Mick Dawson

Mick Dawson is a world-renowned maritime adventurer,former Royal Marine Commando, and highly sought-after keynote speaker. Known for his gripping storytelling and charismatic delivery, Mick draws on a wealth of unparalleled experiences to captivate audiences across the globe. A natural motivator and leader, Mick made history in 2009 as theskipper of the first and only rowing boat to successfully cross the North Pacific Ocean, from Japan to San Francisco - an extraordinary 7,000-mile journey immortalised in theDiscovery Channel documentary ‘Rowing the Pacific’. As a speaker, he specialises in themes of leadership, resilience, and overcoming adversity, all rooted in real-world situations that demand unwavering determination and teamwork.

Mick’s story begins withthe Royal Marines, wherehe served with distinction and first developed the resilience, discipline, and adaptability that would later define his adventures. His maritime journey evolved from military service into professional sailing, during which time he honed the skills essential for ocean navigation and survival. His passion for ocean rowing began in 2001, whenhe and his brother successfully rowed across the Atlantic Ocean- a gruelling 70-day mission that laid the foundation for even greater achievements. It wasn’t long before Mick found himself facing both the unforgiving nature of the ocean and the limits of human endurance, especially during a 2003 attempt to cross the North Pacific, which ended in a devastating capsize just miles from the finish line.

Undeterred by setbacks, Mick built on his early experiences to forge a legendary career in ocean rowing. Among his greatest accomplishments are completingsix major ocean crossings, earningtwo Guinness World Records, and publishing two critically acclaimed books: ‘Rowing the Pacific’ and ‘Never Leave a Man Behind’.