Debra Searle is a successful entrepreneur and world-renowned rower, who has since turned her passion into public speaking. One half of identical twins given up for adoption, Debra’s early life consisted of uncertainty and struggling to make it through the education system. It was only when she took to the sea did, she realise her potential. As a speaker, she was officially named the third-best motivational speaker in the world by Global Gurus in 2021. Debra now supports corporate teams in reaching their potential through motivation talks, backed by personal experience.
After entering the Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Challenge in 2001, Debra, a novice at the sport, never imagined she’d complete the trip alone. Once her husband could not continue in their joint venture, Debra made the life-changing decision to continue alone, eventually spending 3,000 miles battling crashing waves and treacherous conditions on a 23-foot plywood boat. After three and a half months at sea, Debra was watched by the world as she completed the race. Debra gained an insatiable taste for adventure, which later led her to continue to participate in voyages across the globe, from canoeing the Yukon River to cycling from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
Since finding global acclaim as an adventurer, Debra set her sights on business, launching five companies to date, including MIX Diversity Developers Ltd, which champions inclusion in corporate environments. Equally prominent in her media career, Debra has presented 42 programmes for a range of channels including ITV and BBC, showcasing her natural storytelling ability on screen. With no signs of slowing down, Debra has also published three books detailing her adventures, become a trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh Award and won a Gold medal for her country in dragon boat racing. With such an influential career, she was honoured by the Queen with an MBE in 2002 and an MVO in 2014.
Debra has shared her wisdom and experience at over 1000 events, across 38 countries, making her an international success in the speaking scene. As one of the most booked female speakers in the UK, Debra understands what it takes to give an outstanding speech, with captivating stories and actionable strategies, audiences are motivated to achieve their potential, thanks to Debra. Having given keynote speeches to some of the world’s top organisations, including Unilever Microsoft, and Google, it’s no surprise she was recognised as third, in the World’s Best Motivational Speakers list 2021.
Watch Debra Searle's popular TED Talk on the valuable lessons she learned at sea.
