Jon Cornish

Jon Cornish knows what it takes to build championship teams, whether on the football field, in the boardroom, or within a thriving community. As a CFL Hall of Famer and successful investment advisor, Jon translates lessons from elite athletics into actionable strategies for achieving peak performance in any environment. He shares insights on fostering a winning culture, developing mental toughness, and leading with purpose under pressure. Audiences will learn how to strengthen teamwork, embrace resilience, and drive success through accountability, adaptability, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Jon Cornish believes true success is measured not only by professional achievements but by the impact we leave on our communities. As a Hall of Fame athlete, business leader, and advocate, Jon shares how purpose-driven leadership can create lasting and sustainable change. He explores the importance of mentorship, community engagement, and championing social responsibility while balancing corporate success. Through personal stories and actionable strategies, Jon inspires audiences to use their platforms to uplift others, foster opportunities for future generations, and leave a meaningful legacy beyond their careers.

Jon Cornish, Canadian Football Hall of Famer, investment advisor, and dedicated advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities, understands that true success is built on a foundation of belonging. Drawing from his leadership with the Calgary Black Chambers and his efforts to foster inclusivity, Jon shares insights on creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. Through personal experiences and actionable strategies, he highlights how fostering belonging strengthens teams, uplifts communities, and drives meaningful change. As a champion for equity in sports, education, and business, Jon shares his journey of breaking down systemic barriers and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. In this inspiring keynote, he explores the power of allyship, advocacy, and transformative leadership. Through compelling stories and practical takeaways, Jon challenges audiences to reflect on their role in building inclusive spaces where individuals can thrive and succeed together.

Jon Cornish understands that the foundation of any successful team is built on trust, strong relationships, and shared goals. As both a leader and team member, he highlights the importance of coming together, having each other’s backs, and providing support—sometimes without being asked. Drawing from his experiences on the football field and in the business world, Jon emphasizes how effective communication, mutual respect, and trust can help teams accomplish their objectives, navigate challenges, and foster a culture of collaboration. This session inspires audiences to embrace the power of teamwork, both in leading and supporting, to achieve success together. Jon also shares his insights on achieving peak performance, through healthy habits for an individual to bring their best to the team. He teaches the mindset and behaviours that help individuals identify challenges within in order to bring the best in themselves and others. As a Canadian Football Hall of Famer and leader in the community, he underscores the importance of showing up fully, being accountable, committing to continuous growth, and building strong relationships rooted in trust and dependability. He discusses how fostering a culture of engagement, productivity, and shared responsibility drives excellence and strengthens workplace dynamics. Audiences will leave with practical strategies to enhance performance, inspire trust, and contribute to the overall success of their teams and organizations.

Sustained success isn’t just about talent—it’s about consistency, discipline, and the daily habits that fuel peak performance. Jon Cornish, Canadian Football Hall of Famer, investment advisor, and community leader, shares how prioritizing physical health, mental resilience, and intentional routines can elevate both personal and professional success. Drawing from his career as an elite athlete and his transition into business leadership, Jon explores the connection between fitness, mindset, and performance, providing strategies to optimize energy, focus, and long-term well-being. This session equips audiences with practical tools for sustaining high performance, preventing burnout, and creating a balanced approach to work and life. Jon highlights the importance of healthy habits, mental clarity, and effective recovery strategies to maintain productivity without sacrificing well-being. Attendees will leave with insights on cultivating a champion’s mindset, implementing sustainable habits, and unlocking their full potential while maintaining balance in all areas of life.

Jon Cornish, Canadian Football Hall of Famer, investment advisor, and community leader, understands that success is built on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to turn setbacks into opportunities. From leading the Calgary Stampeders to a Grey Cup victory after a crushing playoff defeat to navigating a career transition into finance and leadership, Jon shares how overcoming obstacles is essential for growth. Through his powerful story, he reveals how to embrace challenges, assess solutions with confidence, and develop the mental toughness needed to succeed in high-pressure environments. Jon also explores the qualities of strong leadership during times of uncertainty, drawing from both his high-performance sports career and corporate experience. He emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, decisive action, and adaptability in navigating change and guiding others through challenges. This session provides practical strategies for thriving in adversity, leading with confidence, and fostering a mindset that sees every challenge as an opportunity for a comeback.

From professional athlete to financial advisor, Jon Cornish understands that financial literacy is the foundation for long-term security, generational wealth, and overall well-being. In this session, he shares key insights on strategic financial planning, smart investing, and wealth-building strategies designed for individuals, families, and diverse communities. Jon provides practical guidance on making informed financial decisions, managing risks, and achieving financial independence. He also explores the direct connection between financial stability and mental and physical health, emphasizing how a strong financial foundation fosters healthier relationships, reduces stress, and turns long-term goals into reality. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to take control of their financial future, build lasting security, and create a legacy of financial empowerment.

Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about strategy, resilience, skill-building, and the right support system. Jon Cornish shares his journey of breaking barriers in Canadian football, earning national recognition as a Lou Marsh Trophy winner, and transitioning into leadership roles in business and education. He explores the evolution of leadership, what employees need to do in order to position themselves to advance their careers and how workplaces need to create spaces where all talent can thrive. Drawing from his experiences in professional sports, finance, and higher education, Jon provides practical strategies for career navigation, mentorship, and positioning oneself for new opportunities. He emphasizes the power of strategic networking, relationship-building, and leading with purpose to accelerate personal and professional growth. Attendees will gain actionable tools to develop key leadership skills, stand out to employers, and create lasting impact in their industries and communities. By applying these insights, they will be better equipped to advance their careers, secure leadership roles, or achieve their dream job early in their professional journey.

Jon Cornish’s journey from student-athlete at the University of Kansas to Canadian Football Hall of Famer and Chancellor of the University of Calgary offers invaluable insights into the intersection of athletics, education, and leadership. In this session, Jon highlights how the lessons learned in sports such as discipline, resilience, and determination to translate into academic and professional success. He shares his experiences navigating the challenges of higher education, the importance of mentorship, and how educators can foster a culture of growth and excellence in students. Through his unique perspective as both an athlete and university leader, Jon provides practical strategies for empowering students, strengthening institutional leadership, and ensuring education remains a transformative force for the next generation of leaders.

Creating a culture of safety requires more than just protocols—it demands awareness, preparation, and the confidence to take action in high-pressure situations. Jon Cornish explores the critical role of situational awareness, risk management, and psychological safety in both workplace and everyday environments. He highlights how complacency can lead to unnecessary risks and how developing strong habits, clear communication, and a proactive mindset can prevent incidents before they occur. Managing high-pressure situations requires a balance of confidence, preparation, and adaptability to make effective decisions under stress. This session empowers attendees with strategies to enhance their preparation routines, work cohesively with their team, build confidence in decision-making, and cultivate accountable environments where safety and well-being are prioritized.  Jon also addresses the mental health aspects of safety, emphasizing the connection between psychological security, stress management, and overall safety performance. Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of how to create safer workplaces and communities through intentional preparation, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.