Available to book
Deborah Meaden
Entrepreneurship
Communication
Business Strategy
Transform business performance with Deborah Meaden, speaker and renowned investor from Dragons' Den. Deborah works with organisations to develop sustainable growth strategies and entrepreneurial leadership, delivering powerful insights from her £100M+ business portfolio and extensive turnaround expertise.
Inspirational Female
Dragons' Den
Celebrity
Entrepreneur
Business Leader
Women in Business
Founder
Deborah Meaden is a well-known British entrepreneur and investor who gained fame as a Dragon on the popular TV show Dragons' Den.
Deborah's business journey began at a young age with a simple export company, which eventually grew into a successful fashion franchise. She later ventured into the leisure industry and became the Managing Director of Weststar Holidays, a holiday park owned by her family.
During her time there, she transformed the company into a profitable business and sold her shares for a staggering £33 million. Even after the sale, she retained 23% ownership and continued to innovate and develop the company, eventually selling her remaining shares for £83 million.
In addition to her business ventures, Deborah is actively involved in charity work, serving as a WWF ambassador and a Tusk Trust patron. Her diverse portfolio of businesses gives her unique insights into retail trends and strategies.
Deborah's ability to turn companies around and create sustainable growth has earned her a reputation as a respected business speaker. She is highly sought after as a speaker for business conferences and workshops.
She is also active on social media and has authored a book called "Common Sense Rules: What You Really Need To Know About Business."
Topics, sessions and talks
The story of what it takes to become a dragon in business.
Deborah Meaden offers your team insights from a seasoned entrepreneur. Benefit from her vast experience in turning businesses around, her engaging storytelling, and actionable strategies for growth. Elevate your event with her motivational presence, ensuring your team leaves inspired and equipped to drive your business forward.
15,000+ experts
People also viewed
Kelly Hoppen
Entrepreneurship
Hospitality
Sara Davies
Business Strategy
Effective Leadership
Leadership Development
Asha Saxena
Artificial Intelligence
Big Data
Business Strategy
frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email deborah.meaden@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Deborah's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Deborah Meaden structures her sessions around her personal business journey, using her own career trajectory — from an export company to selling Weststar Holidays for £83 million and becoming a Dragon on Dragons' Den — to illustrate what it takes to build and scale a business.
Deborah Meaden structures her sessions around her personal business journey, using her own career trajectory — from an export company to selling Weststar Holidays for £83 million and becoming a Dragon on Dragons' Den — to illustrate what it takes to build and scale a business.
Deborah Meaden structures her sessions around her personal business journey, using her own career trajectory — from an export company to selling Weststar Holidays for £83 million and becoming a Dragon on Dragons' Den — to illustrate what it takes to build and scale a business.
Deborah Meaden MBE speaks on building a business from the ground up, investment decision-making, and the mindset required to succeed as an entrepreneur. She is best known as a long-standing Dragon on BBC's Dragons' Den and sold her stake in Weststar Holidays for £83 million.
Deborah Meaden MBE speaks on building a business from the ground up, investment decision-making, and the mindset required to succeed as an entrepreneur. She is best known as a long-standing Dragon on BBC's Dragons' Den and sold her stake in Weststar Holidays for £83 million.
To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.
There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.
Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.
Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.
You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.
Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.
Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.
Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.
A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.
Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.
When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.
Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.
Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.
If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.
Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.
Get the right person
Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.
