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Record-breaking sailor & speaker

Nikki Henderson

Transform teams through extreme challenges with Nikki Henderson, speaker and record-breaking sailor. Nikki works with executives and organisations to develop leadership resilience and high-performance teamwork, delivering powerful insights from her experience as the youngest skipper in round-the-world yacht racing.

Trusted by 59 North Sailing, Outremer, Yachting World

Nikki Henderson, Speaker | Record-Breaking Sailor
Nikki Henderson

Nikki Henderson

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Nikki Henderson's biography

At a glance

  • Youngest skipper of a round-the-world yacht race
  • Motivational speaker on leadership and teamwork
  • Advocate for women in leadership and endurance sports
Nikki Henderson is a record-breaking sailor, speaker, and storyteller. She became the youngest person to skipper a round-the-world yacht race and inspires audiences worldwide through motivational speaking. Nikki shares insights into the human aspects of extreme endurance sports, highlighting the importance of leadership and teamwork. Her talks cater to diverse audiences, from primary school students to international executives. She delivers tailored keynote speeches and conducts leadership and team-building workshops, helping teams navigate the challenges of working with unfamiliar colleagues. By immersing participants in scenarios akin to five weeks at sea, she illustrates the personal struggles of leadership and how to apply these lessons in various contexts. Nikki is dedicated to reaching a broad audience and offers special rates for schools and non-profits. She encourages others to "stand tall and make the right decisions for you." Thirteen years ago, Nikki chose a path that diverged from the typical trajectory for young adults, seeking a deeper understanding of life and leadership. Her first decade was filled with record-breaking achievements, leading teams in perilous environments and exploring the relationship between humanity and nature. She has demonstrated that feminine instincts and youthful intuition are valuable assets in leadership. Currently, Nikki divides her time among three roles. As a professional sailor, she founded an offshore racing programme for 59 North Sailing, serves as a women's ambassador for Outremer, and coaches private clients. As a motivational speaker, she covers topics from high-performance teams to sustainability. As an author, she contributes to Yachting World and Grand Large Yachting and runs her own Substack account. Stay tuned for her upcoming book, which blends adventure memoir with leadership insights, offering guidance on navigating life and relationships through lessons learned in nature.

Nikki's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Lessons in Leadership and Teamwork from a Record Breaking Skipper
Nikki Henderson delves into the challenges of leading a team through the unpredictable and high-pressure environment of a round-the-world yacht race. Drawing on her unique experiences, she shares thought-provoking perspectives on teamwork, leadership, and adapting to adversity. Nikki’s stories of endurance and growth provide valuable lessons on navigating complex dynamics and fostering resilience, offering insights that resonate across industries and roles.

Why we recommend booking Nikki

Book Nikki Henderson to inspire your team with her extraordinary journey as a record-breaking sailor. Her unique insights into leadership and teamwork, drawn from extreme challenges at sea, will motivate and equip your audience with practical strategies to overcome obstacles and thrive in any environment.

Check Nikki's availability

Trusted by 59 North Sailing, Outremer, Yachting World

Testimonials

It is very rare to meet someone who has the ability to have an impact, such as did you yesterday. You have a quiet authority together with a natural humanity and humility that is a very rare combination. You really did change attitudes.

Dr Nigel Mercer

Plastic Surgery Consultant & FSSA President

It takes a special kind of person to be a Clipper Race Skipper – part teacher, counsellor and sports coach and so to lead her team to second place (and it was a nail-biting finish!) is an amazing achievement.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston CBE RD

Featured Projects

Nikki Henderson - On The Wind Sailing podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Nikki Henderson for my next event?
Email nikki.henderson@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 Nikki'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.
What is Nikki Henderson's speaking style like?
Nikki Henderson uses first-person storytelling drawn from her experience as the youngest skipper of a round-the-world yacht race, translating specific on-water scenarios into leadership and teamwork lessons applicable across professional contexts.
What topics does Nikki Henderson specialise in?
Nikki Henderson's session covers leadership under pressure, teamwork in high-stakes environments, and resilience in the face of adversity. She became the youngest person to skipper a round-the-world yacht race, a record that underpins her speaking work on high-performance teams and endurance.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

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.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

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.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

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.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

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.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

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.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

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.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

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.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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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.

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.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.