What does it take to row across the Atlantic Ocean? For Helen Butters – NHS communications professional, life coach, motivational speaker, and record-breaking ocean rower, it wasn’t just about physical endurance. It was about mindset, teamwork, and turning a moment of restlessness into something remarkable.
In a recent episode of The Business Compass Podcast, Helen joined us to reflect on her life-changing Atlantic row and what it taught her about resilience, communication, and leading with purpose. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or navigating a personal turning point, Helen’s journey holds valuable lessons for us all.
Reframing the “Midlife Crisis”
Helen’s story began not with an ocean, but with a feeling. In her early 40s, she felt stuck, restless, curious, and ready for something more. But instead of calling it a “midlife crisis,” she flipped the narrative and saw it as a “midlife opportunity.”
This mindset shift was powerful. Inspired by a TV programme featuring a woman her age completing a major challenge, Helen asked herself, “What if I did something big too?” The seed was planted.
From Casual Rowing to the Atlantic
Helen’s adventure didn’t start with the Atlantic… it started with saying yes. She and a group of friends decided to try rowing, just for fun. That one Saturday morning turned into a weekly commitment. Over two years, the team built both their skills and a deep bond that would prove essential for what was ahead.
Eventually, they entered the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, a 3,000-mile race from the Canary Islands to Antigua. And with that, the challenge became very real.
Preparation Is Everything
Crossing an ocean isn’t something you do on a whim. Helen and her team spent years preparing—physically, mentally, and logistically. From navigating survival training to enduring a brutal 45-hour row in the North Sea to simulate race conditions, they left nothing to chance.
But it wasn’t just about rowing. They also had to raise £120,000, create a brand (“Yorkshire Rows”), and secure sponsorships. Every part of the project, from PR to fitness to fundraising, was a team effort.
Building a High-Performing Team
One of the most inspiring parts of Helen’s story is how her team of four women (all with families and full-time jobs) worked together. They weren’t professional athletes, but they were united by shared values, open communication, and a commitment to finish as friends.
They discussed everything: how they’d handle conflict, what to do if someone hit an emotional low, and how to support one another during the toughest moments.
Mindset Over Muscle
Despite the physical nature of rowing across an ocean, Helen says the journey was “80% mental.” They battled storms, equipment failures, and emotional lows. They even had to navigate using string and a compass when technology failed.
Visualisation became one of Helen’s most powerful tools. She imagined arriving in Antigua again and again, and when doubts crept in, that mental picture pulled her through.
What Happens After the Finish Line?
After 60 days at sea, Helen and her team reached Antigua. Tired, elated, and changed. But coming home wasn’t easy. She describes feeling an “adrenaline hangover,” something many people experience after completing a major goal.
It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t end at the finish line. The aftermath of processing, reflecting, and recalibrating is just as important.
From the Ocean to the Office
Today, Helen helps businesses and teams apply the lessons she learned at sea. Her workshops focus on resilience, value-led leadership, and creating high-performing cultures. Her message is clear: you don’t need to row across an ocean to grow. But you do need clarity, courage, and a team you trust.
Final Thoughts
Helen’s story is proof that extraordinary things are possible when you trust yourself, prepare well, and support the people around you. Whether you’re facing a business challenge, a personal transition, or a new project, her lessons offer a powerful reminder: mindset, teamwork, and resilience can carry you further than you ever thought possible.
Learn more about Helen Butters.
