In Episode 56, “Team Spirit Is a One-Way Street”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to John Bertrand AO, international sportsman, Olympic medallist and world champion. John famously skippered the winged keel Australia II to victory to win the 1983 America’s Cup, breaking 132 years of American domination. The Confederation of Australian Sport voted the victory as the finest team performance in 200 years of Australian sport. He is currently Chair of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame and previously President of Swimming Australia and Chair of the Alannah and Madeline Children’s Foundation.

In a captivating conversation, John looks back on the historic day Australia won the America’s Cup: the lead-up to it, having to overcome a 3-1 deficit and drawing the courage, conviction and cunning to conquer the Americans. An engineer by background, he draws on the importance of embracing technology and innovation, having the trust and vision together with the mental toughness in building high-performing teams in pursuit of excellence. Finally, John and Greg discuss leadership, from the deck to the Boardroom, and we find out what’s next in John’s illustrious career.

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