Dee Caffari and Hannah McKeand are the latest speakers to join our portfolio of motivational speakers this week.

It’s long been our intention to increase the number of inspirational women on our books, and we are really pleased to welcome British yachtswoman Dee and polar explorer Hannah to Speakers from the Edge.

So what particularly inspired us about Dee and Hannah? They have both demonstrated real courage, determination and motivation, not only in completing grueling challenges and breaking world-records, but crucially in doing these things alone.

Dee Caffari

In 2006 Dee became the first woman to sail around the world solo against the prevailing winds. More people have walked on the moon than have completed this challenge, and Dee was awarded an MBE for this astonishing achievement.

Three years later, Dee completed her second round the world solo (this time the right way), competing against the best international sailors in the 2008/2009 Vendée Globes, finishing in a triumphant 6th place.

Read Dee’s profile

Hannah McKeand

In the same year as Dee’s first solo sail, Hannah McKeand also set a new world record, beating both men and women for the fastest solo, unsupported journey to the South Pole. Completing her expedition in just 39 days, 9 hours and 33 minutes, Hannah pulled a sledge that weighed up to 100kg (16st) for 690 miles from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole.

Her next challenge is to take on the toughest route to the North Pole to achieve a world first. Hannah will attempt to become the first solo woman to travel successfully from Ward Hunt Island (Canada) to the Geographic North Pole on foot without re-supplies and with no outside assistance.

Read Hannah’s profile

Both Dee and Hannah are versatile, energetic speakers who tell their stories with great passion giving a real insight into the level of motivation needed to achieve such incredible feats of human endeavour.