Geoff Holt MBE
Geoff Holt MBE VIDEOS
Geoff Holt MBE PHOTOS
Geoff Holt is a record-breaking yachtsman, inspirational international speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur. Paralysed from the neck down at 18, Geoff redefined what’s possible. In 2007, he made history by sailing solo around Great Britain, a feat he described as his “personal Everest.” Just three years later, he became the first quadriplegic to sail unassisted across the Atlantic, a 3,000-mile journey that earned admiration from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who called the achievement “quite extraordinary.”
Geoff continues to push boundaries. In 2024, he is “Finishing the Dream,” circumnavigating the UK once again to raise awareness and funds for the Wetwheels Foundation, a social enterprise he founded to offer fully accessible boating experiences to people of all abilities.
His accolades include BBC South Sports Personality of the Year 2007, an MBE for services to disabled sailing in 2010, YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year 2011, the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2015, a Global Award for Philanthropy in 2017, and Entrepreneur of Excellence at the National Diversity Awards in 2018.
Geoff’s talks combine heartfelt personal stories with powerful business insight, drawing on his background in marketing and entrepreneurship. His keynotes are known for their humour, humility, and inspiring visuals, leaving audiences uplifted and motivated to embrace their own challenges with courage and optimism.
A passionate disability ambassador, Geoff lives by the philosophy of “no excuses,” encouraging others to push beyond perceived limits and live life to the fullest.
" Your voyage was nothing short of exceptional, but to me that journey is simply a reflection of you. "
Dame Ellen Macarthur
" Your speech was motivating, emotional and inspirational. I have worked for the WI for 4 years and have never seen a standing ovation for a Guest Speaker so please be encouraged that your speech was truly excellent. "
Federation of Women’s Institutes (Hampshire)
" Very many thanks indeed for your really excellent presentation yesterday. Glowing reports are even now rolling in with a lot of folk who come to our event every year saying it’s the best evening we’ve had for ages. It was really good of you to give us such a brilliant talk with great slides. I’m sure you could tell by the great ovation from the crowded theatre at the end of your talk. "
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
" Thank you for delivering a fantastic talk. We have had some excellent feedback from dealers who have been using words such as "epic" and "inspirational" with regard to your talk, so I think we can safely say that it was very well received! "
Suzuki
" Geoff had the whole audience fully engaged – he was highly professional and motivating and we would recommend him to anyone looking for a fantastic speaker. "
J.P. Morgan
" Please see below a selection of the quotes/feedback we have received from fellow employees – all of which were overwhelmingly positive! [...] Truly inspirational, his positivity & humour kept the audience engaged [...] Of the dozens of inspirational speakers on disabilities that I have seen, Geoff is the best [...] Truly inspirational and authentic. It was an excellent evening and one that I think will be remember here for years to come. "
Barclays Wealth
" Geoff was excellent with a humble approach. His talk was riveting and extremely thought provoking. The majority of our staff rated it as very good and excellent and said that it was inspirational and motivational. "
Synergy Housing Group
- Entrepreneurism
- Motivation
- Positivity/ Mindset
- Overcoming Adversity
- Leadership
- Resilience
- High Performance
- Diversity and inclusion
