Sarah Outen MBE Speaker | Sports & Science & Lifestyle & Women & Assemblies and Celebrations Events & Sex Education & Adventure

Sarah Outen MBE

British Adventurer, Author & Speaker

Sarah Outen MBE spent a decade pursuing extraordinary journeys across the globe, often remote and generally solo, by human-powered means. Her London2London:Via the World journey saw her row, cycle and kayak a 25,000 mile loop of the northern hemisphere over 4.5 years. Her ocean rowing journeys earned her multiple firsts and world records, and they also cost her dearly in terms of her health whilst teaching her invaluable lessons in resilience and the skills and mindsets needed for success.

Sarah shares candidly the highs and lows of expedition life, expertly weaving tailored learnings through her narratives according to her client’s goals. A key theme of audiences' requests in recent years has been managing mental health and Sarah talks openly of her own struggles and journey with this. An experienced story teller, known for putting audiences at ease with her warmth, Sarah holds people through the drama and tension of her journeys with her trademark authenticity.

Sarah’s goal is always to leave audiences considering their own ability to ride out storms and pursue successes differently, too. Sarah loves her work with young audiences and is as comfortable talking to a Foundation class as she is to a boardroom of CEOs. An Oxford biology graduate, Sarah loves to talk biology and science in her talks, too and has especially enjoyed Explorers being on the primary curriculum in recent years.

Sarah has authored two books and produced an award-winning feature length film of her journeys.

These days Sarah is a trainee psychotherapist and also works therapeutically with clients alongside her herd of donkeys in Oxfordshire, UK.

Testimonials from Teachers

"Excellent, Sarah was very inspiring."

– Rob Brooks, Lord Williams School

"We thought Sarah engaged really well with the children and kept their attention superbly. Sarah described her boat / bike with lots of enthusiasm and energy which the children really engaged with."

– Laura Purcell, Buckland Primary School

"Thank you for your suggestion of Sarah as a guest speaker, she was exactly what I was after. She had 200 year 7 & 8 girls listening to her every word as she recounted her story. She was motivational,engaging and inspirational."

– Dianne Bates-Brownsword, Head of Lower School, Headington School 

"Thank you so much for coming in and speaking to our children. The children were fascinated about your adventures - teachers included! My class are currently writing up little reports about your trip!"

– Jo Essex, Teacher, Tetherdown Primary School

"She was spotted before even reaching the building by eager children chanting her name from the playground. Sarah’s assembly was nothing short of inspirational. Children from 4 to 11 sat, transfixed, as they listened to her adventures and watched clips showing the highs and lows of her brave and exciting journey across the world. We have kept track of Sarah’s progress constantly but seeing her in the flesh brought her achievements to life. Sarah has inspired our children in many ways but perhaps the most poignant thing she said was demonstrated clearly by one of our younger children at Gym Club that same day. ‘I’m nervous about the competition coming up but as Sarah said it’s ok… you can still do it’."

– Leanne Barr, Headteacher, Allington Primary School

"Sarah was fantastic, very inspirational and we have had some lovely feedback from parents too."

– Kevin Fear, Head, Nottingham High School

"Sarah motivates by her very presence."

– Hugh Howe, Head, Voyage School, Peterborough

"Sarah is a natural communicator and has the rare ability to engage her audience and make them feel part of her adventure. That she was able to complete such a massive challenge shows that she is very special and what she has to say is relevant to young and old who can only dream of taking up such challenges."

– Steven Roberts, Principal, Stamford Endowed Schools

"Sarah was a wonderful speaker and both the staff and students paid close attention to her story and found it very interesting. Sarah was a lovely person and very helpful; she agreed to answer questions and have photographs taken with some students so that we can include details of her visit in our school newsletter. Sarah really created ‘a buzz’ around school and I’m sure that staff and students will be talking about her visit for some time. We look forward to welcoming Sarah to Broadway in the future. Thank you to School Speakers and Sarah – job well done."

– Liza, Broadway Academy

"Sarah was brilliant. Her presentation was great and the students and staff were equally impressed with what she had accomplished and how it was delivered with photos, videos and stories."

– Louise Neil, College Sports Maker, Newbury College

"The talk went well thank you, the pupils really enjoyed it and I think that they took a lot away."

– Jack Sims, Head of Scholars and Head of General Studies, Pangbourne College

"Sarah was fantastic, her speech was inspirational and captivated both the students and parents.I certainly would have no problem recommending her for future events."

– Ms Catherine Shields ,PA to the Executive Head, Head of Senior School and Head of Junior School, Akeley Wood School