Event report • Committees • Events • The Chamber Energies renouvelables - Développement durable - Environnement
Throwback - Meet Conrad Colman - From Ccean Racing to Sustainable Leadership (March 2026)
We recently had the pleasure of hosting a special FNZCCI lunch with Conrad Colman, Co-Founder of Aotearoa Ocean Racing.
We recently had the pleasure of hosting a special FNZCCI lunch with Conrad Colman, Co-Founder of Aotearoa Ocean Racing and by all accounts, it was a truly inspiring session.
Bringing together members and guests for a relaxed lunchtime conversation, the event explored how lessons from elite offshore racing translate into leadership, resilience, innovation and sustainability in a business context.
Conrad shared stories from the extreme world of solo ocean racing - including his experience as the first sailor to complete the Vendée Globe without fossil fuels - offering a unique perspective on decision-making under pressure and performing in some of the most demanding conditions on Earth.
At the heart of the discussion was Aotearoa Ocean Racing’s mission: to prove that high performance and sustainability can go hand in hand. With dual roots in Aotearoa New Zealand and France, the initiative is not only pushing the boundaries of clean ocean racing, but also strengthening connections between the two ecosystems - from innovation and technology to shared environmental ambitions.
Those who attended also highlighted what an engaging and thoughtful speaker Conrad is, bringing both depth and authenticity to the conversation.
A big thank you to Cordis Auckland for hosting us so beautifully.
If you’d like to learn more about Aotearoa Ocean Racing’s upcoming campaigns and longer-term vision, or explore how you might be part of the journey, we encourage you to connect with the team and continue the conversation.
