Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Joanie Larose

Joanie Larose

Summary

I am a mom, an athlete, and a leader with a passion for driving innovation that truly matters for athletes. With 15 years of experience blending my deep understanding of athletes, performance and human behavior with creative problem-solving, I bring a unique perspective to uncovering future apparel concepts that resonate with athletes and enhance their experience. My extensive background in sports science has equipped me with the ability to deeply understand athletes’ needs, both in controlled environments and in the real world, and translate those insights into meaningful product opportunities.


Having recently earned a Certificate of Specialization in Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School, I have honed my ability to lead teams, foster collaboration, and drive impactful results. I am passionate about building high-performing teams, mentoring others, and creating a culture of inclusivity and creativity. With a proven ability to connect insights to innovation, I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of apparel innovation to deliver forward thinking solutions that resonate with athletes and inspire teams to think beyond what’s possible.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Researcher, Apparel Innovation

Nike, Inc
04.2014 - Current
  • Strategic Leadership: Promoted to Lead Researcher in 2015 after demonstrating excellence in driving research vision and strategy for the Apparel Team. Developed and executed future-focused physiological research programs that informed groundbreaking apparel innovations.
  • Innovation & Problem Solving: Spearheaded creative, athlete-centric research initiatives, leveraging physiological insights and "outside-the-box" thinking to solve complex problems and uncover new opportunities, such as the development of the "sweaty bra" concept.
  • Human-Centered Physiological Research: Designed and implemented in-lab and field-based research programs to study athletes’ physiological responses to apparel and environmental conditions, uncovering unmet needs and performance barriers.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnered with teams across Nike—including Footwear & Equipment, Athlete Experience, Perception, Support & Protect, and NXT Apparel—to deliver holistic evaluations of innovation concepts and ensure alignment across functions.
  • Technology Integration: Utilized cutting-edge tools, including sensors, wearables, and physiological monitoring systems, to collect and analyze data, providing actionable insights that informed product development and performance optimization.
  • Storytelling & Communication: Effectively communicated research findings, insights, and concept ideas to diverse audiences, including senior leadership (e.g., Tom Clarke, John Donahoe, John Hoke), inline and NXT partners, scientists, and cross-functional teams across Nike. Delivered compelling presentations that translated complex data into actionable strategies, inspiring alignment and excitement around future-focused apparel concepts.
  • Team Leadership & Mentorship: Successfully hired, onboarded, and managed a Research Assistant, while mentoring Senior Researchers in all aspects of physiological research execution, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.

Research Coordinator

Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit
01.2010 - 03.2014
  • Project Management: Coordinated multiple simultaneous laboratory and field-based physiological research projects, ensuring timely delivery of results in fast-paced environments.
  • Data Analysis & Insights: Collected, analyzed, and interpreted physiological data using statistical, qualitative, and quantitative methods to uncover actionable insights and inform research outcomes.
  • Technical Expertise: Maintained and calibrated advanced lab equipment, including a whole-body direct calorimeter, ensuring accuracy and reliability in physiological research findings.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Supervised, trained, and mentored undergraduate and graduate trainees, fostering their development and ensuring high-quality research execution.
  • Storytelling & Communication: Prepared materials for reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed journal publications, effectively communicating complex physiological findings to diverse audiences.

Education

MSc - Exercise Physiology

University of Ottawa
12.2009

BSc - Human Kinetics

University of Ottawa
06.2007

Certificate of Specialization - Leadership and Management

Harvard Business School
01.2024

Certificate - Power and Influence for Positive Impact

Harvard Business School
06.2024

Certificate - Management Essentials

Harvard Business School
01.2024

Certificate - Leadership Principles

Harvard Business School
03.2023

Skills

  • Leadership and Team Building
  • Strategic Thinking and Vision
  • Athlete-Centric Insights
  • Storytelling and Communication
  • Innovation and Problem-Solving

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual

Interests

  • Continued learning, reading, staying informed on advancements in sports science, wellness and cultural trends
  • Playing Sports (running, ice hockey, strength training, snowboarding)
  • Volunteering with my kids sports team
  • Outdoor adventures and camping
  • Traveling

Timeline

Lead Researcher, Apparel Innovation

Nike, Inc
04.2014 - Current

Research Coordinator

Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit
01.2010 - 03.2014

BSc - Human Kinetics

University of Ottawa

Certificate of Specialization - Leadership and Management

Harvard Business School

Certificate - Power and Influence for Positive Impact

Harvard Business School

Certificate - Management Essentials

Harvard Business School

Certificate - Leadership Principles

Harvard Business School

MSc - Exercise Physiology

University of Ottawa
Joanie Larose