Bernie Collins
Sharpen decision-making and strategic leadership with Bernie Collins, Formula 1 strategy expert and Sky Sports analyst. Bernie equips organisations with data-driven frameworks for high-pressure situations and technical team leadership, drawing from her decade of race-winning experience at McLaren and Aston Martin. Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree.
Warwick, United Kingdom
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Bernie began as a trainee at McLaren before progressing to performance engineer, working with 2009 World Champion Jenson Button. She later moved to Force India, supporting drivers including Nico Hülkenberg and Sergio Pérez, and remained with the team through its transitions to Racing Point and Aston Martin. In 2020, she became Head of Race Strategy, leading real time decision making during Grands Prix and overseeing complex strategic calls that influenced championship outcomes.
In 2023, she moved into broadcasting, joining Sky Sports F1 and F1TV as a strategy analyst. She also co-hosts The F1 Show podcast and co-authored How to Win a Grand Prix From Pit Lane to Podium in 2024 with Maurice Hamilton. Her contribution to engineering and sport has been recognised through Forbes 30 Under 30: Manufacturing & Industry Europe in 2016 and an honorary degree from Queen’s University Belfast in 2023.
Bernie translates her experience making split-second, data-driven decisions under extreme pressure into practical frameworks that apply across industries. Her work balancing complex inputs from drivers, engineers, and external factors whilst managing high-performance teams provides concrete lessons in leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking. She demystifies how technology and data drive sustained success in Formula 1's demanding environment.
Audiences gain specific strategies for improving decision-making under pressure, leading technical teams effectively and fostering innovation. Bernie shares real examples from racing that illustrate how preparation, communication, and adaptability determine outcomes when stakes are highest.
Book Bernie to bring authentic, tested insights from Formula 1's most intense moments to your organisation's biggest challenges.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
Bernie Collins draws on her experience as Head of Race Strategy at Aston Martin to explore how critical decisions are made when margins are measured in seconds. Bernie unpacks how teams analyse data in real time, balance risk against reward, and maintain clarity under scrutiny from millions. The session reveals how structured processes and calm leadership can transform uncertainty into competitive advantage.
Bernie Collins examines leadership and team dynamics within elite Formula One operations. Bernie reflects on managing engineers, collaborating with drivers, and aligning diverse specialists around a single race objective. Through practical examples from McLaren, Force India, and Aston Martin, she demonstrates how trust, communication, and accountability underpin sustained high performance in demanding technical environments.
Bernie Collins explores how innovation, technology, and performance engineering shape success in modern Formula One. Bernie explains how cutting-edge tools, simulation, and data modelling inform strategy and long-term development. Drawing on her career across multiple teams and her broadcasting insight, she offers a clear view of how disciplined experimentation and continuous improvement drive results at the highest level.
Bernie Collins shares her journey from Northern Ireland to the Formula One pit wall, highlighting the realities of building a career in engineering. Bernie reflects on early influences, professional setbacks, and the importance of visible role models. The session provides grounded insight into resilience, technical confidence, and creating inclusive environments that enable diverse talent to progress.
Bernie Collins highlights the importance of effective communication in high-pressure situations, such as making split-second decisions on the pit wall. She highlights the necessity of trusting team members to convey accurate information efficiently. Understanding individual communication styles, influenced by culture and personality, is crucial, as some prefer directness while others use more elaborate language. Collins stresses that establishing a common language within the F1 strategy team is vital for success. Attendees will learn how to enhance team communication for better decision-making.
Bernie Collins emphasises the importance of psychological safety in fostering a thriving team environment where everyone feels empowered to voice their concerns. She advocates for thorough briefings before races to ensure clarity and debriefings afterward to analyse performance, regardless of the outcome. By leading by example and owning her mistakes, Bernie cultivates trust and accountability within her team, eliminating a blame culture. Attendees will learn how to implement these practices to enhance team dynamics and performance.
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