Meet Sarah Davis
In a nutshell, I'm a professional risk manager with a passion for risk-taking.
I spent over two decades in risk management, primarily in financial services. My passion is all about taking (calculated) risk and embracing the unknown. The skills learned through my career have been invaluable in undertaking some extreme adventures and challenges. This has included becoming the first woman to lead an expedition down the Nile, cycling across Australia and completing a solo descent of the Murray River.
Early in 2024 I noticed being out of my comfort zone was less familiar and decided to do something about it. I set myself a quest to do 52 things in 52 weeks that took me into the unknown, uncertain and uncomfortable. I called these things Gulps - creating those moments that made me gulp. It brought energy to my life, and it was a chance to practice all the tools for facing fear and self-doubt and doing things I never thought I would.
I help others navigate uncertainty with confidence to live and lead boldly. Being bold is about calculated risk-taking, innovation, creativity and thinking bigger. It’s challenging the status quo, embracing change and pursuing opportunities. It’s overcoming fears, hesitations and self-doubt and seeing what is possible.
My Why
I believe the greatest risk in life is not taking one. For too long, I played it safe, following the expected path, ticking the right boxes, and doing what was sensible. But when I stepped into uncertainty, took action despite fear, my world expanded in ways I never imagined.
Now, I aim to help others do the same. The reality is, we are capable of far more than we think. I’ve seen how embracing uncertainty, making bold choices, and thinking bigger unlocks confidence, resilience, and extraordinary results, not just in adventure, but in leadership, business, and life.
My Accomplishments
• First woman to lead an expedition down the Nile - an adventure equal parts tough, terrifying and fun • Cycled nearly 5,000km across Australia with a friend raising money for mental health charities • Solo descent of the Murray River over 60 days covering 2,500km • Solo bike packed 1,600km through Oman • Published author and currently undertaking a Masters in Global Security
Fun facts
I've been steadily using up my nine lives... Against the odds, I survived a hippo attack, run lethal rapids and been arrested and detained in Burundi. Hoping I still have a few lives left for my next big expedition - going from the North Pole to the South Pole (largely) human-powered.
How I can help
Navigating risk with a clear, strategic approach
Developing confidence and trust to handle the unknown and unpredictable
Using tools to face fear, unpack and manage risk, and take bold action
Finding energy, momentum, and meaning through new challenges
More from Sarah Davis
Speaker Reel - Sarah Davis ↗
Here is my latest speaker reel.
Profile information supplied through Cuppa’s talent directory. Availability and suitability are confirmed on enquiry.