Debra Searle
Event Speaker

Debra Searle

Adventurer & Business Woman

Debra Searle MVO MBE first hit the headlines when she set out to row across the Atlantic with her husband. 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, encountering 30′ waves, sharks, and force 8 squalls in her 23-foot plywood boat. Since returning from this adventure, Debra has undertaken solo & 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 1000 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 and training company, 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 was delighted to be appointed a Trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, spending a decade working alongside His Royal Highness Prince Philip and His Royal Highness Prince Edward.  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. 

Sessions

General Session & ACEC/PAC Sweepstakes Drawing

Presented by Debra Searle at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, October 7th.

Open to all Full and Tuesday daily attendees. More information coming soon! ACEC/PAC Sweepstakes Drawing Tickets are $200 each, with a limit of 5 per person.  Click here for more details.