Season 4 - Ep. 4 | Charting New Waters: A Conversation with Record-Breaking Yachtswoman Dee Caffari MBE

On today’s Redefiners episode, Clarke Murphy sits down with long-time sailing teammate Dee Caffari MBE—the only woman to have sailed solo while circumnavigating the world, in both directions. Throughout her career, Dee has continued to surprise and inspire others with her courage, grit, and determination to enter uncharted waters.

Dee shares her deep experience in leading teams through adversity—how you get them to pull together and perform, even in stormy times, and how she overcame loneliness when sailing solo for the first time. She also talks about the importance of demonstrating self-awareness as a leader, as well as how she responded when told that she was ‘too emotional’ to lead a team. Dee also imparts a key piece of advice—you learn the best lessons from your mistakes, so don’t be afraid to be bold and take a risk.

We’ll also hear from Marie-Osmonde Le Roy de Lanauze-Molines, a Managing Director in our Paris office, who will highlight the gender imbalance in global CEO appointments and discuss how organizations can chart a path to achieving gender parity.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  

• Doubling Down on Double Standards: British Journalist Mary Ann Sieghart on Closing The Authority Gap

• From Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top

• Leadership Lounge - Ep.3 | How to recover from failure

Dee Caffari
World-Renowned Yachtswoman

Dee Caffari has circumnavigated the globe six times. She is the first woman to have sailed single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions and the only woman to have sailed non-stop around the world a total of three times.

In 2006 Dee became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world against the prevailing winds and currents and was awarded an MBE in recognition of her achievement.

At the start of 2023, Dee joined The Famous Project. The team have set their sights on the Jules Verne Trophy and, if successful, will secure the first world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the planet with an all-female crew. As one of the toughest ocean challenges in the world, they will pit themselves against both the clock and the elements in their attempt to win one of the most prestigious sporting trophies.

Outside of sailing, Dee continues to showcase her talents as a host, presenter and as an International motivational speaker. Dee also spends time supporting her chosen charities and is Chair of the World Sailing Trust, a global charity that promotes the health of oceans and supports sailing in all its forms.