As a drop out and wayward backpacker Deirdre Bounds drew from her own experiences In creating her travel company. Her aim was to challenge traditional ideas in the travel industry.
She is living proof that ethical business and personal success is available to all, regardless of background, gender, race. Deirdre is the Ambassador for Enterprise for Young People in Yorkshire; she is Patron of Marie Curie Cancer Care in West Yorkshire, is a regular speaker for the international aid charity World Vision and financially supports charities that help people who are alcohol dependent.
A much sought after speaker, she emphasises the importance of self belief and success in both one`s personal and business life, and lifts her audiences with her world experience and positive spirit with a focus on enterprise and entrepreneurship women in business, motivation, leadership, growth and change and ethics in business.
Deirdre`s book `Fulfilled- A Personal Revolution in Seven Steps` (2009) maintains that we need to look at ourselves in a new, radical way to discover who we really are, and only when we know this, can we go and get what we truly want. her story is thought provoking, human and very funny story and it provides key insights into success despite obstacles. This roller coaster ride will captivate any crowd and leave them feeling more connected to their own lives and energised to do something about it. Her speeches inspire, entertain and create energy.
A regular commentator to BBC Radio 2`s Jeremy Vine Show, various Radio 5 Live programmes,
Daybreak and Sky News! She was also one of eight entrepreneurs chosen by Channel 4 to spend four weeks in Africa bringing enterprise ideas
to a poverty stricken Ugandan village.
She has been featured in a plethora of national newspapers and women's magazines and her story can be found in all good book stores after a colourful interview for the `How I made it` column in The Sunday Times was used in Rachel Bridge's `My Big Idea`, a book about entrepreneurial success.
Judge: Everywoman National Business Awards 2008
Judge: Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year : 2007
Winner: Special Judges Award 2005 ; Instituite of Directors
Finalist: Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year: 2004
Winner: Yorkshire Business of the Year 2003
"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!"
Yorkshire Forward
"I must write to say how pleased we were with your recommendation of Deirdre Bounds as speaker and host at our Awards Ceremony. She very quickly established a positive rapport with our team and with the audience. Her informal approach and sense of humour allowed her to get across a serious message in a very appropriate and well-received way and it was obvious that our award winners were thrilled to meet her. Please pass on our warmest thanks to Deirdre."
George Derbyshire, Chief Executive - NFEA