In this episode of Legends of the Brand, we dive into the world of elite snowsports leadership with Vicky Gosling OBE, Chief Executive of GB Snowsports.
Vicky shares her fascinating journey, from growing up in the Wirral to her time in the Royal Air Force, where her experiences included deployments worldwide, and culminated in her role as Group Captain.
Her transition from the military to leading transformative projects like the Invictus Games highlights her ability to channel a sense of purpose into creating meaningful change. Vicky’s insights into the parallels between military mission command and high-performance sports leadership set the stage for a compelling discussion.
As GB Snowsports’ leader, Vicky discusses the organization’s bold goal of becoming a top-five snowsports nation by 2030. She highlights their impressive results, including podium finishes across all 12 disciplines and three reigning World Champions.
Vicky emphasizes the importance of innovation, collaboration with world-class coaches, and empowering athletes to perform in high-risk environments. Her passion for expanding access and raising the profile of British snowsports shines through as she describes the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a sport not traditionally associated with the UK.
The conversation delves into the rich history and purpose of the Invictus Games, which Vicky helped to launch alongside Prince Harry.
She recounts inspiring personal stories of athletes whose lives were transformed by the power of sport, showcasing its role in recovery and rehabilitation. From the UK to international stages, Invictus has not only created a platform for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women but also fostered a legacy of resilience and achievement.
Vicky also reflects on GB Snowsports' inclusive ethos and efforts to broaden participation across diverse backgrounds, from grassroots to elite levels. She shares the importance of leveraging local facilities, increasing accessibility, and fostering talent through innovative programs like the Alpine Foundation. Her perspective on the interplay between grassroots participation and high-performance success underscores the organization’s holistic approach to growth.
In closing, Vicky discusses the upcoming Winter Olympics in Cortina, which GB Snowsports has dubbed their "home Olympics" due to its proximity and familiarity. She shares her hopes for continued success and describes the unifying spirit within her team. Whether you're passionate about sports, leadership, or personal growth, this episode offers inspiration and a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic world of GB Snowsports.
Find our more about GB Snowsport by following:
IG @gbsnowsport
www.gbsnowsport.com
Invictus Games:
IG @weareinvictusgames
www.invictusgamesfoundation.org
