Sami Jo Small

Sami Jo Small is used to challenging norms and breaking down barriers. Her passion for hockey began in the boy’s minor hockey system as the only girl playing. She went to Stanford University where her sports career took a turn to track and field. She was on track for the Olympic games when an injury put that on pause.

Sami Jo went back to hockey and played on the Stanford Men’s team, acquiring PAC-10 honours while completing her education in mechanical engineering. It was hockey that brought her life-long Olympic dream into reality when she gained a spot on the 1998 Olympic women’s hockey team. She is a three-time Olympian and was a member of two Olympic Gold Medal teams. She also won five World Championships and was named Championship MVP twice.

Sami makes an instant connection to audiences through humour, storytelling and shared experiences. Attendees understand how to support team missions, be more compassionate leaders and feel valued.

Sami knows the essential ingredients for building a team and organizational success and how to overcome challenges. She believes you don’t always get to choose the role you play but do get to choose how you play it.