Baroness Katherine Grainger

Baroness Katherine Grainger is one of Britain’s most celebrated Olympians and an inspirational leader in both sport and public service. Over the course of a remarkable rowing career, she won five Olympic medals including gold at the London 2012 Games  and six World Championship titles, making her one of the most decorated female athletes in British history.

Following her retirement from competition, Katherine has continued to shape British sport as the Chair of UK Sport, where she oversees the strategic direction and investment that drives the nation’s Olympic and Paralympic success. Alongside her sporting achievements, she holds a PhD in law and has become a passionate advocate for ethics, education and the role of values in leadership.

Speaking Topics & Themes

• Leadership Through Values
  Katherine explores how great leadership is rooted in integrity, empathy and trust. Drawing from her experiences as an athlete and as Chair of UK Sport, she demonstrates how leading through values builds belief, cohesion and long-term success.
• Perseverance and Resilience
  From missing Olympic gold by fractions of a second to finally winning in London 2012, Katherine shares an honest and emotional account of persistence, learning from setbacks and maintaining focus when success feels out of reach.
• Teamwork and Collaboration
  She highlights the importance of trust, communication and shared purpose in achieving collective goals — whether in a rowing boat or a boardroom — and reveals how high-performing teams are built on mutual respect and accountability.
• Continuous Improvement and Excellence
  Katherine draws parallels between elite sport and business performance, showing how marginal gains, honest reflection and a commitment to learning drive lasting excellence.
• Leading Through Change
  Having navigated the transition from athlete to national leader, Katherine discusses how to embrace uncertainty, adapt with courage, and inspire others through transformation.
• Women in Leadership & Breaking Barriers
  As a role model for women in sport and governance, she offers empowering reflections on overcoming stereotypes, championing inclusion, and encouraging the next generation of female leaders.
• Purpose, Motivation and Legacy
  Katherine encourages audiences to reflect on what drives them — the “why” behind their ambitions — and how to create a legacy that extends beyond personal achievement.

📩 Book Baroness Katherine Grainger for Your Next Event

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