High-Performance Leadership: Lessons from an Olympic gold medalist 

Tim Foster MBE is an Olympic gold medal-winning rower, a former head coach of the Swiss national rowing team, and now Head of Performance for the League Managers Association. Best known for winning gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics alongside Sir Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, and James Cracknell, Tim has dedicated his career to understanding high-performance environments—both in elite sport and in business.

After retiring from professional rowing, he successfully transitioned into coaching, guiding athletes and leaders in developing elite mindsets, team culture, and leadership strategies. His insights into trust, accountability, and pressure management offer valuable lessons for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders striving to build high-performing teams.

This episode covers:

• What businesses can learn from elite sports environments
• How to create a high-performance culture in your organisation
• The five key functions of a great team (trust, conflict, commitment, accountability, and results)
• How to give and receive feedback effectively—without damaging trust
• The psychology of pressure and how top athletes manage it
• Why many business leaders struggle with delegation and letting go
• The transition from elite performer to leader—and why so many fail at it

What you’ll learn:

• How to build trust and create a culture where healthy conflict is encouraged
• Why accountability is the missing piece in many businesses
• The biggest leadership mistakes and how to avoid them
• Why self-awareness is crucial for long-term success

Connect with Tim Foster MBE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfostermbe/