“We are fabulously connected by sharing one wonderful truth, and that is the great good fortune of us all being born human.”
In the latest episode of Why We Lead, Angela meets with Lord Chris Holmes, MBE to explore his remarkable leadership journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and his contributions across sports, disability and equality, financial inclusion, and digital technology.
Chris grew up in Kidderminster and lost his sight in his teens, yet he was already excelling academically and athletically. He went on to graduate from King’s College, Cambridge, with a Master’s in Political and Social Sciences while simultaneously competing as a Paralympian, winning an astonishing nine gold medals, five silver, and one bronze between 1988 and 2000.
His career then transitioned into law and politics, culminating in a life peerage in 2013. Lord Holmes’ work has since focused on championing inclusion, financial innovation, and the role of technology in shaping our future.
There were plenty of valuable takeaways from this episode, including:
- Chris’ view that leadership isn’t just for those in formal positions of power; it’s something we all engage in: “By the very nature of being human, we all have a leadership role to play. Being on the Great Britain swimming team from the age of 14 taught me that leadership isn’t just about the team captain or performance director, it’s about bringing people together, developing consensus, and delivering positive outcomes.” He also challenges the misconception that leadership is about being the loudest in the room, but starts with listening; hearing everyone’s voice and ensuring every contribution counts.
- Chris reflects on the value of both his triumphs and struggles, offering his insight into the importance of resilience: “People see the gold medal moment, but that’s just one point in the journey. Success is built on thousands of small moments, some good, some challenging. Failure is tough, but it forces us to ask, ‘What am I trying to achieve?’ and ‘What will it take to improve?’”
- Chris is deeply engaged in the fintech sector shared the extraordinary opportunity he believes we have in the UK. Bu, he added: “We need more commitment from the government to fully support this industry. Technologies like AI and blockchain are game-changers, and leadership is required at every level – from government departments to regulatory bodies – to maximise our potential.” He also highlights the essential role of regulators in fostering innovation: “Regulators aren’t separate from the mission; they’re part of the journey. Their leadership is crucial in shaping a regulatory environment that enables growth while maintaining integrity.”
- He stresses the importance of understanding fintech as a competitive space:
“Unlike swimming, where there are set winners, in business, everyone can win. But the UK has no automatic right to success. We must recognise our unique advantages; our financial centre, time zone, and English common law, but also actively compete to maintain our leadership.”
When asked what advice he would give to current and future leaders, Chris distils it into three key principles:
- Believe in yourself – Have confidence in your vision and purpose.
- Believe in your mission – Stay committed to what you are trying to build.
- Believe in your team – Leadership is about the people around you.
Chris Holmes’ story is one of resilience, adaptability, and vision. Whether in sports, politics, or business, his message is clear: success is about perseverance, collaboration, and a commitment to leadership at every level.
Tune in to the full episode to hear more about his journey, insights, and vision for the future of fintech.
