“In pursuit of the impossible: Zero regrets. Life is about making the most of it, while we can — because we can.”
Those words from my father, Yuki, have shaped every chapter of my life. From chasing Olympic medals on the ice to navigating more than 15 years after retirement, his mantra has always been my compass.
That message carried a deeper meaning recently in New York City at the 40th Annual Great Sports Legends Awards, supporting the Buoniconti Fund Foundation and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. The moment I walked into the room, I felt the energy, the commitment, and the shared belief that progress is always possible.
Legendary athletes, philanthropists, doctors, business leaders, and scientists had gathered with one purpose: to push the boundaries of what’s possible and fund research that may one day allow those impacted by paralysis to walk again. It wasn’t just a ceremony - it was a powerful reminder of human resilience and how hope can unite even the most diverse room.
Walking into that space, I was reminded of something important: greatness isn’t only about medals, records, or titles. It’s about the lives we impact, the hope we inspire, and the courage we show when facing challenges that feel impossible.
Being there also reminded me why I share my journey as a professional speaker. Sport has never been just competition for me. It’s a mirror that reveals character. It’s a platform that inspires action. And it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to unite people around a shared purpose. That night, I saw that truth up close.
Growing up, my father always told me that medals are symbols, not the end goal. The real pursuit is excellence, growth, and meaning.
At the awards, I saw that philosophy reflected in every corner of the room. A father and son sharing an unbreakable bond. A foundation that has refused to give up for 40 years. Scientists are working tirelessly in labs, driven by a vision that goes far beyond themselves.
It reminded me of a few lessons that continue to guide me:
These aren’t just principles I talk about in 1:1 executive coaching or as a leadership speaker; they’re values I try to live by every day. Whether I’m speaking to a boardroom or mentoring young athletes, the mission is always the same: inspire action and ignite potential.
Sport has been one of my greatest teachers. It transcends cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. It shows who we are when the pressure is highest. And it proves that teamwork and determination can move mountains.
At the Great Sports Legends Awards, I was reminded that sport doesn’t just inspire; it mobilizes. It brings people together who might never cross paths. It fuels innovation. It transforms tragedy into purpose.
Seeing decades of research, countless lives touched, and communities strengthened made one thing clear: when we refuse to accept limits, progress happens.
It also reinforced why I continue to share these lessons publicly. Unpacking our potential is part weaving the thread of “What, So what, Now what?” & applying them as a leadership speaker, my goal is to bring the mindset and principles I learned on the ice into everyday life, helping others understand that leadership isn’t just a title. It’s a choice. It’s empathy. It’s the courage to pursue what seems impossible.
I left the event feeling humbled - and deeply inspired.
Humbled by the generosity in the room, inspired by the tireless pursuit of progress, and motivated to keep sharing the message that even the impossible can become possible when we choose hope.
That night echoed my father’s words: pursue relentlessly, act with purpose, and live without regret. It reminded me that impact often starts small, with consistent effort, with choosing to care, with choosing to show up.
A few reminders I carried home:
These lessons guide my work as I am passionately driven to help others tap into their own potential and guide others for maximum impact. In the role of a professional speaker, They influence every talk, every conversation, and every moment I choose to serve others through my experiences.
In a world that can often feel divided, nights like this remind us of something important: one of the most meaningful things we can do is turn pain into purpose.
Whether through sport, philanthropy, research, or leadership, acts of service bring us closer to what’s possible.
I left New York with a renewed commitment to keep pushing boundaries, to keep sharing these lessons as we navigate the world's rapid change, volatility, and “new normal is uncertainty” . It's critical as a leadership speaker, to inspire others to lead with heart, courage, and intention.
Sport taught me the value of relentless pursuit. Life taught me the impact of unity, hope, and gratitude. And the incredible people I met that evening reminded me that when we come together with purpose, even the impossible can be achieved. That, to me, is the greatest medal of all.