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Speaker, rower & diversity expert

Debra Searle

Confidence

Diversity and Inclusion

Adversity

Transform leadership mindsets with Debra Searle, speaker, Atlantic solo rower and diversity expert. Debra works with global organisations to build resilience and drive inclusion, ranked third among World's Top 30 Motivational Speakers and recognised by the Queen with an MBE.

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Trusted by ODEON, IBM, Google

Debra Searle

Exeter, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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Exeter, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Debra Now

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Vetted speaker

Debra Searle's biography

International Women's Day

Women's History Month

After Dinner Sports

Entrepreneur

Inclusion

Sport

Inspirational

At a glance

Known for her remarkable journey across the Atlantic Ocean, rowing 3,300 miles in a 23-foot plywood boat
Founder of MIX Diversity Developers, a D&I consultancy and training company
Author of three books including "Rowing it Alone"

Debra Searle MVO MBE is known for her remarkable journey across the Atlantic Ocean. She initially set out to row with her husband, an experienced oarsman, but after he was rescued, Debra, a novice, continued alone. Over 3½ months, she rowed 3,300 miles from Tenerife to Barbados in a 23-foot plywood boat, facing 30-foot waves and harsh weather conditions. Since this adventure, Debra has tackled various solo and team expeditions worldwide. She has represented Great Britain in Dragon Boat Racing at European and World Championship levels, earning multiple medals. Debra has spoken at over 1,100 events globally, covering diverse sectors. Beyond sports, she founded five companies, including MIX Diversity, a consultancy focused on Diversity and Inclusion, allowing her to share insights on business success. She has presented 40 programmes for the BBC and authored three books. Her adventurous spirit earned her an MBE from the Queen, and she served for a decade on a charity board alongside two members of the Royal Family, gaining valuable board-level experience. In 2023, a British newspaper recognised her as one of the World’s Top 50 Inspirational Leaders. Debra was also appointed a Member of the Victorian Order (MVO) for her contributions to the Royal Family. In 2022, she ranked third in the World’s Top 30 Motivational Speakers, following Simon Sinek and Tony Robbins, making her the highest-ranking female speaker globally. A film about her solo Atlantic row is currently in development in Hollywood.

Debra's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Choose To Challenge

Debra Searle took on her first board position at 27 years old, working with members of the British Royal Family. As the youngest and only woman on the Board, it challenged her confidence and courage to speak up and be heard. Now a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultancy, Debra has co-founded The Businesswomen’s Network Forum at Buckingham Palace. In her inspiring talk, attendees will learn how to challenge themselves, confront unconscious bias, and overcome imposter syndrome to enhance their careers and confidence.

Practical Tools To Build Resilience

Debra Searle MBE is one of the few individuals who has spent over 100 days alone at sea, thriving despite the challenges. After her husband developed a crippling phobia of the ocean, Debra rowed the Atlantic solo for 3.5 months. In her session, she shares the mindset and wellbeing strategies she developed during this experience, offering practical insights for navigating today’s challenges. Attendees will learn how to stay positive and productive in the face of adversity.

It's Not Magic, It's Mindset

Did you know that 75% of a top performer’s success stems from a positive attitude, with only 25% linked to skills? Drawing from her incredible experience of rowing the Atlantic solo after her husband’s rescue, Debra Searle shares the mindset tools that sustained her during 111 days at sea. Attendees will learn practical strategies from her ‘Choose Your Attitude Toolkit’ to enhance their resilience and teamwork, enabling them to thrive under pressure in both work and life.

Why we recommend booking Debra

Book Debra Searle as your speaker to inspire your team with her extraordinary journey of resilience and adventure. Her unique insights into overcoming challenges, coupled with her expertise in diversity and inclusion, will empower your audience to embrace change and drive success in business.

Check Debra's availability

Trusted by ODEON, IBM, Google

Testimonials

Your insights have certainly inspired the team to challenge the status quo and dig deep within, to achieve what feels like the impossible.

Google

You were a HUGE hit. The sessions have been littered with references to choosing our words, our attitude and extending our comfort zone! So many of the delegates came to find me to tell me how moved and inspired they were by your story and to congratulate me on my choice of external speaker.

ODEON

She scored 5 out of 5 from every one of the 170 delegates. This is unheard of at an IBM event.

IBM

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How do I book Debra Searle for my next event?

Email debra.searle@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 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. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Debra Searle for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Debra Searle's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Debra Searle directly.

What is Debra Searle's speaking style like?

Debra’s delivery inspires teams to challenge the status quo and push boundaries, motivating audiences to achieve what feels impossible through practical insights and an uplifting, empowering approach.

What topics does Debra Searle specialise in?

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

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.

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