In this episode, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, discusses leadership, culture, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has propelled McLaren to the top of Formula 1. Recorded during McLaren’s turnaround in 2024, the episode delves into how strategic leadership changes, innovation, and a culture of continuous improvement have driven the team to dominate the 2025 Formula 1 season. Zak shares invaluable insights on building world-class teams, making tough leadership calls, and creating a dynamic and inclusive work environment.
Episode Highlights:
03:50 Leadership and Culture at McLaren
08:22 The Importance of Fun and Engagement
16:55 Innovation and Technology at McLaren
22:06 McLaren's Journey in Formula One
23:32 Leadership Changes and Team Restructuring
27:52 Innovative Sponsorship Approaches
34:04 IndyCar Highlights and Emotional Moments
As Chief Executive of McLaren Racing, Zak Brown has overall responsibility for the business, including strategic direction, operational performance, marketing and commercial development. Zak leads McLaren’s direction and involvement in professional motorsport, spearheaded by the McLaren Formula 1 team. Operating at the pinnacle of global motorsport, McLaren uses the white heat of competition to drive innovation and develop synergies across the group, including but also in Formula E, Xtreme E, IndyCar, and F1 Academy.
In 1995, he founded JMI, which grew to become the largest and most successful motorsport marketing agency in the world. When JMI was acquired by CSM, a division of Chime Communications, in 2013, Brown became the company’s Chief Executive Officer. He then relinquished that post to embark on his journey at McLaren in the winter of 2016. A passionate racer, collector and enthusiast, Zak also sits on the board of Cosworth Engineering and competes and races as a partner and driver in Anglo-American racing team United Autosports.
Check out these Move the Ball Motorsports Episodes:
Guenther Steiner “Formula 1 Unfiltered – High Performance Beyond the Grid”: https://omny.fm/shows/move-the-ball/guenther-steiner-formula-1-unfiltered-high-perform
Brendan P. Keegan “Creating Purposeful Partnerships in Business and Sports”: https://omny.fm/shows/move-the-ball/brendan-p-keegan-creating-purposeful-partnerships
Darren Cox “Driving Innovation from Formula 1 to Hollywood”: https://omny.fm/shows/move-the-ball/darren-cox-driving-innovation-from-formula-1-to-ho
Mark Sibla “Driving Success and Growth with IndyCar”: https://omny.fm/shows/move-the-ball/mark-sibla-driving-success-and-growth-with-indycar
Alex Moeller – “Connecting Brands to Speed & Innovation”: https://omny.fm/shows/move-the-ball/alex-moeller-connecting-brands-to-speed-innovation
Kyle Larson “Relentless Drive. High Speed. No Limits.”: https://omny.fm/shows/move-the-ball/kyle-larson-relentless-drive-high-speed-no-limits
Nic Hamilton “Driven to Inspire, Living a Life Bigger Than They Expect”: https://omny.fm/shows/move-the-ball/nic-hamilton-driven-to-inspire
Read The Executive Edge Newsletter titled Fast Decisions, High Stakes: What Executives Can Learn from the Racetrack: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fast-decisions-big-stakes-what-executives-can-learn-jd-llm-mba-1dufc
Connect with Zak Brown:
McLaren Racing Website: www.mclaren.com/racing
McLaren Instagram:
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