The TIGNUM ThoughtCast Chasing the Impossible
Sep 11, 2025
Fran Millar, the inspiring CEO of Bellstaff and former leader of Team Sky, shares her insights on achieving the impossible in sports and business. She reflects on leading teams to triumphs like Eliud Kipchoge's marathon record and discusses the power of a people-focused culture. Fran emphasizes resilience and innovative leadership strategies while navigating challenges in high-pressure environments. She also tackles the role of failure as a stepping stone to success and advocates for genuine sustainability practices in fashion.
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From Managing A Brother To Building Team Sky
- Fran Millar built Team Sky from scratch and stayed through multiple sponsor changes.
- The team won seven Tours of France with four different riders, proving the methodology, not just talent, mattered.
Leading The Sub-Two Marathon Push
- Fran led Project 159 to try to break the two-hour marathon with Eliud Kipchoge on an accelerated timeline.
- Her team pulled together a global event in months and achieved 1:59:40.
Unexpected CEO Of A Heritage Brand
- In 2020 Fran became CEO of Bellstaff with little notice and a mandate to rebuild.
- She turned a major loss into break-even and doubled revenue in three years.