Clara Hughes is a name that resonates deeply with Canadians, not just because of her six Olympic medals across two sports, but because of the way she has channeled her experiences as an athlete into meaningful leadership in business and social advocacy. I had the privilege of speaking with Clara about her journey—one that spans world-class athletic achievement, the transition into entrepreneurship, and a deeply personal commitment to mental health awareness.
A Legacy of Athletic Excellence; Clara's Olympic career is nothing short of extraordinary. With two bronze medals in cycling and four in speed skating, she remains one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians. But for Clara, the journey to these accomplishments wasn’t just about gold, silver, or bronze. It was about resilience, discipline, and learning to face adversity with unwavering determination.
“I didn’t get into sport to be famous, or even to win medals," Clara told me. "I got into sport because I loved the challenge. I loved the feeling of pushing myself further than I thought possible, and I loved the community that sport brings with it.”
What’s perhaps even more remarkable than Clara’s athletic achievements is the fact that she did all this while navigating the mental and emotional challenges that come with being at the top of one’s game. “People often ask me about the physical training, the strategy,” she said. “But for me, mental strength was always the biggest hurdle. You have to be strong in your mind if you’re going to sustain success at that level. But you also have to learn how to deal with failure, and that’s something that athletes are often reluctant to talk about.”
As we spoke, Clara reflected on her journey through some of her most challenging moments—moments when she struggled with depression and self-doubt. "When I was competing, there were times when I didn’t feel like I was enough," she shared. "I had to dig deep, even when I couldn’t see a way forward." It was this resilience that ultimately led Clara to not just succeed in her career, but to find a way to use her platform to help others.
Transitioning to Business: Finding New Challenges; After retiring from competitive sport, Clara could have easily stepped into a comfortable life of public speaking and endorsement deals, but that wasn’t her style. Instead, she sought out ways to continue challenging herself—this time in the world of business and philanthropy.
“I always wanted to do something that mattered. I didn’t want to just coast,” Clara said. “I believe in the power of sport to change lives. So, I wanted to find a way to give back, not just to athletes, but to the communities that supported me along the way.”
One of her first ventures after retirement was her role with Jumpstart Charities, the national organization that helps underprivileged kids access sports. As Chair of the organization, Clara was able to connect her lifelong passion for sport with her new business acumen. “When you’ve been given so much through sport, you realize the power it has to level the playing field. Jumpstart gives kids a chance to be part of a team, to develop confidence, to understand what it means to work hard for something. That’s something I wanted to be a part of."
But Clara’s leadership doesn’t stop there. She’s also involved in Highmark Interactive, a Canadian tech company that uses virtual reality (VR) to help treat brain injuries—an area that’s very personal to her. As someone who has experienced multiple concussions in her career, Clara understands the gravity of brain health. She’s worked tirelessly to raise awareness about concussion protocols and safer sport, and she saw Highmark as an opportunity to merge her passion for innovation with her advocacy.
“Highmark is an exciting company because they’re using technology in a way that directly impacts people’s lives,” Clara explained. “It’s about helping people who have suffered brain injuries, whether in sport or otherwise, find ways to recover faster and more safely. It’s amazing to be part of something that has the potential to change the future of health care."
Mental Health Advocacy: Using Her Platform for Good; One of the most powerful aspects of Clara’s post-athletic life is her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. After struggling with depression throughout her career, Clara became one of the most prominent voices in Canada for mental health awareness. “I was taught that weakness was something to hide,” she said. “But eventually, I realized that talking about my struggles made me stronger. It made me more authentic.”
Clara’s work with Bell Let’s Talk, the national mental health campaign, is just one example of how she’s used her experience to help others. In 2010, at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, she became one of the first athletes to publicly talk about her mental health challenges. Since then, she has worked relentlessly to reduce the stigma around mental illness, particularly in the world of sport.
“I want people to know that it’s okay to not be okay,” she said, her voice steady but filled with compassion. “We need to create an environment where athletes, especially young athletes, can talk about their struggles without fear of being judged. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we need to treat it that way.”
Her efforts through Clara’s Big Ride, a cross-country bike tour she undertook in 2014 to raise awareness for mental health, raised millions of dollars and sparked conversations about mental health across Canada. “It was an exhausting journey, but the conversations I had along the way were powerful. I realized just how many people were silently struggling and how much more we needed to do to create a culture of support.”
Business Leadership: A Vision of Integrity; What has struck me most about Clara Hughes is her integrity and her ability to remain grounded despite her fame. In every business venture and advocacy project, she has taken the same approach: combining strategy with compassion, and using her influence to drive positive change. Whether she’s helping underprivileged children access sport, pioneering innovation in brain health, or fighting for better mental health care, Clara’s business leadership is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility.
"I don’t do things just to make money or build my resume," Clara told me. "I want to make sure that whatever I do, it aligns with my values. That’s always been my guiding principle, both in sport and in business."
Clara’s story is a testament to the fact that success isn’t just about winning medals or making money—it's about using your position to create opportunities for others, to give back, and to build a legacy that’s about more than just personal achievement. As Clara continues to evolve as a business leader and advocate, her commitment to integrity, purpose, and impact is more evident than ever.
“I always wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” she said, reflecting on her journey. “Now, it’s about helping others find their own strength—whether it’s through sport, through business, or through mental health advocacy.”
As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that Clara Hughes is not just a world-class athlete or a successful business leader—she’s a force for good, driven by a purpose that extends far beyond the ice and the bike. And in doing so, she’s inspiring the next generation of leaders to follow in her footsteps, both in sport and in life.
