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 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.
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.
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.
