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Keynote SpeakerNeal Petersen

Extreme Adventurer, Award-Winning Author, Global Investor, International keynote speaker

Neal Petersen, a name synonymous with adventure, resilience, and inspirational storytelling, has become one of the most relevant speakers for corporate, government, and association events worldwide. Born in apartheid-era South Africa, Petersen’s journey from the racial and economic divides of his homeland to the elite world of solo yacht racing... Read more

Popular Talks

  • Overcoming Adversity
  • Embracing Change
  • Breaking Barriers
  • Innovation and Problem-Solving
  • Leadership and Teamwork
    • More talks

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Biography

Neal Petersen, a name synonymous with adventure, resilience, and inspirational storytelling, has become one of the most relevant speakers for corporate, government, and association events worldwide. Born in apartheid-era South Africa, Petersen’s journey from the racial and economic divides of his homeland to the elite world of solo yacht racing is nothing short of extraordinary. His compelling life story, combined with his insights on overcoming adversity, leadership, and environmental stewardship, makes him a transformative figure capable of impacting audiences across all walks of life.

Neal Petersen raced solo around the world in the most extreme sport known to man, 27,000 miles, 9 months at sea, around Cape Horn and its notorious storms – SOLO. He achieved this remarkable feat, not only significant for its athletic and navigational challenges, but more remarkable he did it in a boat he designed and built himself– the smallest and least-funded boat in the fleet.

Facing extreme uncertainty, Neal Petersen makes a compelling case that the principles of the unforgiving sea apply to everyday success in business and in life. Neal takes audiences on a journey around the world and shows how determination coupled with imagination are essential to success.

Neal uses stunning images, including lightning, thunder and fog (optional), to bring his story to life. His presentations are riveting, transformative and provide the direct correlation between determination, dedication and perseverance to achieve the impossible.

Neal’s life story of turning every disadvantage and barrier into an advantage, balancing risk against reward, will educate, entertain and inspire your audience to reach not only for success – but more importantly, significance!

Having delivered multiple keynotes globally for IBM (over a dozen), Intel (dozen) Microsoft, MasterCard, YPO’s, Billionaires Summit, (32) Government Technology Summits, speaks volumes of Neal’s impact on global leaders and international audiences.

Neal uses his powerful story of overcoming insurmountable barriers to achieve his dream of racing solo around the world, not to prove others wrong, but to prove he was right to dream. There are No Barriers, Only Solutions!

“We brought Neal to our conference to address the topics of rallying around common goals and achieving operational excellence. His presentation was vivid and dynamic and his life story and experiences helped this audience see how we can all marshal our inner strengths, stretch our capabilities and realize remarkable achievements. Neal's words inspire confidence by making the pathway to success seem like something that every individual can attain.” Albert Benchimol, CEO, - AXIS Capital Holdings
"You were nothing short of a genius Neal by utilizing our event theme and messaging within the context of your presentation. I particularly admire this given that you spoke to over thirteen thousand attendees ranging from America, Canada, Europe, Latin America to Asia Pacific - the feedback across all the geographies was equally compelling. I can tell you that you generated some of the highest ratings and most positive feedback I have seen in many years of running IBM WW events. Your book-signing was well over a thousand books, a record! Unplanned, a week later you spoke to another 5,000 in Barcelona!” IBM Worldwide Events
“Neal Petersen’s powerful presentation was the perfect keynote for our Global Inclusion Summit! His dramatic storytelling ignited and captivated our audience. With high energy and fully engaging presentation style, Neal captured the audience’s attention and left us with a fresh perspective on turning disadvantages into advantages. They appreciated that you were able to correlate the challenges you faced to our business needs so that they could make the connection and that you spent the entire day with them and were willing to share your knowledge with them!" Chief Diversity Officer – MasterCard USA and Barcelona EMEA
“Mr. Neal Petersen gave the opening speech for the Brandes Investment Partners conference of institutional investors (450) from around the world. Neal is an inspirational and dynamic speaker who I would recommend as a featured speaker. He also makes considerable efforts to relate his speech to our particular company or group audience. Our group was delighted with his presentation.” Charles Brandes, CEO - Brandes Investment Partners
“Neal Petersen delivered one of the most inspirational talks I ever heard at a corporate event. He had the whole audience enthralled as he talked about his life and how he set himself what seemed to be an impossible challenge. Impossible that is, unless like Neal, you believe there are “No Barriers” P.McQuade, VP - Qlik Tech
“Thank you so much Neal for being our (Covid virtual) 'closing ceremonies' speaker for the SalesForce Launch Week program. Your story and vision align so closely with ours and we are honored to have had you on with us. Folks were very inspired by your speech and everyone wants to come join you down in the DR!” Jonathan Weston, Regional VP SalesForce

Popular Talks by Neal Petersen

  • Overcoming Adversity

    Petersen shares his journey from challenging beginnings to achieving his dreams, emphasizing resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset.

  • Embracing Change

    Neal Petersen discusses the importance of adaptability and flexibility in both personal and professional life, illustrating how embracing change can lead to growth and success.

  • Breaking Barriers

    Petersen’s story highlights how to break through personal and societal barriers, encouraging audiences to push beyond their limits and challenge the status quo.

  • Innovation and Problem-Solving

    Drawing on his experience of building his own yacht, Petersen emphasizes the importance of creativity, innovation, and strategic problem-solving.

  • Leadership and Teamwork

    He explores the qualities of effective leadership and the importance of teamwork, drawing parallels between his solo sailing adventures and leadership in business and life.