IWD 2026: Two minutes with Adventurer, Speaker and Entrepreneur, Peggy Bouchet
“Don't be afraid to displease or refuse to conform…We don't need to clean the glass ceiling; we need to break it.”
Adventurer, Speaker and Entrepreneur, Peggy Bouchet on navigating challenges with courage, boldness and commitment.
As part of International Women’s Day 2026, we sat down with Peggy Bouchet, the first French woman to row solo across the Atlantic.
As the first woman to dare row solo across the Atlantic, what was your lowest point on the journey and how did you motivate yourself to continue?
There were quite a few low points, but my biggest was when I decided to start again after capsizing just one day from arrival, after 79 days at sea. I sat on the hull of my capsized boat for nine long hours in a raging sea, but I knew I had to re-start. I was fully aware that I had nearly died on the first crossing, but I had to focus my energy on what I wanted to achieve, not what I was afraid of. Giving up has never been an option.
What leadership lessons did you learn from that experience?
I realised that each member of the team plays an important role in the success of a project like that. For the first crossing, I had only 45 days to prepare technically, so I just focused on hiring the most skilled people. But for the second crossing, I learned it was better to hire people who were skilled but also deeply committed and motivated. This created a strong team spirit.
Developing values like curiosity, and adaptability in the team was key. I wanted to be surrounded by open-minded people who could contribute ideas outside their specific areas. Having an intergenerational team with younger and older members also brought different, valuable perspectives.
What advice do you have for those who want to take bold risks but fear failure?
Boldness comes from taking that first step. Adversity and overcoming challenges will strengthen your boldness. I often use the sea as a metaphor - we tend to stay close to the shore, afraid to explore the open waters. But we must learn to adapt and adjust to the changing conditions, because that's how we build ourselves up.
Don't be afraid to displease or refuse to conform. Cultivate your authenticity and singularity. We don't need to clean the glass ceiling; we need to break it. Be inspired by the women around you who are leading by example. And remember, we can achieve great things with the support of men as well. Together, we can all contribute to a better world.
What would you say is your motto?
Always dare, sometimes give in, never give up. My advice to anyone taking on a challenge is to stop perceiving the unknown as a threat and instead see life as a partner. Daring is a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it. Every act of boldness is a victory, even if you fail. Dont’ forget that you fail only when you stop trying. I have always seen an obstacle as a learning opportunity.
Remember: we rarely dare alone - have mentors, role models, and supportive friends to encourage you. For me, the adventure continues with exciting projects ahead!
Peggy Bouchet previously spoke at our Rising Gen Finance, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Lab. The programme welcomed students from Le Regent International School in Switzerland with the aim of empowering them to be young leaders, cultivating essential skills in leadership, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.