John Furlong
"There has been euphoria here, a change. Something has happened, not just in Vancouver but all over the country. I think the people of the country have taken a different position around these Games. They have not been spectators, they have lived every moment with us. I think that is something we can all be proud of."
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 game that would touch the hearts and minds of every Canadian. In April 2012, Furlong joined Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps as the team's executive chair.
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.
Client Testmonials:
"A very inspiring and touching talk by Mr. Furlong - A great ambassador for Canada."
Canadian Consulate General
"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."
Aboriginal & Government Relations
"There has been euphoria here, a change. Something has happened, not just in Vancouver but all over the country. I think the people of the country have taken a different position around these Games. They have not been spectators, they have lived every moment with us. I think that is something we can all be proud of."
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 game that would touch the hearts and minds of every Canadian. In April 2012, Furlong joined Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps as the team's executive chair.
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.
Client Testmonials:
"A very inspiring and touching talk by Mr. Furlong - A great ambassador for Canada."
Canadian Consulate General
"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."
Aboriginal & Government Relations
