Speaker
Anna Watkins MBE
Anna Watkins is a world-class rower. She and Katherine Grainger together made history when they went from being three-time silver medallists to finally winning Gold at London 2012. Available as a keynote and inspirational speaker, Anna is guaranteed to impress and inspire any audience with her insight into reaching peak performance, maintaining resilience and successful teamwork.
About Anna Watkins
Anna Watkins began rowing whilst studying at The University of Cambridge. She was talent spotted within a mere two years and won her first competition the following year in the coxless fours at the World Under 23 Regatta. Following this, she was moved up to the full international squad and her professional career was in full swing.
Anna Watkins together with her partner Elise Laverick won bronze at the World Championships and Beijing Olympics in 2008, after a particularly difficult season during which she had contracted and suffered with glandular fever. The following World Championships saw her take silver, and it was at this point that Anna decided to team up with the world’s best-known rower, Katherine Grainger.
Katherine and Anna won two World Championships together before entering the London 2012 Olympics. The pair faced ultimate pressure to win big, especially given that Katherine Grainger had by this point won three silvers but never a Gold and was nearing the end of her professional career. Amazingly, the pair not only won Gold but even set a new Olympic record in the process, providing one of the most magical and memorable moments in Olympic history.
In addition to her sporting talents, Anna holds a Cambridge degree in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Mathematics. Her insight into both sport, maths and science means that she can draw out the perfect recipe for leadership, teamwork and what it takes to achieve peak performance.
- The Olympic Story
- Approaches to leadership: no compromise, or flexibility
- The use of data in progressing performance
- Planning for success
- The perfect team
- A way to win for women
- Overcoming Adversity
- Motivation and Determination
Testimonials
"...bang on message, engaging and really thought provoking..."
Accenture
"...everything went well yesterday and Anna's presentation was fantastic. All of the staff were engrossed in what she had to say and her speech gave a positive 'team' message."
Nationwide
"...it was just one of those very special moments. As for Anna herself I wonder if she really realises the impact she has on ordinary people like myself. Her achievements are fantastic and her approach so down to earth. Anna did have a unique story to tell and a unique approach that was so pertinent to the mission of the NHS institute..."
NHS
"Excellent, really inspirational."
Kerry Foods Ltd
