The Official Biography

Motivational Speaker, Professional Adventurer and Founder of 5 Companies

Debra Searle MVO, MBE, is a unique and inspiring individual. Debra has won Gold World Championship medals for Great Britain, presented over 40 programmes for the BBC, become the youngest ever trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and successfully rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She has been voted World #1 Female Motivational Speaker in the Global Gurus ranking.

Her Majesty The Queen has recognised Debra on two occasions – in 2002 with an MBE and in 2014 with an MVO. She has launched five companies, including MIX Diversity Developers which works with global organisations on their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategies. Debra has published three books and has spoken at over 1000 events across 40 countries. The movie of her solo Atlantic row is currently in development in Hollywood.

 
 

Debra's Version

Lover of The Great Outdoors, Mother, Wife & Entrepreneur

Well... that’s the formal description over and done with. My version is much less superwoman-sounding! If I had to sum it up I’d say I am a businesswoman, professional adventurer, wife and mother. I’m particularly proud of the work we do at MIX Diversity Developers. I am so thrilled that my job entails meeting people all over the world and getting to play a small part in their journeys through my speeches, books and The Choose Your Attitude Journal.

Much of my identity is wrapped up in the fact that I am one half of identical twins, given up for adoption at birth. After a poor performance at school, I learnt to tap into my potential during the unplanned 3½ months I spent alone at sea rowing the Atlantic. It was potential I had no idea I had. I love my job(s) and my family...

Gallery

These images sum up me and my life...

Debra Searle - Debra with her daughter

Daughter Heidi overflowing with emotional intelligence

Debra Searle - Meeting people

Meeting people post speech - I love my job!

Debra Searle - Debra with her family

My small but perfectly formed family

Debra Searle - Debra and Tim

My husband is the most gracious and humble man ever

Debra Searle - Debra with her daughter

Daughter Molly got my adventure gene

Debra Searle - Debra with Hayley

My best friend - business partner - identical twin

Debra Searle - Debra on stage

On stage - where I spend most of my time

Debra Searle - Beloved

Beloved by Jesus

Debra Searle - Debra with her daughter

My board I can't afford mastermind group

Debra Searle - Debra with her friends

Crazy funny friends

Debra Searle - Paddleboarding

SUP + Family = Happy Place

Debra Searle - Debra with the DofE Board

Ten years on this board taught me so much!

Want to dive deeper with me?

About

Debra Searle MVO, MBE shot to fame after rowing the Atlantic solo.

As a sought after motivational speaker and author, she has spoken at 1,000 events in 40+ countries.

She has founded five companies and presented over 40 programmes for the BBC.