Motivation: Lessons From Sport & Adventure

One of the driving passions of JLA is to introduce new speakers to the circuit – especially those who’ve ‘been there and done it.’ This breakfast delivered an opportunity to preview two newcomers with real experience to share…

In just one month with Kent, Ed Smith scored six centuries. He went on to captain the MCC and play for England, before retiring from cricket to write Times leaders and the weekly MindGames column in the Telegraph. As in his book What Sport Tells Us About Life, Ed revealed the psychology of sport and what it can teach us about strategy, performance and leadership.

A full-time hospital doctor, Ed Coats was selected from hundreds of applicants to accompany James Cracknell and Ben Fogle on their race to the South Pole. With no previous polar experience the trio skied 16 hours a day and achieved second place – thanks partly to Ed’s mediation skills. Ed looked at individual and collective responsibility, and how to form efficient and effective bonds.