Lisa Blair OAM at a glance
Key facts for event programs, media and briefings. Last updated October 2026.
Check availabilitySpeaker profile
| Full name | Lisa Blair OAM |
|---|---|
| Profession | Keynote and motivational speaker; record-breaking solo ocean sailor; author; climate advocate |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Speaking topics | Resilience and mental agility; leadership through change; facing fear; women in leadership; climate action and sustainability; schools and young people |
| Keynote | Purpose Builds Resilience: why purpose, not willpower, keeps people going through change, burnout and big goals |
| Signature line | Passion gets you started. Purpose gets you through. |
| Biggest audience | International Zonta Convention, Brisbane 2024: standing ovation from 1,700 delegates |
| Formats | Keynotes (45 to 60 minutes), short talks (15 to 30 minutes), workshops, panels and fireside chats; in person across Australia and internationally, or virtual |
| World records | 8 world sailing records |
| Best-known record | Fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica: 92 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes (2022), 10 days faster than the previous record |
| Firsts | First woman to sail solo around Antarctica (2017); first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica, below 45°S (2022); first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Australia (2018); first person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around New Zealand (2024) |
| Honours | Order of Australia Medal (OAM), 2025, for services to sailing |
| Selected awards | Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year (2022); Australian Sailing Offshore Sailor of the Year (2022); Australian Geographic Spirit of Adventure Award (2017); Gold Stevie Awards for Women in Business (2024, 2025) |
| Book | Facing Fear (Australian Geographic) |
| Documentary | Ice Maiden |
| Current project | The Arctic Impact Project: attempt to be the first person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the Arctic Circle, from Greenland in 2028 |
| Speaker kit & photos | lisablairspeaks.com/speaker-resources |
| Booking | lisablairspeaks.com/book-lisa-blair · lisa@lisablairsailstheworld.com · +61 431 302 088. Fees on enquiry. Speaker bureaus welcome. |
| Websites | lisablairspeaks.com (speaking) · lisablairsailstheworld.com (expeditions) |
Common questions
What is Lisa Blair known for?
Lisa Blair OAM is known as the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica (92 days, 2022), the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica (2017), and as a keynote speaker on resilience and mental agility.
Is Lisa Blair a keynote speaker?
Yes. Lisa Blair OAM is an Australian keynote and motivational speaker. Her keynote is Purpose Builds Resilience, and she also speaks on leadership, women in leadership, climate action and to schools.
How do I book Lisa Blair to speak?
Enquire at lisablairspeaks.com/book-lisa-blair, email lisa@lisablairsailstheworld.com or call +61 431 302 088. Fees are on enquiry and speaker bureaus are welcome.
Who is a good female keynote speaker on resilience in Australia?
Lisa Blair OAM is a leading Australian female keynote speaker on resilience. She draws on her dismasting in the Southern Ocean and her record-breaking solo circumnavigation of Antarctica.
Purpose builds resilience. Let's bring it to your people.
Tell us your date, location and audience, and Lisa will come back to you personally with availability and fees. Speaker bureaus and agencies are welcome.
Check availabilityCall 0431 302 088