Episode description

Innovation and Inclusivity in Motorsports are about breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and making the sport accessible to all. Today's guest, Rob Smedley, founder and CEO of the Smedley Group, shares his journey from Formula One engineer to entrepreneur, revolutionizing the motorsport industry.

Rob Smedley is known for his work with top Formula One teams like Ferrari and Williams. Using data technology to drive innovation, Rob has now embarked on a new venture to create a global karting league, making motorsports accessible to a wider audience. His career is marked by his commitment to innovation and his belief in the potential of young talent.

Host Barry O'Reilly invites Rob to discuss his path from a disengaged student to a top engineer and now an entrepreneur. Rob shares valuable lessons on embracing discomfort, committing to goals, and continuously innovating. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity in motorsports and the exciting future of the Global Karting League.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing Discomfort: Success often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and committing to figuring things out as you go along.
• Innovation Culture: True innovation requires a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them. Companies must create environments that foster this mindset.
• Making Motorsports Accessible: The Global Karting League aims to democratize motorsports by significantly reducing costs and complexity, making it accessible to a wider demographic.
• Building High-Functioning Teams: Success in both engineering and entrepreneurship involves surrounding yourself with high-functioning individuals and creating a synergistic team environment.
• Continuous Learning: Whether in the pit or in the boardroom, continuous learning and adaptation are crucial for sustained growth and success.

Additional Insights:

• Personal Journey: Rob's unconventional path from a disengaged student to a top engineer and entrepreneur highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability.
• Innovative Approach: Rob’s approach to the Global Karting League demonstrates how rethinking traditional models can lead to significant industry changes.
• Team Dynamics: Managing a team of innovators involves balancing different personalities and ensuring that each team member can contribute effectively.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction to the episode
• 02:09 - Rob on committing to something and figuring it out

"Commit to something, don't be scared and figure it out as, as you go along."

• 04:00 - Rob’s academic journey and lack of engagement in school

"I wasn't a great student at school. I absolutely was a terrible student."

• 09:33 - The importance of innovation and feeling uncomfortable

"If you're not uncomfortable, you're probably not trying hard enough."

• 18:26 - How Formula One teams innovate

"Innovation is just embedded in the business of Formula One."

• 25:35 - Democratizing motorsports with the Global Karting League

"We've taken about 95 plus percent of the costs out of it."

• 36:19 - Transitioning to an entrepreneurial role and learning new skills

"I've had to unlearn coming into what I would call the outside world."

• 42:25 - What excites Rob about the future of the Global Karting League

"What I'm most excited about is team work,