Back yourself in uncharted waters
Passion gets you started. Purpose gets you through. From art teacher at 25 to the first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica, in one of the world's most male-dominated sports.
Check availabilityAbout the keynotePlanning International Women's Day, or building confidence and courage in the women in your organisation?
1,000 miles from land, with her mast down and her boat breaking apart around her, Lisa Blair learned that resilience doesn't come from willpower. It comes from knowing why it matters. That's what she brings into your room, from the fastest person, and the first woman, to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica.
How the keynote lands for you
Lisa didn't grow up sailing. She found it at 25 and was told along the way that the things she wanted to do weren't possible: 'you're just a girl', 'it's suicide'. In one of the world's most male-dominated sports she became the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica, led the first female team in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 16 years, and became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica.
For women in leadership and IWD audiences, the keynote is about finding a purpose worth backing yourself for, filtering out the doubters, and building the people around you who'll steer you back when it gets hard.
Ideal for: International Women's Day, women's networks, diversity and inclusion programs.
The moments that matter most here
Falling in love with the ocean
Lisa didn't grow up sailing. At 25 she went from art teacher and shop assistant to a job on a charter boat in the Whitsundays, and fell head over heels for the ocean. Within a few years she was racing 40,000 nautical miles around the world.
Passion got her started.
The phone call home
Months later, swept off the deck in a winter storm, she called her mum to quit. Her mum didn't argue; she helped Lisa see it differently, because Lisa had brought her into every plan, every risk, every reason.
When you share your purpose, your people can steer you back.
Going back
She finished as the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica, and came home feeling she'd failed. Five years later she went back and became the fastest person ever to do it solo, non-stop and unassisted.
Purpose is what's worth going back for.
The business case for purpose
Teams don't break because they're weak. They break when they lose sight of why it matters. People with a strong sense of purpose are far less likely to burn out: 11% report regular burnout, compared with 52% of people with weak purpose (Gallup and Stand Together). In a five-year study of more than 5,000 employees, people with passion and purpose performed in the 80th percentile, against the 20th for passion alone (Morten Hansen, Great at Work). And customers notice: half of UK consumers would switch to a brand with stronger sustainability credentials (Fox + Hare).
Lisa doesn't hand your people a model. She takes them onto the boat, and leaves every one of them with their own answer to the question that carried her around Antarctica: what are you sailing for?
From the people who booked her
"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 (1,700 delegates)
"Lisa's story is captivating, firstly enthralling us with her dream and passion for her task at hand, then taking us on her journey of euphoria, tears, heartbreak and finally success. 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 Show
"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
Other audiences
Questions organisers ask
Is Lisa Blair available for International Women's Day events?
Yes. Lisa regularly speaks for International Women's Day and women in leadership events, and received a standing ovation from 1,700 delegates at the International Zonta Convention. IWD dates book out early, so enquire as soon as you can.
Is the talk only for women?
No. It speaks to anyone who has been underestimated, and to leaders who want to build more inclusive teams.
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