Cath Bishop - Speaker

Dr. Cath Bishop is a former Olympic rower, senior diplomat and thought leader in leadership and organisational culture. Her work bridges elite sport, international diplomacy and business, offering rare insight into how high performance and purpose can coexist. She is known for challenging traditional definitions of success and promoting long-term, sustainable approaches that place learning and human connection at the core.
As a three-time Olympian and silver medallist, Cath competed at the highest levels of sport, culminating in a World Championship title and podium finish at Athens 2004. Transitioning from elite sport to international diplomacy, she worked in some of the most complex conflict zones, including Bosnia and Iraq, applying negotiation and leadership skills under extreme pressure. Her years in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office saw her lead stabilisation efforts across global conflict zones.
Now an author, educator and trusted advisor, Cath brings academic insight and lived experience to her work with organisations across sectors. She teaches at Cambridge Judge Business School and contributes to leadership programmes and cultural reviews in both sport and business. Her book The Long Win rethinks what it means to succeed, and her podcast further explores the impact of organisational culture.
Cath continues to support the development of the next generation through her work with sporting charities and educational institutions. She is a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta, a trustee of Love Rowing, and an Honorary Fellow at both Pembroke College, Cambridge and the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.