181: Adventures for change with Lisa Blair
In this episode, we talk to Lisa Blair. She is a record holding sailor, that only started her sailing journey at the age of 25 and in seven short years, started making history. She was the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica with one stop, overcoming a dramatic dismasting at sea. She went on to lead the first all-female team in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race after setting two more world records by sailing solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Australia. In 2022, she became the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica while conducting crucial ocean health research. With over 110,000 nautical miles under her belt, she is not only an accomplished sailor but also an author, adventurer, and inspirational speaker.
During this episode we talked about some of the challenges she faced while sailing solo around Antarctica, What inspired her naming her boat Climate Action Now. Some of the magical wild life encounters she shared while at sea as well as how climate change and the plastic pollution is impacting our oceans.
Links from the episodes:
178: Sailing the waves of change a conversation with Captain Paul Watson
Where can people find Lisa?
KEY TAKE AWAY
“The rhythm of the planet is changing.”
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.