Sir Ben Ainslie is a British competitive sailor widely regarded as the most successful Olympic sailor in history. With four consecutive gold medals and a silver medal from five Olympic Games, Ainslie has cemented his place as a global icon in the world of sailing. Beyond his Olympic success, he made history in 2013 as the first Briton to win the America's Cup, leading Oracle Team USA to victory. Today, he continues to push the boundaries of maritime technology and innovation, combining his competitive spirit with a drive for progress in both sport and business.
Ainslie is the founder and CEO of The Athena Sports Group, a high-performance sports business that encompasses INEOS Britannia, Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, and Athena Pathway. He also serves as team principal and skipper for INEOS Britannia, guiding a 200-strong team in the pursuit of America's Cup glory. Under his leadership, the team has pioneered groundbreaking designs in marine technology, forging partnerships with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team to bring engineering expertise from motorsport to the world of sailing.
While his athletic achievements are remarkable, Ainslie’s influence extends far beyond the racecourse. His work has inspired countless young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through the creation of the 1851 Trust, Ainslie has dedicated himself to improving STEM education, using sport as a tool to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. He is also committed to tackling climate change, having driven the creation of Protect Our Future, an educational platform that empowers young people with the knowledge to combat climate issues.
Ainslie’s journey reflects his mantra: "Never Give Up, Never Stop Innovating." A champion racer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, he exemplifies the power of resilience and the impact of using one’s platform to create lasting, positive change.
Sir Ben Ainslie will take the audience on a journey through the world of elite sport, innovation, and sustainability. Drawing on his extraordinary experiences as an Olympic champion and leader in the America’s Cup, he’ll share stories from his career and discuss how technology has transformed both performance and the future of the maritime industry. With insights into the challenges of leading high-performance teams, Ainslie will explore how a mindset of continuous innovation can drive positive change, while also highlighting the importance of creating an inclusive, forward-thinking culture for tomorrow’s leaders.
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