An engrossing conversation ensues as Ben Ainslie, the esteemed founder and director of Athena Racing, delves into his aspirations for the future alongside his wife Georgie, former Sky Sports presenter and host of the podcast series ‘Performance People’. Their lively exchange provides a rare glimpse of the behind-the-scenes action of the SailGP Grand Final series and the America’s Cup teams. Despite bidding adieu to his CEO role at Athena Racing recently, Ainslie anticipates an exciting future.
With a no-nonsense approach, Ainslie remains committed to his teams, adhering to a simple principle - doing ‘whatever is right for the team’. While he admits to the complexities of balancing his sporting career with the business side of things, the depth of his dedication is undeniable. He candidly shares his thoughts about his potential contribution, noting it’s not singularly his choice, but rests on what is best for the team.
The journey of personal and professional development for many is often marked by a ceaseless quest for understanding of self and of limitless potential. We all yearn for peace, purpose, a clear direction. This is no different in the nautical realm, where leadership often takes center stage.
This thirst for wisdom and understanding often leads the relentless explorer off the beaten track. For instance, travelling, engaging with diverse cultures, dialoguing with individuals dissimilar from oneself - all serve to broaden perspectives. Expanding beyond the customary training offered in the fleet industry, these experiences can often bestow rich insights into one’s leadership potential.
Interestingly, acting classes emerged for one individual as an unconventional, yet enlightening avenue to enhance leadership skills. Going to LA and exploring the realm of acting was less about becoming a thespian and more about embarking on an introspective journey of self-discovery, thus responding to a fresh challenge.
