Debra Searle MBE
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Famous for rowing solo across the Atlantic in a 23ft plywood boat
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Only the third woman in the world to have rowed an ocean solo
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Ranked No. 3 in the World’s Top 30 Motivational Speakers
Debra Searle MVO MBE has an extraordinary story! She first hit the headlines when she set out to row across the Atlantic with her husband – a 6’5” international oarsman. Unfortunately, he had to be rescued so Debra, a novice rower, continued alone without a support boat and rowed 3300 miles from Tenerife to Barbados. It should have taken them six weeks, but Debra ended up spending 3 ½ months at sea alone and unsupported, encountering 30' waves, sharks, and force 8 squalls in her 23-foot plywood boat. Since returning from this adventure, Debra has undertaken solo and team expeditions across the globe. She has also represented Great Britain at European and World Championship level in Dragon Boat Racing winning bronze, silver and gold medals.
Debra has spoken at well over 1100 events around the world, across every industry sector but she is more than your usual sports speaker. Debra has founded 5 companies including MIX Diversity, a Diversity & Inclusion consultancy, so is able to speak with authenticity about what it takes to succeed in business. She has presented 40 programmes for the BBC and had 3 books published. Her spirit of adventure gained her an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen and she spent 10 years on the board of a charity with two members of the Royal Family, so has great board-level experience to share. In 2023, a British newspaper listed Debra as one of the World’s Top 50 Inspirational Leaders. Debra has been appointed a Member of the Victorian Order (MVO) for her services to the Royal Family.
In 2022, Debra was ranked no.3 in the World’s Top 30 Motivational Speakers, after Simon Sinek at no.1 and Tony Robbins at no.2, making her the highest ranking female motivational speaker in the world. The movie of Debra’s solo Atlantic row is currently in development in Hollywood.
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Debra was excellent. The time taken by Debra to understand our business really paid off. The best thing about her was her humility and also her willingness to stay and chat to the audience.
We are back from Tenerife and the conference was a great success and the feedback on your presentation was "immense". For example, "Absolutely fantastic-INSPIRING-and the best motivational speaker I've heard at Conference ahead of Neil Armstrong, Carl Lewis, Ellen McArthur, Steve Redgrave... to name a few." Thanks again for what you did, you were incredible.
Thank you so much for your contribution to our Sales Management Conference - you were a huge success and unanimously voted as the highlight of the day. One of the issues with athletes or others who have achieved something extraordinary is that it is not always possible to relate back clear lessons for us mere mortals to learn. We didn't have that problem with your presentation. So, not only was it fascinating, gripping and emotionally draining - it was relevant to every single person in that hall.
I work with a very multi cultural group (26 nationalities), this story resonates whatever your background. Debra was very motivational, great on goal setting and having the right attitude of mind. An inspirational story and a great role model particularly for women in our team.
Your story was deeply inspirational to both women and men. We received hundreds of comments from individuals across the globe. Comments ranged from people who
shared how your story touched them personally as well as from people who shared how they desperately needed to hear your words of hope and strength during a time like this. Your authenticity and vulnerability are both contagious and admirable. Again, we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with you on such an important day.
Debra's Zoom call was so inspiring. She gave us such a great perspective, which is so valuable during these times. Honestly, I must say that Debra's also a Zoom guru! She captivated all of us during the whole call.
Debra was so great and I love her enthusiasm. She's an amazing virtual speaker - her camera framing and way of articulating and using her non-verbal were some of the best I have seen.
Clients often ask about purchasing books for giveaways and delegate packs. Below you’ll find a selection of products by Debra Searle MBE. Click the images to view on Amazon's website. For bulk orders, please speak with your Booking Agent.
How to book Debra Searle MBE for your event
To book Debra Searle MBE, please submit an online enquiry to booking.agent@nmp.co.uk or contact one of our booking agents on +44 (0)20 3822 0003.
Yachtswoman and former Sportswoman of The Year
British Yachtswoman and multi-World Record holder
Olympic rowing gold medalist
World record breaking adventurer by land and sea
Endurance adventurer, psychologist and business leader
