Neal Petersen

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.

"You were nothing short of a genius 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!”

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

Petersen 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. Petersen 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!