Lara Vafiadis is a dynamic and engaging motivational speaker whose passion for resilience, technology, and personal growth has inspired audiences across the UK and beyond. Known for her determination and authenticity, she brings a unique combination of adventure and professional insight to every stage she steps onto. Lara’s remarkable solo 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean in the 2022 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge captured national attention, pushing her to her physical and mental limits while raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK, Plan International UK, and Our Only World. Her story of endurance and purpose resonates deeply with those striving to overcome challenges in their personal and professional lives.
Lara’s career began outside the boardroom, with early roles that built her resilience and people skills – from customer service at John Lewis Partnership to skippering yachts across European waters. Her natural drive and ability to connect with others soon led her into sales and technology. She joined Cisco in 2018, progressing from Virtual Sales Account Manager to Service Provider Account Manager, where she developed her expertise in cybersecurity and cloud solutions. Lara’s curiosity for innovation and her talent for building trusted relationships became the foundation for a thriving career in tech sales and leadership.
In recent years, Lara has taken on senior commercial roles, including Regional Sales Manager at Deep Instinct, Director of UK and European Sales at Conceal, and, most recently, New Business Sales Hunter and Event Speaker at Netpremacy Global Services. Alongside her professional success, she has become an outspoken advocate for women in technology and online safety, using her platform to empower others to pursue careers in STEM and to approach digital spaces with confidence and awareness. Her Atlantic crossing and continued work in technology have made her a sought-after figure in both adventure and business circles.
Lara is invited to speak not only for her incredible endurance feat but also for her ability to translate those lessons of perseverance, adaptability, and courage into the workplace. Her blend of real-world achievement, corporate experience, and heartfelt storytelling makes her a compelling choice for organisations seeking to motivate teams, champion diversity, and inspire change.
