Share
Debra Searle MVO MBE Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerDebra Searle MVO MBE

Determined Atlantic rower and entrepreneur, Voted the highest-ranking female motivational speaker by Global Gurus

Debra Searle MVO MBE has an extraordinary story! She first hit the headlines when she set out to row across the Atlantic with her husband – a 6’5” international oarsman. Unfortunately, he had to be rescued so Debra, a novice rower, continued alone without a support boat and rowed 3300... Read more

Watch Debra Searle MVO MBE in action

Popular Talks by Debra Searle MVO MBE

  • 'Choose Your Attitude' - It's not magic, it's mindset

    A toolkit of mindset and resilience techniques explained through Debra’s Atlantic rowing story

  • Shifting Comfort Zones

    Finding ways to thrive and use the opportunities that appear when we are pushed out of our comfort zone

  • Women in Leadership

    Reducing imposter syndrome and becoming contagiously positive. Empowering Women in the Workplace.

More talks

  • Inspire Inclusion: how to positively challenge Unconscious Bias in the workplace to inspire inclusion
  • Practical tools to stay motivated and build resilience
  • Mindset strategies for not just coping but excelling during periods of change
  • Personal motivation ideas for when the journey only seems to be getting harder
  • Innovation under stress - visualising problems to fight the fear
  • Teamwork - even when miles apart
  • How to guard your mental and physical wellbeing when the pressure is on
  • Achieving seemingly impossible goals
  • Staying in your discomfort zone

Biography

Debra Searle MVO MBE has an extraordinary story! She first hit the headlines when she set out to row across the Atlantic with her husband – a 6’5” international oarsman. Unfortunately, he had to be rescued so Debra, a novice rower, continued alone without a support boat and rowed 3300 miles from Tenerife to Barbados. It should have taken them six weeks, but Debra ended up spending 3 ½ months at sea alone and unsupported, encountering 30′ waves, sharks, and force 8 squalls in her 23-foot plywood boat. Since returning from this adventure, Debra has undertaken solo and team expeditions across the globe. She has also represented Great Britain at European and World Championship level in Dragon Boat Racing winning bronze, silver and gold medals.

Debra has spoken at well over 1100 events around the world, across every industry sector but she is more than your usual sports speaker. Debra has founded 5 companies including MIX Diversity, a Diversity & Inclusion consultancy, so is able to speak with authenticity about what it takes to succeed in business. She has presented 40 programmes for the BBC and had 3 books published. Her spirit of adventure gained her an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen and she spent 10 years on the board of a charity with two members of the Royal Family, so has great board-level experience to share. In 2023, a British newspaper listed Debra as one of the World’s Top 50 Inspirational Leaders. Debra has been appointed a Member of the Victorian Order (MVO) for her services to the Royal Family.

In 2022, Debra was ranked no.3 in the World’s Top 30 Motivational Speakers, after Simon Sinek at no.1 and Tony Robbins at no.2, making her the highest ranking female motivational speaker in the world. The movie of Debra’s solo Atlantic row is currently in development in Hollywood.

Ready to invite Debra Searle MVO MBE to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

What clients say about Debra Searle MVO MBE

“We provided feedback forms to all participants and asked for a rating between 1(poor) and 5(excellent). We received 170 completed forms and Debra scored a ‘5’ from every single respondent. This is unheard of! The comments were all super, for example - ‘ Best speaker I’ve heard at an IBM event – outstanding!" Client Director, IBM UK Ltd
“A big thank you for your talks today as part of our Build your Potential week. It was an inspirational ending to the week and employees took away many positive messages about opportunities for self-development both on a personal and work level. Feedback was great.” JP Morgan
"On behalf of the team at XXXX thank you so much for your time, commitment energy and inspiration yesterday. We have been very fortunate over the years to have many wonderful speakers at XXXX but few if any that touched us all in the way that you did. Not only is your story, your life to date and your many, many achievements extraordinary, you are also a quite brilliant communicator. We have lost that precious ability to connect and yet you managed to have us all gripped in a virtual world. Your humility is very rare, particularly for a virtual room of bankers! Perhaps most importantly you gave us all so many practical lessons to help us get through every day, the good and the bad."

How to book Debra Searle MVO MBE as a keynote speaker

How do I book Debra Searle MVO MBE for a keynote speech?

You can book Debra Searle MVO MBE through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Debra's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Debra Searle MVO MBE's speaking fees?

Debra Searle MVO MBE's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Debra tailored to your event.

What topics does Debra Searle MVO MBE speak about?

Debra Searle MVO MBE speaks on Business & Management, Diversity, Health, Inspirational Women, Leadership. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Debra to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Debra Searle MVO MBE available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Debra Searle MVO MBE for events worldwide, subject to Debra's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Debra Searle MVO MBE deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Debra Searle MVO MBE is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Debra Searle MVO MBE?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Debra can accommodate.

Can Debra Searle MVO MBE tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Debra Searle MVO MBE on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Debra can offer.

What languages does Debra Searle MVO MBE present in?

Debra Searle MVO MBE delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Debra Searle MVO MBE a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Debra Searle MVO MBE's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Diversity, Health, Inspirational Women, Leadership. To get a clear sense of Debra's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Debra Searle MVO MBE speak at?

Debra Searle MVO MBE can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Business & Management, Diversity, Health, Inspirational Women, Leadership is relevant. Details of Debra's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Debra Searle MVO MBE offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Debra Searle MVO MBE is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Debra Searle MVO MBE?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Debra Searle MVO MBE, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Debra's current availability for your dates.