From the Publisher
‘A stimulating book that takes the concept of succeeding and gives it a makeover. Powerful and profound.’- Matthew Syed
‘Winning and losing are the simplistic ways that modern Western societies consider success. But Cath Bishop shows how much more complex the lived experience of competition really is. What a joy to read someone talking about this crucial subject from lived experience, showing how much more there is to understand about the way that we judge ourselves and everyone else. Anyone interested in motivation should read this book and think deeply.’ - Margaret Heffernan
‘Looking at life from a different point of view is a rare skill. Built on in-depth research and broad experience as well as original thought, this book will change your outlook on everything.’ - Clare Balding OBE
‘This is an absorbing, candid, nicely crafted book that, using helpful illustrations, forces us to reconsider what we mean by ‘winning’. It persuasively argues of the merits of taking a longer-term view. This ‘long win’ is grounded in a considered take on what it is we genuinely want from life and, working backwards, how this might shape our choices today.’ - Professor Mark de Rond, Professor of Organizational Ethnography, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
‘A gold medal’ is a simple goal, near impossible to win. Beyond the brutal simplicity of sport, can the concept of winning help us? What exactly do we want to win, and why? By posing and examining this question, this book helps us learn more, know ourselves better, and connect with renewed purpose with the world of business, family, life.’ - Matt Brittin, President of Google EMEA, Olympian
‘I wholeheartedly support the thoughts in this book. I firmly believe the only way to change a culture is through educating society as to why it should be changed. And then offer a better way. This book proposes many thought-provoking questions that will serve to inspire the change our world needs and our youth deserve.’ - Valorie Kondos Field, UCLA Gymnastics Coach, PAC-12 ‘Coach of the Century’
‘This book is powerful and brilliant. Cath clearly has a deep understanding of what athletes go through and goes further to give a way forward in pursuit of improved performance and personal growth, with concepts I have experienced and observed to work and produce results in elite sport. A must for any manager in elite sport, any teacher, any leader.’ - Dr Eva Carneiro, Consultant in Sports and Exercise Medicine, Former Premier League Doctor
‘In sport and life your sense of value depends on the measures of success you choose to judge yourself against. Cath’s book will help you open up a whole new freedom to succeed on your own terms and to render outcome hijack and results obsessions things of the past. Don’t change the game, change what it means to win, for you.’ - Chris Shambrook, Director of Planet K2 Consultancy, Psychologist to British Olympic Rowing Team 1997–2016
‘This book is so relevant, timely and exciting for any person or organization wanting to investigate what success means to them. It couldn’t be a more relevant book right now and Cath’s exceptional ability in so many areas of life make it a gripping read with a lot of key takeaways whatever your area of interest. I wish every leader could immediately read this book as the world would be a better place if they did!’ - Goldie Sayers, Olympic Medallist in the Javelin, Coach
‘In a world where sustainability and inter-connection have gained wide recognition as core drivers for business success and purposeful work, Catherine Bishop’s book The Long Win is a timely and important contribution to re-define what success and winning mean. She reemphasizes the importance of people at the core of the ‘Long Win’. The three Cs – Clarity, Constant Learning and Connection – are based on her rich personal experience as Olympic rower and champion, diplomat and leadership speaker, writer and consultant and they build the foundation for sustained winning. An inspiring and personal book on one of our greatest leadership challenges today!’ - Smaranda Gosa-Mensing, Fellow of Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
‘Intelligent. Articulate. Timely. Cath Bishop has written a crucial read for anyone whose life is linked to performance. This GB Olympic rower floats a simple question, ‘Why does winning matter so much?’ And, perhaps, more importantly, how does our obsession with being the best ultimately serve us, our goals and the greater good? Told with gripping and, sometimes, poignant story-telling, The Long Win presents a compelling case for reflecting, re-thinking and re-strategizing the way we strive for and achieve success.’ - Jason Dorland, Author, Coach and Olympian
‘The Long Win is a thrilling book for anyone who believes that there must be better ways of achieving our potential, both as individuals and societally. It’s not a simple fix but this book highlights precisely where we must shift our focus, across multiple disciplines. Cath’s captivating experiences at the pinnacle of three such disciplines provide the book’s hypothesis with both authenticity and authority. I am convinced that within sport the long win approach will lead to more positive, engaging experiences and better performance. I want every athlete I work with to be exposed to the insights held within this book.’ - Laurence Halsted, Performance Director of the Danish Fencing Federation, Director of Mentoring at The True Athlete Project, Olympian
‘Long-Win Thinking shifts our mindset from a focus on “winning is the only thing” to a process–based orientation that fosters a more inclusive and reflective attitude to success. A great reflective work that shows how shifting our approach to success can lead to happier and healthier outcomes.’ - Professor Alex Gerbasi, Professor of Leadership, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Leadership, University of Exeter Business School
‘The Long Win fills a gaping and growing chasm in our understanding of what defines success. It is indispensable for anyone interested in not only achievement but in finding a way to shape our pursuits for the better. While reading The Long Win I was informed, emboldened and energized by the way Cath has meticulously and comprehensively laid out the case for strategic thinking that stretches beyond the now, the immediate, the results, to a stronger way of being!’ - Dr Steve Ingham, Founder of Supporting Champions, Former Head of the English Institute of Sport
‘The Long Win is a genuinely thought-provoking and fascinating insight into the potential benefits of redefining our mindsets both on an individual and collective basis. Cath’s refreshingly honest account of her own experiences provides a unique backdrop to the concepts of her philosophy. I would thoroughly recommend The Long Win and I challenge anyone not to take something from it.’ Sophie Hosking MBE, Legal Counsel at the FA and Olympic Champion in Rowing
‘I love this book and all it stands for. Whether you think you have won it all, or you think you’ve never won in life, Cath skilfully blows apart our taken-for-granted notion of winning and all that we take it to mean. Using her own poignant story and drawing on many other walks of life, she gives us an inclusive view of what winning means, so we can create a healthy and sustainable 21st century world – for our children and our children’s children.’ Dr Alison Maitland, Applied Sport Psychologist and Research Director at Lane 4
‘A book which challenges the reader to re-examine their fundamental beliefs about the nature of success and reward. Cath has experienced the top level of elite sport as well as the cut and thrust of diplomacy in conflict zones, giving her a unique personal perspective on the question of how we can re-define winning and losing.’ - Annie Vernon, Journalist, Author of Mind Games and Olympic Medallist
‘The Long Win brings a new narrative to the language of success, challenging the traditional expectations, including those around grades, targets and rankings, prevalent in educational settings today. As a headteacher of a large London day school, I will be recommending this book to all and sundry as a vital read for those who are interested in going beyond the pure gain of A* grades and instead are interested in developing within their schools a culture of collaboration and risk tasking, with the mindset and skills to enable the next generation to flourish and live fulfilling and happy lives.’ - Suzie Longstaff , Head, Putney High School and Olympian
‘Increasing performance is the most important conversation within teams and organizations searching for success. Cath Bishop’s thought-provoking and illuminating book is a compelling guide to how to do it. This is a visionary book which draws on the latest research and Cath’s own experiences as an elite athlete and a high-level diplomat in some of the world’s most volatile political hotspots. Everyone who is interested in performance should read it.’ - Dr Philip Stiles, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
‘The win-at-all-costs culture generates enormous amounts of human unhappiness and is counterproductive to the wellbeing of society as a whole, the “winners” as well as the “losers”. Cath has done a thorough job of marshalling evidence from a wide variety of sources, including her own experiences as an Olympian, and weaving it into an articulate and very readable narrative. Her vision for a more compassionate and collaborative world is a world I would want to live in.’ - Roz Savage, Ocean-rower and Yale Lecturer
‘A stimulating book that takes the concept of succeeding and gives it a makeover. Powerful and profound.’
Matthew Syed
‘Winning and losing are the simplistic ways that modern Western societies consider success. But Cath Bishop shows how much more complex the lived experience of competition really is. What a joy to read someone talking about this crucial subject from lived experience, showing how much more there is to understand about the way that we judge ourselves and everyone else. Anyone interested in motivation should read this book and think deeply.’
Margaret Heffernan
‘Looking at life from a different point of view is a rare skill. Built on in-depth research and broad experience as well as original thought, this book will change your outlook on everything.’
Clare Balding OBE
‘This is an absorbing, candid, nicely crafted book that, using helpful illustrations, forces us to reconsider what we mean by “winning”. It persuasively argues of the merits of taking a longer-term view. This “long win” is grounded in a considered take on what it is we genuinely want from life and, working backwards, how this might shape our choices today.’
Professor Mark de Rond, Professor of Organizational Ethnography, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
‘A gold medal is a simple goal, near impossible to win. Beyond the brutal simplicity of sport, can the concept of winning help us? What exactly do we want to win, and why? By posing and examining this question, this book helps us learn more, know ourselves better, and connect with renewed purpose with the world of business, family, life.’
Matt Brittin, President of Google EMEA, Olympian
‘I wholeheartedly support the thoughts in this book. I firmly believe the only way to change a culture is through educating society as to why it should be changed. And then offer a better way. This book proposes many thought-provoking questions that will serve to inspire the change our world needs and our youth deserve.’
Valorie Kondos Field, UCLA Gymnastics Coach, PAC-12 ‘Coach of the Century’
‘This book is powerful and brilliant. Cath clearly has a deep understanding of what athletes go through and goes further to give a way forward in pursuit of improved performance and personal growth, with concepts I have experienced and observed to work and produce results in elite sport. A must for any manager in elite sport, any teacher, any leader.’
Dr Eva Carneiro, Consultant in Sports and Exercise Medicine, Former Premier League Doctor
‘In sport and life your sense of value depends on the measures of success you choose to judge yourself against. Cath’s book will help you open up a whole new freedom to succeed on your own terms and to render outcome hijack and results obsessions things of the past. Don’t change the game, change what it means to win, for you.’
Dr Chris Shambrook, Director of Planet K2, Psychologist to British Olympic Rowing Team 1997–2019
‘This book is so relevant, timely and exciting for any person or organization wanting to investigate what success means to them. It couldn’t be a more relevant book right now and Cath’s exceptional ability in so many areas of life make it a gripping read with a lot of key takeaways whatever your area of interest. I wish every leader could immediately read this book as the world would be a better place if they did!’
Goldie Sayers, Olympic Medallist in the Javelin, Business Coach
‘In a world where sustainability and inter-connection have gained wide recognition as core drivers for business success and purposeful work, Cath Bishop’s book The Long Win is a timely and important contribution to re-define what success and winning mean. She re-emphasizes the importance of people at the core of the “Long Win”. The three Cs – Clarity, Constant Learning and Connection – are based on her rich personal experience as Olympic rower and champion, diplomat and leadership speaker, writer and consultant and they build the foundation for sustained winning. An inspiring and personal book on one of our greatest leadership challenges today!’
Smaranda Gosa-Mensing, Fellow of Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
‘Intelligent. Articulate. Timely. Cath Bishop has written a crucial read for anyone whose life is linked to performance. This GB Olympic rower floats a simple question, “Why does winning matter so much?” And, perhaps, more importantly, how does our obsession with being the best ultimately serve us, our goals and the greater good? Told with gripping and, sometimes, poignant story-telling, The Long Win presents a compelling case for reflecting, re-thinking and re-strategizing the way we strive for and achieve success.’
Jason Dorland, Author, Coach and Olympian
‘The Long Win is a thrilling book for anyone who believes that there must be better ways of achieving our potential, both as individuals and societally. It’s not a simple fix but this book highlights precisely where we must shift our focus, across multiple disciplines. Cath’s captivating experiences at the pinnacle of three such disciplines provide the book’s hypothesis with both authenticity and authority. I am convinced that within sport the Long-Win approach will lead to more positive, engaging experiences and better performance. I want every athlete I work with to be exposed to the insights held within this book.’
Laurence Halsted, Performance Director of the Danish Fencing Federation, Director of Mentoring at The True Athlete Project, Olympian
‘Long-Win Thinking shifts our mindset from a focus on “winning is the only thing” to a process-based orientation that fosters a more inclusive and reflective attitude to success. A great reflective work that shows how shifting our approach to success can lead to happier and healthier outcomes.’
Professor Alex Gerbasi, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Leadership, University of Exeter Business School
‘The Long Win fills a gaping and growing chasm in our understanding of what defines success. It is indispensable for anyone interested in not only achievement but in finding a way to shape our pursuits for the better. While reading The Long Win I was informed, emboldened and energized by the way Cath has meticulously and comprehensively laid out the case for strategic thinking that stretches beyond the now, the immediate, the results, to a stronger way of being!’
Dr Steve Ingham, Director and Performance Scientist at Supporting Champions
‘The Long Win is a genuinely thought-provoking and fascinating insight into the potential benefits of redefining our mindsets both on an individual and collective basis. Cath’s refreshingly honest account of her own experiences provides a unique backdrop to the concepts of her philosophy. I would thoroughly recommend The Long Win and I challenge anyone not to take something from it.’
Sophie Hosking MBE, Legal Counsel at the FA and Olympic Champion in Rowing
‘I love this book and all it stands for. Whether you think you have won it all, or you think you’ve never won in life, Cath skilfully blows apart our taken-for-granted notion of winning and all that we take it to mean. Using her own poignant story and drawing on many other walks of life, she gives us an inclusive view of what winning means, so we can create a healthy and sustainable 21st century world.’
Dr Alison Maitland, Sport Psychologist, HR Director and Consultant
‘A book which challenges the reader to re-examine their fundamental beliefs about the nature of success and reward. Cath has experienced the top level of elite sport as well as the cut and thrust of diplomacy in conflict zones, giving her a unique personal perspective on the question of how we can redefine winning and losing.’
Annie Vernon, Journalist, Author and Olympic Medallist
‘The Long Win brings a new narrative to the language of success, challenging the traditional expectations, including those around grades, targets and rankings, prevalent in educational settings today. As a headteacher of a large London day school, I will be recommending this book to all as a vital read for those who are interested in going beyond the pure gain of A* grades and instead are interested in developing within their schools a culture of collaboration and risk tasking, with the mindset and skills to enable the next generation to flourish and live fulfilling and happy lives.’
Suzie Longstaff, Head, Putney High School and Olympian
‘A thorough and fascinating journey through sport, education, diplomacy and business piecing together the elements that build genuine and sustained success and, as importantly, pinpointing what gets in the way. It will make you think hard about your own team's approach and priorities.’
Roger Bayly, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal
