AI Insights

Recognised for his outstanding leadership and commitment, Gareth Ainsworth is taking Godel to new heights as the newly awarded ‘CEO of the Year’.

Godel Technologies is proud to announce that our CEO, Gareth Ainsworth, has been awarded CEO of the Year at the North West Business of the Year Awards. The North West Business of the Year Awards, organised by TheBusinessDesk.com, celebrate the region’s most innovative and successful companies. Following a rigorous judging process, including site visits, shortlisting, and finalist pitches, the winners were announced at a prestigious black-tie event in Manchester.

I’m incredibly proud to receive this award, and it truly means a lot to me. Being named CEO of the Year isn’t just about leadership; it’s a reflection of the amazing people who make up the Godel team. Their hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence are what make achievements like this possible. I’m genuinely honoured to lead such a talented group of people and excited about what’s next as we continue to grow and make an impact here in the North West and beyond.

Gareth Ainsworth

A Candid Talk with Gareth

If you could go back 10 years, what would you tell yourself?

I’d tell myself just to be authentic and to be completely true to who I am. Don’t try to be anyone else because the moment you do, it stops working. Staying genuine to yourself is what really sets you apart and helps you grow.

What’s a quote you live by?

I’ve got loads of quotes around my office, but the one I really live by is called the Triad of Success: Remember how you started, it’ll keep you humble. Remember who you started with, it’ll make you grateful. And remember why you started, it’ll keep you hungry. That quote really sums up how I try to live my life. I say all the time I am just a lad from Bolton, and I never forget where I come from or who I am.

Describe yourself in three words.

I’m humble, driven, and committed

How do you stay motivated when things get tough?

I always focus on the end goal. No matter what you’re doing, whether it’s hitting targets, launching something new, or delivering a big workstream, there’s always a goal you’re working towards. Challenges are part of the process, and things won’t always go smoothly, but keeping that end goal in mind helps me stay focused and push through. It reminds me why I started and what I’m ultimately trying to achieve.

What book, podcast, or person has inspired you the most lately?

A book I’d always recommend is The Chimp Paradox. I would read it over and over again just to understand how the mind works. For me, it helped massively. I think it resonates with so many people because it gives real, practical insights into how we think and behave.

How do you unwind after a long day?

I like to go for a walk or get a training session in. It helps me clear my head, reset, and let go of the day’s stress.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a CEO?

Don’t be afraid to make big decisions. You have to trust your judgment, back yourself, and take responsibility

What does winning “CEO of the Year” mean to you personally?

I’m incredibly proud and grateful to receive this award, but for me, it’s not just about personal recognition. It’s a reflection of the amazing team I have around me, their hard work, dedication, and belief in what we’re doing. None of this would be possible without them, so this award really belongs to all of us.

What’s one habit that you think every leader should develop?

Every leader should develop authenticity. You have to lead from the front because people are always observing how you carry yourself, how you approach challenges, how you communicate, and how you make decisions. If you try to imitate someone else, you will not get far. I’ve learned that firsthand throughout my career. Whenever I tried to model myself too closely on someone else’s style, it never worked. The key is to understand your own strengths and weaknesses and lead in a way that’s true to who you are, take responsibility for your own actions and not blame them on someone else.

What’s your advice to leaders trying to embrace AI?

It’s important to focus on the real opportunities it can create for your business. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and think AI will solve everything, but it won’t. You need to start by understanding what outcomes you’re trying to achieve and how AI can help you get there. Embrace it with purpose, and make sure you’re doing it in the right and ethical way.

What excites you most about the rise of AI?

I think it’s a huge opportunity. There’s been so much hype around it, where you can’t go anywhere without seeing something that’s “AI-powered”, but beneath that, there’s real potential to make a meaningful impact. For me, it’s about cutting through the noise and understanding what AI can actually do for you, whether as an individual or as a business. If you take the time to really define the opportunity you want to pursue, the possibilities are almost limitless. That’s what makes it so exciting.