Deirdre Bounds

Deirdre Bounds has been voted as one of the North's top 100 entrepreneurs, she is recognised as being in the top 50 influencers in the region, is the Woman of Achievement in Yorkshire 2010, sits on the board of three public sector organisations, is a regular commentator on BBC Radio 2 and 5Live and was one of eight entrepreneurs chosen to travel to Africa with Channel 4.  When she draws a breath, is a wife and mum of two. 

Deirdre was responsible for making travel industry history by changing people’s perceptions of the ‘ethical travel’ movement. Her outlandish ideas in the company she created helped change the lives of 1000’s of people and protect the earth’s environment.  In her talks she draws upon her broad range of experiences as a backpacker, stand-up comedienne, lost soul, hugely successful entrepreneur and bestselling personal development author.

As a business person, her interests range from the enterprising mindset, SME business growth, curing bland brands, savvy marketing, zeitgeist spotting, the emotion economy, generation Y customers, fearless innovation, women in business and enterprising teens.  Due to her international business experience she has much to comment about the global economy and why and how companies and individuals need to adjust to it.

As an entrepreneur, Deirdre founded and sold the world’s largest gap year travel company to a FTSE 100 company for an eight-figure sum. She has since set up an ethical children’s party company - the first of its type in the UK. She therefore has a connection both with business audiences and those aspiring to become the next enterprising leaders. This is revealed in the huge amount of practical advice consisting of  both the successes and failures she encountered along the way. Her audiences are left in no doubt that she knows what she is talking about and take away much from her authentic wisdom.

As a commentator, author and speaker, Deirdre combines all of her life and business experience to create a memorable and helpful exchange of ideas. She passionately believes in helping each individual  to survive the mental roller-coaster of business – and once they have mastered that – she drives them on to take control of their business success. 

SPEAKING TOPICS –   Enterprise, SME Growth, Overcoming Adversity, Authenticity, branding, Women in Business, the emotion economy 

Testimonials

Michelle Storer, Ernst & Young

“A naturally inspiring speaker, Deirdre "tells it like it is" in language which strikes a real chord with her audience. Her enthusiasm for business and for life in general is highly infectious!” Simon Hill, Yorkshire Forward


“In my experience, it is very rare to find a speaker that captivates and maintains the attention of the whole room and Deirdre did just this. Her animated and dynamic approach was refreshing and exciting.” Jenny Snell, Event Manager, Trinity Mirror Group Business Awards