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Karina LeBlanc

Two-Time Olympian | Former Head of Women’s Football, CONCACAF

Walrus Talks: What is Purposeful Living?
Karina
Walrus Talks: What is Purposeful Living?

With a prestigious career that spanned almost 18 years at the international level, Karina LeBlanc is one of the longest serving soccer players for Canada. She participated in five FIFA World Cups and two Olympic Games, bringing home a bronze medal at the 2016 Games. LeBlanc knows how to create an Olympic culture within any organization. She inspires and motivates her audiences to ask the hard questions and engage in challenging conversations to become the best version of themselves, at home and work.

LeBlanc retired from professional soccer at the end of the 2015 season. She was a goalkeeper for the Canadian women’s national team and, at time of retirement, playing for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). In 2018, LeBlanc joined CONCACAF as the head of women’s football, where she led the confederation in developing and growing the women’s game. In 2021, she stepped down from CONCACAF to accept the role of general manager of NWSL’s Portland Thorns. In 2020, LeBlanc was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame.

As a highly sought-after motivational speaker, LeBlanc shares insight into developing the mindset of an Olympian, how she transitioned from an elite athlete to a leader in the corporate world, and how she learned to thrive in the uncomfortableness of change. Her audiences have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses. She has also addressed the United Nations General Assembly twice and spoke at the United Nations Race Against Climate Change and Canada’s 150th celebration. In 2015, LeBlanc hosted TEDxVancouver.

LeBlanc is a passionate advocate for inclusion, diversity, and humanitarianism. As president of the Karina LeBlanc Foundation, she mentors and provides scholarships to young women in sport. LeBlanc is especially proud of her role as an Honourary Captain of the Canadian Navy and as a UNICEF ambassador.

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

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Client reviews

  • Karina is unbelievable! She is so generous with her time, so genuine and down to Earth. Multiple participants mentioned that she was the best speaker they have ever heard at any conference. She made an immeasurable impact on all participants and will be fondly remembered always.

  • Karina LeBlanc is a dynamic, engaging speaker that we felt very lucky to have on stage for the 2017 Outstanding Women of Laurier fundraiser. During her very lively, energizing session, Karina shared impactful experiences and a unique perspective on internal motivation that was very moving for all guests, from student athletes to working professionals. Laurier Athletics would highly recommend Karina for any keynote speaking opportunity.

  • Karina was an excellent host and facilitator at our annual We For She gender equality event where we had over 800 students and 500 business leaders in attendance. She was charismatic and her positive energy was infectious in keeping the crowd engaged and entertained. Karina was inspirational, relatable, and extremely supportive with encouraging our guests to step out of their comfort zones and be bold to make changes!

  • When the world literally watched her take the podium at the 2012 Olympics, I knew then it was only the beginning of a new career as a public leader and inspirational voice. Karina is a world-class speaker and on-stage personality that understands how to capture an audience unlike anyone I’ve ever worked with in 20 years. Whether she’s a UNICEF Ambassador or TED-Stage Power-Broker, Karina has an appeal that crosses cultural divides and excites everyone she meets. If you’re looking to create a transformational experience at your next event, Karina is someone you should connect with first.

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