Annual Conference report – Sir Matthew Pinsent

Chaired by Steve Miron, Global Radio ceo, this year’s Conference showcased a first rate collection of leaders from sport, business and the military, each of whom had a different take on what makes an effective leader. The very well paced day was a master class in how to recognise, develop and hone leadership skills.

Leading to win: Sir Matthew Pinsent, Olympic Gold Medallist Rower

The day kicked off with a heart-stopping video of Sir Matthew’s split second win, as part of a coxless four rowing team, at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

In his presentation to the Conference, Sir Matthew went on to analyse what makes a great rower. Describing the gruelling routine of the professional sportsman in vivid detail brought his key point to life: dismissing theatrical speeches and heroic gestures, Sir Matthew defined excellence in his field as the identification of a series of small tasks, each with a goal, each practised to perfection and followed, on the day, to the letter.

In team sports, genius comes from discipline and perfectly executed technique.

Judie Lannon, editor of The Marketing Society’s quarterly journal, Market Leader, was reporting on our Annual Conference for Warc.