09.28.2023 - By Shawn Callahan & Mark Schenk
Sir Peter Blake suggested a single focus for New Zealand’s Americas Cup challenge – only do those things that make the boat go faster – leading to two trophies. Shawn and Mark discuss how a business might use this story to galvanise a team.
Welcome back to a new Anecdotally Speaking episode.
For your story bank
Tags: Single focus, Teamwork, Simplicity, Leadership
This story starts at 00:56
Everybody working in the same direction
New Zealand Americas Cup challenge 1995
1992 Yachtsman Sir Peter Blake OBE born 1948, called to lead
Initial campaign failed
Tanned, tall, with shock of blonde hair
Single focus ‘Anything that makes the boat go faster’
Won in 1995 and 2000
NZ, only foreign team to defend the cup
Met demise (shot) when pirated in the Amazon – only 53 years of age
Prior to P’s death, 1998 UK rowing 8 man team used same ‘faster boat’ principle to win gold at 2000 Olympics