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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

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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

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frequently asked questions

Something not covered here?

What topics does Nikki Henderson specialise in?
Nikki Henderson specialises in discussing sailing, leadership, motivational speaking and more.
What is Nikki Henderson's speaking style like?
Nikki delivers with quiet authority, natural humanity, and humility. Her style blends leadership, empathy, and inspiration, leaving a lasting impact and changing attitudes in a supportive, engaging manner.
How can I book Nikki Henderson for my next event?
Email nikki.henderson@getapeptalk.com or call us 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 Nikki Henderson 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 Nikki Henderson'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 Nikki Henderson directly.
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. 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.

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, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

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.