Darren Burke, Halifax
Over the past few years, my work has increasingly focused on the intersection of performance, mental health, and long-term wellbeing. That journey has now led to the launch of my latest venture, Headstrong, a company built around a simple but urgent idea. If we want people to perform at their best, we must start by protecting and strengthening the brain.
Headstrong is a performance and brain health company grounded in science, responsibility, and real-world application. While athletes are our proof point, they are not our only audience. The same pressures faced by professional athletes are shared by founders, executives, and everyday high performers navigating demanding lives. Headstrong exists to serve all of them.
Mentorship at the Core
One of the most meaningful parts of starting Headstrong has been the opportunity to mentor professional hockey player Evan Nause as he launches his first business venture. Evan brings the athlete’s perspective, discipline, and lived experience of performance under pressure. My role has been to help translate that experience into a sustainable, science-driven company with long-term vision.
This mentorship is not symbolic. It is hands-on, intentional, and central to how Headstrong is being built. Supporting athletes as they transition into entrepreneurship is something I care deeply about, and Headstrong provides a real platform for that growth.
Growing a Cross-Sport Athlete Community
We are currently growing our community rapidly, onboarding athletes across multiple sports throughout the United States and Canada. This phase is focused on building credibility, listening closely, and refining our approach ahead of a broader commercial launch later this year.
What has stood out most during this process is how universal the conversation around brain health and mental performance has become. Regardless of sport, level, or geography, the message is consistent. People want tools they can trust, backed by science, and delivered responsibly.
Building From Halifax With Global Intent
As someone based in Halifax, I am proud that much of this work is being built from Atlantic Canada while aiming well beyond it. Halifax continues to be an underappreciated hub for thoughtful founders, ambitious ideas, and collaborative ecosystems. My work with Headstrong reflects that spirit.
At the same time, Headstrong is only one part of what is taking shape.
A New Wellness Concept in Stealth
In parallel, I am preparing to launch a wellness thermal circuit alongside a group of accomplished serial female founders based in Halifax. This will be the first concept of its kind in the city, designed around recovery, nervous system regulation, and modern wellness science.
We are intentionally developing this project in stealth mode until our official announcement later this year. The vision, however, is clear. Build it properly, prove it locally, and then scale into major markets across Canada and the United States.
Looking Ahead
Whether through Headstrong, mentorship, or new wellness infrastructure, the common thread in my work remains the same. Build responsibly. Think long term. Support people who are pushing themselves to do hard things.