Guinness World Record rower, England rugby player and fearless adventurer driving peak performance.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
"A fantastic finish to our conference. Jane's energy was explosive and exactly the lift the audience needed".
Helen Eshelby
South Yorkshire Police
Jane Leonard is the real deal. A fearless adventurer, successful entrepreneur, England rugby player and published author, she proves that limits are there to be challenged. From rowing across the Pacific Ocean to swimming the English Channel, Jane has built a life defined by courage, discipline and teamwork. Today, she brings those lessons to the stage, delivering powerful keynote talks that energise audiences and unlock peak performance.
Jane Leonard has built a reputation for stepping into environments where most people hesitate. Whether on the rugby pitch, in the military, or in the middle of the world’s toughest oceans, she performs when it matters. As a former England rugby international with nine caps and ten years of service in the British Army as a Royal Engineer and Physical Training Instructor, Jane understands pressure, discipline and teamwork at the highest level.
Her ability to thrive in team environments defines her journey. She drives herself hard and expects the same commitment from those around her. That energy is infectious. Audiences quickly realise they are listening to someone who has consistently chosen challenge over comfort.
In 2020, Jane took on one of the most demanding endurance challenges on the planet. As part of a three-woman team, she rowed 2,400 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Hawaii. The trio completed the crossing in 60 days, 13 hours and 13 minutes, breaking the previous Guinness World Record by more than two days.
For two months, they lived on a 24-foot boat in relentless conditions. They faced 15-metre waves, hazardous high winds and Hawaii’s notorious shore breaks. Sleep was limited. Space was minimal. The margin for error was non-existent. Yet through resilience, planning and trust in each other, they delivered a world-record performance.
Jane translates this experience into practical lessons for business, leadership and life:
Building unshakeable trust within teams
Maintaining focus during prolonged pressure
Managing fear and uncertainty in volatile environments
Turning ambitious goals into measurable results
Jane’s appetite for challenge did not stop at the Pacific. In 2024, she joined a team of four to swim the English Channel in a 21-mile relay from Dover to the French coast, raising funds for Mencap. The swim demanded months of preparation, including cold-water training and night swims.
The Channel delivered its own obstacles: strong currents, jellyfish and even floating fishing equipment. It was unpredictable and physically punishing. The team adapted in real time, relying on communication and mental toughness to reach the French shoreline.
For Jane, these adventures are not about personal glory. They are about purpose, teamwork and showing what becomes possible when preparation meets belief.
Between her sea expeditions, Jane has built an impressive international leadership portfolio. She worked at the Saudi Ministry of Defence, where she was tasked with training the first ever iteration of women entering the government’s Security Defence Force. This role required cultural intelligence, resilience and the ability to lead in a highly complex environment.
She has also trained members of the UAE’s ruling family of Ras Al Khaimah, further cementing her reputation as a trusted performance specialist on the global stage.
Jane’s background combines:
Military leadership
Elite sport performance
International government training
Extreme endurance challenges
Few speakers bring this level of lived experience across such diverse and demanding arenas.
Jane is also the creator of “The P.I.E.C.E by Piece Peak Performance Program”, designed to help individuals and teams unlock their highest level of performance. The framework draws on her experiences in sport, the military and extreme endurance events, breaking peak performance down into practical, actionable components.
She expands on this philosophy in her book, What’s Your Numb3r?, with all sales supporting the Motor Neurone Disease charity. The book challenges readers to define their standards, measure what matters and take ownership of their results.
Her keynote talks are structured, high-energy and deeply personal. She shares stories from the Pacific Ocean, the English Channel and her military career, connecting them directly to the pressures faced by leaders, teams and organisations today.
When you book Jane Leonard for your event, you secure more than an inspiring story. You gain a speaker who understands how to perform under pressure, how to build resilient teams and how to deliver measurable outcomes.
Audiences leave her sessions energised, focused and ready to act. She challenges limiting beliefs, reframes setbacks and equips people with tools to raise their standards.
Jane Leonard proves that extraordinary results are built step by step, piece by piece. If you are looking for a keynote speaker who combines world records, elite sport, military leadership and real-world performance strategies, Jane delivers an experience that resonates long after the event ends.
5 of 5
"A fantastic finish to our conference. Jane's energy was explosive and exactly the lift the audience needed".
Helen Eshelby South Yorkshire Police
5 of 5
"Jane delivered an unforgettable speech at our 'Inspiring Those Who Dare' event, leaving a lasting impact on every member of our audience. Her incredibly inspiring story resonated deep. Despite her remarkable journey, Jane remained humble and relatable. Her ability to connect with the audience was empowering. We are grateful for her authentic and transformative presence that invigorated our event."
Caroline Bell, Managing Director Shepherds Purse Artisan Cheese
5 of 5
“Jane Leonard is an extraordinary individual who has captivated audiences of all ages through her inspiring speeches. What sets Jane apart is her ability to deliver her message with a perfect blend of humour and humility. Her speeches not only educate but also entertain, leaving audiences inspired and motivated to take on their own challenges."
Francesca Keating Avery Healthcare
Keynote by Jane Leonard:
Are your teams capable of more, yet stuck in comfort, silos or self-doubt?
Jane Leonard’s keynotes are designed to break that pattern. Drawing on her experience as a Guinness World Record ocean rower, England rugby international and former British Army Physical Training Instructor, Jane delivers practical tools to build resilience, accountability and high performance under pressure. She translates extreme challenges—rowing 2,400 nautical miles across the Pacific and swimming the English Channel—into clear strategies your people can apply immediately.
Her P.I.E.C.E by Piece Peak Performance framework equips leaders and teams to raise standards, strengthen trust and execute with focus, even in uncertain conditions. The result is measurable impact: stronger collaboration, sharper decision-making and a culture that performs when it matters most.
If you want more than motivation—if you want momentum—Jane Leonard delivers it.
Jane’s speaking topics include:
