Marine conservation keynote speaker and environmental advocate.
Environmental organizations, corporate sustainability teams, schools, travel and tourism bodies, policymakers, and event audiences seeking ocean-focused inspiration and insight.
Lesley Rochat is an internationally respected marine conservationist, environmental activist, filmmaker, author, and speaker whose mission is to protect the world’s oceans and the species that depend on them. Known for challenging complacency and confronting environmental harm head-on, she has spent more than twenty years raising global awareness about marine ecosystems, ocean governance, and the human behaviors threatening biodiversity. As an ocean advocate with deep field experience, she has led research expeditions, collaborated with leading scientists, and developed education initiatives designed to spark meaningful shifts in understanding and behavior.
Lesley’s work spans documentary film, photography, public campaigns, strategic communication, and capacity building. Her films and visual storytelling have reached audiences worldwide, transforming public perceptions of sharks, marine wildlife, and fragile ecosystems. She blends adventure with evidence-based insight, translating complex science into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse groups, from policymakers to students, travelers, and corporate leaders.
Her activism extends to combating illegal wildlife trafficking, promoting ethical tourism, and strengthening grassroots conservation movements.
Lesley Rochat is a force to be reckoned with, a trailblazer in her own right who has become the voice for those who cannot speak. Refusing to accept complacency or mediocrity, she has consistently challenged conformities and pushed boundaries to effect positive change. With a passion for marine conservation and a commitment to inspiring others, Lesley Rochat stands as a beacon of hope in the fight to protect our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them.
With a diverse background spanning over two decades, Lesley Rochat has cemented herself as a leading figure in marine conservation and environmental activism. As a renowned filmmaker, author, photographer, and conservationist, she has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the importance of preserving our oceans. Lesley’s extensive expertise in marine biology and conservation has been honed through hands-on experience, research expeditions, and collaboration with leading scientists and organizations worldwide.
Lesley’s work extends beyond the realms of traditional activism, as she utilizes innovative approaches to engage and educate audiences. Through captivating films, compelling storytelling, and immersive experiences, she has brought the wonders of the ocean to life for countless individuals. Her ability to blend education with entertainment ensures that her message resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Beyond her work as a filmmaker and author, Lesley Rochat is also a passionate advocate for marine wildlife protection. Her efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and promote ethical tourism have garnered international acclaim, earning her numerous awards and accolades. Lesley’s commitment to conservation extends to grassroots initiatives, community empowerment, and policy advocacy, making her a formidable force for change on both local and global scales.
Passionate. Inspiring.
Her passion is contagious. Lesley Rochat – Shark Warrior knows how to inspire and motivate individuals and organizations to visualize, crystallize and become Super Survivors in our unpredictable, ever-changing world.
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This 2 minute 28 second clip features Lesley Rochat reflecting on how individuals respond to fear and adversity, and how those choices determine future growth. She opens by acknowledging that negative experiences are inevitable, but emphasizes that what truly matters is how we choose to act when confronted with them. She introduces two powerful ideas: the need to create new opportunities alongside challenges, and the importance of reframing fear rather than shrinking from it.
Lesley recounts a memorable moment from a breathwork workshop, where a facilitator used a metaphor involving a whale that had swallowed a five kilogram seal pup. The image illustrates how something seemingly overwhelming can still be navigated when approached with awareness. She then shifts to her own transformation: once labelled a “traffic girl,” she ultimately became known as a “shark warrior,” using her voice and talents to champion marine conservation. This dramatic shift, she explains, required a complete reevaluation of her fears and a decisive commitment to change.
She highlights that fear is not an enemy but a natural survival mechanism that has protected humans throughout history. What matters is the choice that follows: remain in a comfort zone or take a leap of faith toward purpose. Fear can prevent progress in careers, relationships, dreams, and personal goals, but when recognized and understood, it can also become fuel for meaningful change. Lesley urges viewers to choose boldly, use fear as insight rather than limitation, and step into opportunities that align with their deeper mission.
This 11 minute 46 second TEDx presentation features Lesley Rochat delivering a powerful call to rethink our relationship with sharks and the broader marine environment. She begins with stark data: up to 100 million sharks are killed annually, meaning thousands die within the duration of her talk. She urges viewers to reconsider long-held assumptions about sharks, noting that our survival is directly linked to ocean health and the predators that keep ecosystems in balance.
Lesley recounts her transition out of an unfulfilling corporate career into underwater photography, travel journalism, and marine activism. As she revisited reefs across the world, she witnessed rapid degradation driven by technology, overfishing, and unregulated exploitation. Her awareness deepened when she learned more about sharks, including the impact of declining fish stocks and the cruelty of longline fishing practices fueled by demand for fins.
Her perspective shifted dramatically after meeting Maxine, a ragged-tooth shark living at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Maxine had been caught in protective nets, released, recaptured in a fishing competition, and eventually placed in the aquarium where Lesley encountered her. Moved by Maxine’s story and recognizing her symbolic power, Lesley founded AfriOceans Conservation Alliance and developed a shark research, education, and awareness program. She led Maxine’s release back into the wild after nine years in captivity, tagging her for scientific study and using her story to reach global audiences.
Lesley describes further activism, including youth empowerment programs, public demonstrations, and her award-winning documentary Sharks in Deep Trouble. She shares footage illustrating the brutal realities of legal shark fishing in South Africa, where inadequate regulation, rampant poaching, and finning persist. She also critiques media portrayals that fuel irrational fear, from Jaws to sensationalist programming, contrasting this with factual data showing that sharks kill very few people compared to everyday human risks.
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Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
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