#LADIESWHOHUSTLE INTERVIEW SERIES: HAYLEY WICKENHEISER

Welcome to my new interview series featuring some of the brightest and most hard-working women I know. My goal for this series is to collect stories from women in all levels of their career. The hope is that their journey and their advice will trigger something in you, and help you take the jump you need to achieve your personal level of success. Whether they are freelancers, founders of their own business, corporate employees, or students, this #LadiesWhoHustle series will showcase their unique talents and help you unveil yours.

A force both on and off the ice, a game-changer for women in sports, and a decorated athlete, Hayley Wickenheiser is regarded as one of the best female hockey players in the world! She has led her team to five medals in the Olympics (four gold and one silver), and was named as the most valuable player in 2002 and 2006. Hayley was selected to be the flag bearer for the Canadian Olympic team in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2014 Sochi Olympics, and was elected to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Athletes Commission that same year. 

Hayley has received many distinctions in her 23-year career including being named one of Sports Illustrated "Top 25 Toughest Athletes in the World"; has been twice named to the "Power 50 in Sports"; was among the QMI Agency's "Top Greatest Female Athletes in the History of Sports"; is a member of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame; Canada's Top 40 under 40 and Canada's Walk of Fame; and in 2014 she was awarded Canada's highest honour when she was appointed to the Order of Canada for her achievements as an athlete and for her contributions to the growth of the women's game. 

Today, Hayley works with dozens of philanthropic organizations, but her most profound project is the founding of the world-renowned personal and athletic development weekend, The Canadian Tire Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival which provides mentoring and growth opportunities for young athletes from around the world. 

With seven world championships, six Olympic appearances, five Olympic medals, and four Olympic gold medals, Hayley is an inspiration for us all.

Hayley Wickenheiser

Occupation:
Pro athlete, medical student, and assistant director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
Hockey player.

Tell us what your average day looks like.
Ha, there is no same day! I wake up at 5 am to workout, then I study and go to class. After class, I work on hockey, study some more, work then sleep.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Blending medicine with hockey and doing only the things I love to do.

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
So much to do and so little time to do it.

What has been your biggest career win so far?
My son is entering university as a great human, and I have been able to juggle everything to raise him.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
Stay off the roller coaster. Don't let the highs get too high or the lows get too low.

Not all advice is solicited. What is some of the worst advice you've received?
Follow the herd! :)

What are you most proud of?
Wickfest. This event connects 2,500+ players who will compete and connect while building positive female hockey experiences across all levels.           

Who motivates you the most?
Susan Anderson, founder of Direct Cash, because she is self-made and kicks ass!

When do you feel the most confident?
When I'm doing what I love to do.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: Downtime.

Favourite way to sweat: Riding my bike outside.

Favourite book: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Morning person or night owl? Morning.

Favourite city: Stockholm.

Get in touch with Hayley!
Instagram: @hchickwick
Twitter: @wick_22

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Know anyone that would be great to feature in the #LadiesWhoHustle series? Connect with me on Instagram to nominate them - or yourself!  ​