Cath Bishop is a former Olympic rower, diplomat, and leadership expert who has become a sought-after motivational speaker. With a unique perspective drawn from elite sport, international diplomacy, and business, she challenges conventional ideas of success and encourages individuals and organisations to adopt a broader, more sustainable approach to achievement. Her experiences competing at the highest level of sport, coupled with her diplomatic career in conflict zones, have shaped her belief that resilience, teamwork, and a redefinition of winning are crucial for long-term success. Through her speaking engagements, she inspires leaders to focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and a purpose-driven mindset.
Her journey began in competitive rowing, where she represented Great Britain at three Olympic Games, culminating in a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in the Women’s Coxless Pair alongside Katherine Grainger. Prior to that, she won gold at the 2003 World Rowing Championships, securing her place among the world’s elite rowers. After retiring from sport, Cath transitioned into diplomacy, serving with the British Foreign Office for over a decade. She held key roles in conflict stabilisation, including as Deputy Director of the Stabilisation Unit, a Political Adviser in Bosnia, and Head of the Political Section in Basra, where she navigated complex international relations and negotiations. Her ability to lead under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances provided her with a wealth of insights into leadership, resilience, and high-performance cultures.
In recent years, Cath has focused on thought leadership and writing, publishing The Long Win: The Search for a Better Way to Succeed in 2020, with a revised edition in 2024. Her book challenges traditional notions of success and offers a fresh perspective on leadership, learning, and growth in sport, business, and education. Through her work, she has become a leading advocate for redefining success beyond short-term victories, urging individuals and organisations to cultivate a mindset of continuous development and meaningful progress. As a speaker, she draws on her diverse career to deliver impactful messages about resilience, teamwork, and purpose-driven leadership.
Cath is hired by businesses, universities, and sports organisations worldwide to help leaders and teams build sustainable success. Her ability to connect with audiences through real-world experiences, from the Olympic podium to high-stakes diplomacy, makes her a compelling and insightful speaker. She empowers her audiences to think differently about performance, challenge outdated success models, and create environments where individuals and teams can thrive. Whether addressing corporate executives or aspiring athletes, her message resonates across industries, making her one of the most influential voices in leadership and high performance today.
