On 26th September, The Barton Partnership held our annual Conference and Networking Event at Freemasons' Hall in London. The evening was a huge success with well over 200 people attending and was a great way to celebrate our 10 year anniversary! Dame Kelly Holmes gave a truly inspirational insight into what it took for her to become a champion, told us about her fascinating life story and the challenges she has faced and overcome over the years. Following the event, Dame Kelly agreed to take part in our 60 Second Interview series where she speaks about transferable skills between sport and business and what personality traits it takes to be a champion.
Where were you born? Pembury, Kent
Where do you live now? Hildenborough
What is your favourite drink? Green Tea
What is your favourite food? Chocolate
What are you reading? Magazines
Who are your heroes: LordSebastian Coe when I was 14
What is your favourite film: Shawshank Redemption
What was your first ambition: To be in the army and to be an Olympic Champion
Who do you admire most in life and why?
Anyone who has pushed themselves to be better and believe they can achieve what they want.
Outside of your obvious sporting success, what would you say was your biggest achievement in life?
Developing my own charity The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and seeing the impact that we have had on young people and sports people over the last 9 years.
What skills obtained during your time in the Army and your sporting career did you find were transferrable to life in business?
Setting high ambitions, discipline, not being daunted by other people's/company's achievements and creating strategies.
What behavioural traits do you attribute to being a winner?
Working hard and never giving up on your vision.
What have been the biggest personal and professional obstacles in your journey so far?
Pursuing your ambition when people doubt you, staying focused and being clear on the objectives.
If you were to do it all again what would you do differently?
Nothing, I learnt by making mistakes and made them into positive changes to reach the highest level I could.
Tell us more about what you’re doing now
Motivational speaking around pursuing excellence and mental wellbeing in the workplace.
