Victoria Gosling OBE is an inspiring leader, motivational speaker, and a trailblazer in both sports and military leadership. With a career spanning over two decades, she has risen to prominence through her dedication to social impact, adaptive sports, and leadership development. Victoria's journey began in the Royal Air Force, where she served for 21 years, ultimately achieving the prestigious rank of Group Captain. Her work included leading a 2,000-strong helicopter base supporting military operations in Afghanistan. Victoria’s commitment to service has led her to be appointed MBE in 2004 and an OBE in 2014, highlighting her contribution to both the RAF and adaptive sports.
Victoria is best known for her role as the CEO of the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, following her pivotal involvement in launching the inaugural event in London in 2014 alongside Prince Harry. The Games, which saw participation from over 400 athletes across 14 nations, underscored Victoria’s exceptional ability to inspire and lead under pressure. Her strategic leadership in this global initiative cemented her reputation as an influential figure in the world of sports. More recently, she has held leadership roles as the CEO of GB Snowsport, Board Director at the British Olympic Association, and Chair of GB Surfing, where she continues to elevate British sport on the international stage.
Victoria's influence extends beyond the sports world into business and finance. As a Board Director for Responsible Finance and the Chief Strategy Officer of Auden, she has worked on providing solutions for those underserved by mainstream financial services. Her leadership skills are widely recognised, as demonstrated by her appointment to the Board of Rugby Centurions and her advisory roles for the Invictus Games UK delegation. She is also a frequent speaker at high-profile events such as the Dive In Festival and Major Events International’s Summit, where she shares her expertise on leadership, resilience, and motivational strategies.
In addition to her many accolades, Victoria is a passionate advocate for women in leadership. Through her mentoring programme at Bath University and as a keynote speaker at events like Nurole’s Enter the Boardroom podcast, she empowers young women to develop the skills and confidence needed for leadership. Her dedication to fostering resilience, teamwork, and diversity has made her one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the UK today.