Olympic Winter Games, and 2013 Women’s World Hockey Championships. In addition, Cheryl serves on the board of the Ladies’ First Hockey Foundation and the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, where she continues to advocate for the growth of women’s sports.

As a mother of two daughters, Cheryl Pounder recognizes the importance of engaging youth. She is actively involved with Fitspirit, a non-profit organization that encourages young females to adopt active and healthy lifestyles. Her experiences both on and off the ice make her a passionate and inspiring speaker, offering valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

Videos

Speaking Topics: Cheryl Pounder

Pursuit of Excellence: “Growing for Gold”: Self-Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

How does one grow and get gold, no matter their situation? Cheryl’s enlightening keynote is interactive, engaging and entertaining. She discusses the importance of building a vision while focusing on participation vs engagement and the importance of seizing every opportunity. Cheryl also focuses on the character dimensions of leadership, the importance of collaboration and how one individual can affect and impact the culture and mission of a group. By sharing information, understanding the importance of inclusivity and recognizing value, we build culture and efficiency. Growing for Gold involves trusting the process, tough conversations and clarity of the common goal. Thinking differently is essential to excellence.

Pursuit of Excellence: “Breaking the Barriers”: The Courage to Overcome Adversity

How do you take what cards life has dealt you and turn them into a win? Cheryl discusses adversity as it applied to her journey and how being ‘abnormal’ and taking chances helped her succeed in a world where many believed she couldn’t. Finding strength in vulnerability and having the courage to embrace change, leads to incredible opportunities. Cheryl takes you on a journey, discussing how she developed resiliency and how she has overcome her personal fear of failure in order to break barriers and prove to herself and others that she has what it takes to win.

Pursuit of Excellence: “End the Stigma”: Understanding Mental Health

Can you recognize the signs of mental illness? Are you doing what you need to do to take care of your own mental wellness? Cheryl talks about the pressures of leadership, being in the public eye and the importance of taking care of your own mental wellness in order to reach your goals and lead a fulfilling life. She also talks about the importance of encouraging your team and those around you to put mental wellness on their list of personal goals.

Pursuit of Excellence: “Women in Leadership”: The importance of finding your voice, rising up and collaborating

As a professional hockey player and sports broadcaster, Cheryl Pounder will share her journey as a female in a male-dominated community. She discusses the courage needed to find your voice and how to find the strength to ‘stand on top of your story’. She will reinforce the importance of joining the conversation and how women can rise up to any challenge in any circumstance. She encourages the audience to talk about their own personal barriers while recognizing their role within a community. Cheryl also talks about the need for collaboration as women in leadership and how teamwork really does make the dream work.