For Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer at the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), sport has always been more than just competition, it has been a foundation for leadership.
From Alpine Skiing to Rugby to Swimming and Lifeguarding, her experiences as an athlete instilled in her the values that now define her leadership approach. The lessons learned on the field, in the pool, and on the slopes: Teamwork, confidence, mentorship, and humility are the same principles that guide her today as a leader in the Canadian sport system.
“In sport, teamwork is not just a concept… it’s a necessity,” Gosselin-Despres reflects. “I remember the first rugby tackle I received, the kind that takes you by surprise. But instead of staying down, you have to get up because I knew my teammates had my back and I knew as I picked myself up, I had some inner strength and power in me to keep going.
“That sense of mutual support is something I’ve carried with me throughout my career. Just like in rugby, where I couldn’t succeed without the strength of my team, in leadership, I recognize that I am only as strong as the people around me. Whether it’s colleagues, mentors, our team at CPC, we achieve more when we support each other.”
Sport also taught her the importance of confidence and overcoming self-doubt, a lesson that has been instrumental in navigating leadership challenges.
“Sport has been a powerful tool in building my self-esteem, but it has also taught me how to navigate doubt. Imposter syndrome can be a real struggle sometimes. I became a Chief Executive Officer, fairly early in my career, and I’ve learned how important it is to surround yourself with people who support you in professional and personal life,” Gosselin-Despres explains. “People, male and female, who challenge you, offer constructive feedback, and help you step out of self-doubt. In the end, it is important to share vulnerabilities to learn and grow and just be a better leader and person in all aspects of life.
Beyond personal development, Gosselin-Despres sees leadership as a responsibility to uplift others, particularly young women in sport.
“I feel a deep responsibility to support the next generation of female leaders. I remember the women who helped guide me, and I strive to do the same. Encouraging others, being a mentor, or simply being there to listen,” Gosselin-Despres said. “It all creates a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community. The lessons I learned from strong, resilient women in sport are the same ones I now pay forward.”
Perhaps the most valuable lesson she has carried from sport into leadership is the power of humility and empathy.
“In sports, the best leaders are the ones who embrace challenges and ask the same from themselves than others. They listen, they support, and they don’t take themselves too seriously. The same is true in leadership,” Gosselin-Despres shares. “A humble leader asks questions, is approachable, and embraces teachable moments.”
For Gosselin-Despres, sport has been the ultimate training ground for leadership. The values that define great athletes, values such as resilience, collaboration, confidence, and mentorship,
“At the end of the day, leadership is not about standing above others, it’s about standing alongside them, together we can achieve more. I am also so proud of my team and colleagues. Everyone has a critical role to play, and it is about how to empower people and support each other to be better as a group.”
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