Celebrated Olympian and World Champion Karen Furneaux is your ultimate performance specialist. It is her mission to help you uncover the resilient inner winner and connect to the gold within.
Through her signature keynote presentations, Karen’s message of B.R.A.V.E., P.O.W.E.R. and Resilience resonates across sectors and helps organizations reach their highest potential. She has been connecting with performance-minded audiences for more than twenty years.
Featured Testimonials:
“From all of us at Canadian Nurses Association, (CNA-AIIC) and the Canadian Academy of Nursing, let me offer a huge Thank You to Olympian, Karen Furneaux, who was the keynote speaker for CNA’s National Nurses Week in 2021 and speaker in our Global Changemakers Series! What a great presentation and discussion and helpful insights around the complicated issues of endurance, stamina, self care and building resilience when there is no finite end in sight to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were actively engaged and the discussion afterward, with the Fellows of the Academy was terrific!”
CEO of CNA-AIIC
As President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, I can honestly say that having Karen Furneaux as this year’s Body Movin’ Ambassador was the perfect fit. Karen embodies everything this campaign is about. She brought credibility, heart, and authenticity to the role — but most importantly, she brought courage. Her willingness to be vulnerable in sharing her experience with mental illness resonated deeply across our province. She reminded people that mental health challenges can affect anyone, even Olympians.
Throughout the month-long campaign, Karen encouraged Nova Scotians — in person, on social media, and in TV and podcast interviews — to move in ways that work for them. Whether that’s taking a walk, stretching at home, or having a kitchen dance party, she showed that movement doesn’t have to be elite or intimidating to make a meaningful difference.
We are so grateful for the way Karen inspired and motivated people to prioritize their mental health through movement while supporting the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Starr Cunningham, President and CEO, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
"Karen was the perfect addition to our conference. From her inspiring story as an Olympian, to reminding all of us that success is possible, even if it takes a few tries. She empowered and inspired everyone in the room. I highly recommend Karen to lift your team up and show them that they can achieve anything they desire."
THRSC Atlantic Operations Manager
It was an honor to welcome Karen as our speaker at a recent luncheon at Ashburn Golf Club.
She spoke of her journey from her very successful paddling career on the world stage to her private setbacks with her mental health. She overcame the challenges of both with her courage, persistence and compassion towards herself. Her story of resilience was deeply inspiring.
Thank you Karen for sharing what it means to be “Brave” in our own stories.
Cynthia Rice
President of Ashburn Women’s Division