KAROLINA
WISNIEWSKA
PUBLIC SPEAKER | MENTOR | 8 X PARALYMPIC MEDALIST | HEAD OF DELEGATION FOR CANADA AT THE 2024 PARALYMPIC GAMES
“Adversity builds strength.”
Karolina Wisniewska is an 8-time Paralympic medallist in alpine skiing, the Chef de Mission for Canada at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, a mentor, and public speaker. She led the way through her success in her sport to become the first-ever Paralympian to be inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame.
Her areas of expertise include diversity, equity and inclusion, overcoming obstacles, high performance, goal setting, and women and girls as leaders.
She holds a master degree in the history of art from the University of Oxford and has worked extensively in the cultural, museum, and high performance sport sectors.
Karolina's journey is one that not only showcases her prowess on the slopes but also highlights her unwavering commitment to raising awareness about neurodiversity. She has overcome immense challenges, having battled both cerebral palsy and multiple concussions on her path to greatness. These experiences have not only shaped her as an athlete but have also molded her into an inspiring advocate for embracing and celebrating the diversity of the human mind.
As a highly sought-after speaker, Karolina Wisniewska addresses the crucial topic of neurodiversity with both authenticity and authority. She brings a unique perspective to the table, having lived through the challenges and triumphs that come with navigating a world that may not always understand or accommodate neurological differences. Her ability to articulate her journey, coupled with her warmth and sincerity, makes her a compelling figure who can bridge gaps of understanding and foster inclusive environments.
Her latest speaking opportunities have included the first-ever espnW Summit in Canada several corporate engagements (Toyota, Banque Nationale, Fiera Capital) as well as in the academic sector (McGill University).
BOOK THIS EXPERT AS A SPEAKER, HOST OR COACH
TYPES OF EXPERTISE
1. BEYOND APPEARANCES: EMBRACING INCLUSION THROUGH THE LENS OF VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE DISABILITIES
Karolina possesses a profound understanding of excelling as an individual challenged by both visible and invisible disabilities.
Born in communist Poland with cerebral palsy, she nonetheless ascended to the pinnacle of Paralympic alpine skiing, becoming a World Champion at the age of 19 and securing 8 Paralympic medals across 3 Paralympic Games.
Her skiing career was marked by both triumphs and tribulations, including high-speed crashes resulting in multiple concussions. These incidents not only compelled her to retire from skiing on two occasions but also exacerbated her neurodiversity symptoms.
Karolina's genuine and approachable demeanor allows you to delve deeper into the aspects often overlooked by our society. Learn to reframe your perceptions of individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Recognize how their distinctiveness can indeed be a potent asset that can be harnessed in various circumstances, even within your organization.
2. EXCEEDING SUMMITS: TAKE INSPIRATION FROM PARALYMPIC EXCELLENCE TO PERFORM ON A DAILY BASIS
An 8-time Paralympic medalist in the high-speed and high-stakes sport of alpine skiing, Karolina knows a thing or two about exceeding summits. What’s her secret? How can you transfer her skills and knowledge to your own setting? How do you maintain excellence over the long-term when key variables and outcomes keep changing? How do you ensure excellence permeates your team?
Karolina addresses all this and more in a down-to-earth style that draws from her decades of experience as one of the best alpine ski racers with a disability in the world.
From goal setting to visualization, you will learn key tools and mindsets that will help you perform on a daily basis. You will be invigorated and inspired to take on your own summits.
3. SPORT AS A CATALYST FOR POSITIVE CHANGE: CREATE CHANGE WITH THE CHEF DE MISSION OF THE PARIS 2024 PARALYMPIC GAMES
Sport, and Paralympic sport in particular, can be an incredibly important and effective tool for positive change. 3-time Paralympian in alpine skiing and the Chef de Mission for Canada’s Paralympic team at the upcoming 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris, Karolina brings the excitement and emotion of sport at the highest level to you in real time.
From the macro- to the micro- level, Karolina shows you how to be a catalyst, proponent, and supporter of authentic and sustainable change.
Let this authentic, dynamic, and engaged speaker take you on a personal journey that will help you see how you, too, can bring about positive change in your community, your organisation, and beyond.
LANGUAGES :
LOCATION : MONTREAL, QC
« C’est une grande expérience qui en vaut vraiment la peine » - Karolina Wisniewska
TESTIMONIALS:
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PUBLICATIONS:
Wisniewska, Vander Vies named Canada's co-chefs de mission for 2023 Parapan Am Games, 2024 Paralympics
Paralympic medallists Karolina Wisniewska and Josh Vander Vies, who are both fluent in English and French, will use their expertise to help create a supportive team atmosphere for all athletes, coaches and staff as part of the Canadian Paralympic Committee's leadership team. (Canadian Paralympic Committee)