Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser’s presentation at The Art of Leadership Women conference was a powerful and inspiring account of her personal journey as an elite athlete and a medical professional.
“If you’re not good enough without it, then you’re not enough with it.” – Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser
Her presentation focused on three main themes: resilience, teamwork, and making a positive impact during challenging times.
Dr. Wickenheiser began by expressing her gratitude for her hometown, Calgary, and the role it played in her achievements. She highlighted how the city and its facilities, along with the people she met there, contributed to her success. She then shifted her focus to the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing her firsthand experience as a medical student and resident during this challenging time. Dr. Wickenheiser discussed the shock of the NHL suspension and her decision to redirect her focus to medicine. She also highlighted the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals and her involvement in the Conquer COVID-19 movement, which raised funds and donated millions of PPE items to healthcare facilities across the country.
Transitioning to her personal journey, Dr. Wickenheiser shared her childhood dreams of playing for the Edmonton Oilers and becoming a doctor. She recounted a formative experience from her childhood when she witnessed the impact of healthcare professionals on a friend’s recovery, inspiring her to pursue medicine alongside her hockey career. She also shared a challenging situation she faced on her first day of medical school, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience in the face of adversity.
Throughout her presentation, Dr. Wickenheiser highlighted the contrast between her athletic career, where success was celebrated individually, and medicine, where collaboration and empathy are crucial. She emphasized the importance of resilience and making a positive impact, drawing from her experiences as both an athlete and a medical professional. Dr. Wickenheiser encouraged the audience to embrace their roles and support one another, emphasizing the significance of learning from failures and losses.
In addition to her athletic journey, Dr. Wickenheiser shared insights from her hockey career, including the importance of trust, teamwork, adaptation, and dealing with pressure. She called for inclusivity in Canadian hockey, advocating for leadership that thinks progressively and makes the sport accessible to everyone, including new Canadians.
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser’s presentation at The Art of Leadership Women conference provided attendees with valuable insights and inspiration. Her emphasis on resilience, teamwork, and making a positive impact resonated with the audience. Through her personal stories and experiences, she highlighted the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing one’s passion. Dr. Wickenheiser’s presentation left the audience with a deeper understanding of the importance of trust, adaptation, and inclusivity in both sports and life.
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