Resilience, forged in the Southern Ocean.
The fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica brings the lessons of 8 world records, a dismasting and 150,000 nautical miles to your stage.
Unlock Your Antarctica
Ignite the explorer's mindset, navigate change and unleash your resilience. Are your teams facing uncharted waters? Is change creating paralysis? Lisa shares a framework forged in the planet's most unforgiving ocean, for turning daunting challenges into monumental triumphs.
Become your own lighthouse
Self-belief and personal leadership to overcome self-limiting beliefs.
Sail for purpose
Find your true north, and fuel long-term performance and motivation.
Transform fear
Add action to fear and turn it into courage and decisive decisions.
Set your storm sails
Plan for the unpredictable, build contingency and master risk.
Trim your sails
Strategic focus and energy management to cut through distraction.
Success is never solo
Build and lean on the support systems that make collective success.
Keep the boat moving
Sustain momentum through stillness and low external motivation.
Rebuild the boat
Build your own jury rig: resilience and psychological safety to rebound stronger.
The waves will always shift
Mental agility that turns uncertainty into feedback and innovation.
Delivered as a full keynote, or as deep dives into the principles your audience needs most.
Keynote details (PDF)Enquire nowFrom novice to world record holder
Lisa found sailing at 25, working as a cook on a charter boat. A decade later she became the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica, after her mast came crashing down on day 72, more than 1,000 nautical miles from land. She cut away the wreckage, built a jury rig, sailed to Cape Town, rebuilt, and went back to finish.
In 2022 she returned and became the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica, taking 10 days off the record. Since then she has set records around Australia and New Zealand and from Sydney to Auckland, and is now preparing the first solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle.
Lisa doesn't just talk about resilience. She lives it.
Standing ovations, buzzing teams
"Lisa's presentation was so well received, with the audience in awe of her achievements and the message she was delivering, so much so that she received a standing ovation."
Dawn Newman OAM, International Zonta Convention"What an incredible launch event today. Lisa was amazing and had the team buzzing. Talk about an engaging storyteller."
QBE Insurance"Lisa is a captivating presenter. She delivered a real-life story of courage and resilience that left us inspired with the power of persistence to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals."
Steve Harris, CEO, The Brand Agency"Lisa's captivating presentation underpinned by her vision of a cleaner, healthier environment left us inspired and committed to engage on matters that can affect our world for generations to come. Exceptional!"
Tony Hartin, Managing Director, Refuelling Solutions"Lisa shares all the same values as Bremont. She is extremely passionate and has a sense of human achievement which is off the charts. Our clients love to hear her story."
Leon Mervis, Managing Director, Bremont Watches AU"Those that take the time to listen to her come out with life lessons and are better people for it."
Domenic Genua, BIA Sydney International Boat ShowTailored to your audience
Extreme Sailing for Science
Climate action and ocean health: Lisa's microplastics findings from Antarctica, and the simple actions that make a difference.
Navigating to Success
Leadership and mental agility for teams growing through change, stress and disruption.
Schools & young people
Age-tailored talks that connect students with science, sustainability and courage.
Records & awards
- 2025 Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to sailing; two Gold Stevie Awards (Stevie Awards for Women in Business)
- 2024 First person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around New Zealand; fastest from Sydney to Auckland; Gold Stevie, Climate Hero of the Year
- 2022 Fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica (92 days); Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year; Australian Sailing Offshore Sailor of the Year
- 2018 Fastest person and first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Australia (58 days)
- 2017 First woman to sail solo around Antarctica; Australian Geographic Spirit of Adventure Award
Lisa in the media
- TEDxLisa Blair at TEDx Cowes
- ABC Radio NationalConversations with Sarah Kanowski
- ABCAustralia All Over
- PodcastHead Game
- PodcastThe Ocean Impact Podcast
- PodcastMama Earth Talk: Adventures for change
- TVA Current Affair
- TVThe Project
- TVStudio 10
Author of Facing Fear (Australian Geographic) and the subject of the award-winning documentary Ice Maiden.
All mediaResources
Keynote details
The keynote at a glance: the nine principles and what your audience takes away.
Booking Lisa
What does Lisa Blair speak about?
Resilience, mental agility, facing fear, leadership, purpose and climate action. Her signature keynote, Unlock Your Antarctica, turns lessons from the Southern Ocean into nine principles for leading through change.
Who is the keynote suited to?
Conferences, leadership teams, sales kick-offs, women's networks, industry events and schools. No sailing knowledge is needed; Lisa tailors every talk to the audience and the brief.
How long are Lisa's presentations?
From a 15-minute story to a full 60-minute keynote with Q&A, and deep dives into the nine principles your audience needs most.
Does Lisa speak on climate and sustainability?
Yes. As founder of the Climate Action Now campaign, Lisa shares her microplastics research from Antarctica and the sustainable-materials research behind her new Arctic yacht, and gives audiences practical actions.
Does Lisa travel for events?
Yes. Lisa is based in Sydney, Australia, and speaks around Australia and internationally. Ask about virtual options when you enquire.
How do I book Lisa?
Email lisa@lisablairsailstheworld.com or call +61 431 302 088 with your date, location and audience, and Lisa will come back to you with availability and fees.
Bring the explorer's mindset to your event
Tell us your date, location and audience, and Lisa will be in touch.
Email LisaCall +61 431 302 088