Debra Searle MBE
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Famous for rowing solo across the Atlantic in a 23ft plywood boat
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The youngest and only the third woman in the world to have rowed an ocean solo
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Author of Rowing It Alone
Debra Searle achieved fame by rowing solo across the Atlantic in a 23ft plywood boat.
Heralded 'Britain's latest sporting heroine' (The Times) when the media worldwide went crazy for the story of the 5ft 5" young lady who carried on rowing alone when her husband, a 6 ft 5" experienced oarsman, left the boat after developing an uncontrollable fear of the ocean. Debra, who was loving life at sea in a 23 foot plywood boat, saw no reason to stop and rowed on to become the youngest and only the third woman in the world to have rowed an ocean solo.
The 3000 mile journey that was initially supposed to take 6 weeks took Debra a staggering 3 1/2 months and saw her battling with 30 foot waves, force 8 squalls and sharks, while having to dodge tankers that came too close for comfort on more than a few occasions.
Not just a woman with an interesting story, Debra Searle is a successful business woman in her own right. Debra became Managing Director of her first company at the age of 23 with the launch of The Well Hung Art Company. Today she successfully runs two companies alongside a developing TV presenting career with the BBC.
Debra's overwhelming positivity and 'go for it' attitude are contagious, while her modesty is endearing. She regularly delivers both motivational presentations and after dinner speeches using her story to powerfully but subtly draw out key business and interpersonal lessons.
Debra powerfully illustrates with slides and stunning video footage and leaves her audience in no doubt of their own ability to achieve the extraordinary.
Showreel
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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
One of the most successful sailors in Olympic history
Olympic rowing gold medalist
World record breaking adventurer by land and sea
