Sir Dave Brailsford

Sir Dave Brailsford is a visionary leader whose pioneering approach to performance excellence has revolutionised British cycling and beyond. As the former Performance Director of British Cycling, he played a pivotal role in transforming the nation’s fortunes on the world stage, proving that success is built on continuous improvement and meticulous attention to detail. His marginal gains philosophy, which emphasises the power of small, incremental changes, has become a widely respected framework for achieving peak performance, both in sport and business.

Dave’s journey to the top of elite coaching began in consultancy, where his keen analytical mind and strategic insight caught the attention of British Cycling. By 2003, he had been appointed as Performance Director, marking the beginning of an era of unprecedented success. Under his leadership, British cyclists dominated the sport, producing record-breaking results at the 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing, and 2012 London Olympic Games. His team secured multiple gold medals, setting a new benchmark for excellence and proving that marginal gains could lead to extraordinary results.

Beyond the Olympics, Dave extended his influence into professional cycling. As the team principal of Team Sky (later Team Ineos), he masterminded victories at the Tour de France, guiding riders such as Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, and Geraint Thomas to historic wins. His leadership reshaped professional cycling, introducing a culture of precision, discipline, and innovation that led to sustained dominance on the global stage.

Recognised for his profound impact on sport, Dave has been honoured with an MBE, CBE, and a knighthood in 2012. His accolades include multiple BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Awards and induction into the British Cycling Hall of Fame. Today, he shares his expertise with businesses, educators, and sports professionals, illustrating how his principles of high performance can be applied across industries. As an in-demand speaker, Dave inspires audiences with his compelling insights into leadership, teamwork, and sustainable success, making him a sought-after figure for those looking to unlock their full potential.