Karen Furneaux

Keynote Speaker | Halifax, Nova Scotia

Olympic Athlete & Author
Mental Health, Resilience & Performance Expert

Karen Furneaux Expertise: Leadership and Change, Leadership Development, Personal Leadership, Change Management, Adaptability & Agility, Teamwork, Collaboration, Workplace Culture, Psychological Safety, Mental Health, Stress Management and Resilience & Change.

Karen Furneaux

About Speaker Karen Furneaux

Karen Furneaux is a three-time Olympian and two-time World Champion in the sport of sprint kayaking with 10 career, world championship medals. She is an author, her book, Strong Beauty: Power Up the Champion Within, helps build resilience and self-confidence in sport and life. She has been named one of the top 15 most successful athletes in Nova Scotia sport history. Karen is an advocate for mental health, and she shares her story to raise awareness and decrease the many stigmas surrounding mental illness. Her message of being BRAVE is a personal journey of the human spirit in overcoming challenges. She is most passionate about the positive impact of movement on mental health. Karen is the 2026 Ambassador for the Body Movin’ campaign for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Empowering Yourself to Create Your Best Performance: Karen Furneaux at

Empowering Yourself to Create Your Best Performance: Karen Furneaux at

Karen Furneaux Biography

Karen Furneaux is a three time Olympian, two time World Champion, and performance expert recognized for achievements in sprint kayaking, health, and resilience training. She has earned nine world championship medals across a 20 year international career and is recognized among the top athletes in Nova Scotia sport history. Karen Furneaux built an international career competing at the highest level of sport while representing Canada in Olympic competition. Her performance record includes multiple world championship podium finishes and consistent results across global events.

Karen Furneaux transitioned from elite sport into leadership within health and performance development. She is the founder and President of iPromise Performance, a company focused on workplace wellness and human performance. Karen Furneaux leads initiatives that assess and improve physical and mental well being within organizations. Her work integrates practical strategies designed to enhance productivity, resilience, and long term health outcomes.

Karen Furneaux holds a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport Psychology from Dalhousie University. Her academic training supports a structured and research informed approach to performance and behaviour change. Karen Furneaux has completed leadership development training through Cornell University and holds multiple certifications in performance and wellness methodologies. She is also a licensed provider of resilience and stress management tools used in corporate and individual settings.

Karen Furneaux is a published author of Strong Beauty Power Up the Champion Within, a resource focused on building confidence, resilience, and goal setting strategies. The book draws from her experience as an Olympic athlete and performance coach. Karen Furneaux has delivered presentations to corporate, academic, and community audiences across Canada and internationally. Her work focuses on the connection between mindset, health, and sustained performance.

Karen Furneaux has collaborated with organizations across multiple sectors including finance, education, and global corporations. Her sessions address performance culture, leadership, and workplace well being.Karen Furneaux has also contributed to media as a broadcast analyst, including coverage of Olympic events. Her experience provides insight into high performance environments and competitive excellence. Karen Furneaux is a recognized leader in health and wellness, receiving awards including the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal and provincial honours for athletic achievement.

Karen Furneaux was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to sport and performance. She has also received multiple provincial athlete of the year honours. Karen Furneaux serves as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel with the Canadian Armed Forces Military Police. She contributes to leadership development and community engagement initiatives.

Karen Furneaux supports youth and community organizations through volunteer work focused on mental health awareness and performance education. Her involvement includes initiatives that promote resilience and well being. Karen Furneaux continues to advance conversations around mental health and performance as a speaker and advocate. She is the 2026 Ambassador for the Body Movin campaign supporting mental health awareness in Nova Scotia.

 

Karen Furneaux Topic Presentations

Karen Furneaux From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Building Your Brave: The Gold within

Power up: Resilience Through the Waves

This Body Can: Empow(h)er Performance

Books
Karen Furneaux
  • Strong Beauty: Power up the Champion within
Interviews
Karen Furneaux
  • Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Presents Program to Encourage Daily Movement
  • Movement Helps Olympian Heal

Karen Furneaux Speaking Testimonials

"As President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, I can honestly say that having Karen Furneaux as this year’s Body Movin’ Ambassador was the perfect fit. Karen embodies everything this campaign is about. She brought credibility, heart, and authenticity to the role — but most importantly, she brought courage. Her willingness to be vulnerable in sharing her experience with mental illness resonated deeply across our province. She reminded people that mental health challenges can affect anyone, even Olympians."

Starr Cunningham

President & CEO
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

"It was an honor to welcome Karen as our speaker at a recent luncheon at Ashburn Golf Club. She spoke of her journey from her very successful paddling career on the world stage to her private setbacks with her mental health. She overcame the challenges of both with her courage, persistence and compassion towards herself. Her story of resilience was deeply inspiring. Thank you Karen for sharing what it means to be “Brave” in our own stories."

Cynthia Rice

President
Ashburn Women’s Division

"Karen was the perfect addition to our conference. From her inspiring Olympian journey to showing that success is possible—even after setbacks—she empowered and uplifted everyone in the room. I highly recommend Karen to motivate any team."

Atlantic Operations Manager
THRSC

"From all of us at Canadian Nurses Association (CNA-AIIC) and the Canadian Academy of Nursing, let me offer a huge thank you to Olympian Karen Furneaux, who was the keynote speaker for CNA’s National Nurses Week in 2021 and speaker in our Global Changemakers Series. What a great presentation, insightful discussion, and meaningful perspectives on endurance, stamina, self-care, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were highly engaged, and the discussion with the Fellows of the Academy was terrific."

CEO
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA-AIIC) & Canadian Academy of Nursing

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Karen Furneaux known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Karen Furneaux is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Karen Furneaux speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Karen Furneaux delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Karen Furneaux is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Karen Furneaux is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Karen Furneaux from and where do they speak across Canada?

Karen Furneaux is from Halifax, Nova Scotia and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Karen Furneaux available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Karen Furneaux is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Karen Furneaux deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Karen Furneaux may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Karen Furneaux to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Karen Furneaux is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Karen Furneaux for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Karen Furneaux is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Karen Furneaux as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Karen Furneaux keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Karen Furneaux for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Karen Furneaux may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Karen Furneaux for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Karen Furneaux should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Karen Furneaux represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Karen Furneaux is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More