Kriss Wows University of Wolverhampton with Inspirational Talk

Olympic medallist Kriss Akabusi gave an inspiring and highly entertaining talk to more than 100 delegates at a leadership seminar at the University of Wolverhampton.

The former international athlete and television presenter spoke in his characteristically enthusiastic and expressive style about his achievements, the people who had inspired him and what drove him to success during his career.

He also showed a clip of his gold medal-winning race with the 4x400 relay team at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo, which received applause from the delighted delegates.

Kriss was the guest speaker at the final seminar of the year of the Inspirational Leadership Programme, which is part of the University’s Leadership and Development programme (LEAD). The seminar, organised in partnership with KPMG, took place at Wolverhampton Science Park today. (Wednesday, May 16)

Speaking without notes, Kriss said the secret to good leadership was, “passion, pride and a can-do attitude”. He added: “I define success as the life you lead, the lessons you learn and the legacy you leave.”

Kriss was introduced by Dean of Legal Studies Brian Mitchell, who later described the athlete’s talk as “awe inspiring”.

Ann Kimbley, on behalf of the LEAD team, said: “The Leadership and Development Department of the University, LEAD, is delighted to provide opportunities for our staff and staff in all our partner organisations to experience inspirational leadership.”

As well as talking about his athletics career, Kriss spoke about his upbringing in a children’s home, his days in the Army Physical Training Corps and his television career on the Big Breakfast and Record Breakers.

Kriss won a Gold Medal in the 1990 European Championships, where he also beat David Hemery’s 22-year-old British Record. He also won medals at the World, Commonwealth and Olympic championships and was awarded the MBE in 1992 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

For more details about LEAD visit www.wlv.ac.uk/lead