Neal Petersen
Keynote Speaker: History-Making Extreme Adventurer, Award-Winning Author & Global Investor
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Travels From:
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Speaking Fee:
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Categories:Business, Inspirational, Sales, Black Heritage, Change Management, Adventure, Diversity & Inclusion, Empowerment, Creativity, Human Resources, Personal Growth, Authors, Overcoming Adversity, Customer Experience, Disability, Motivational, Athlete, Peak Performance, Innovation, Storytelling, College, Education, Literary, Sports, Leadership, Extreme Sports, Travel, ESG, Culture, Business Leadership, Sustainability, Ethics & Integrity, Business Growth, Environment
Neal Petersen 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.
"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!
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Neal Petersen and other top speakers and celebrities.
Neal Petersen Speaking Topics
Petersen's life story is riveting and incredibly inspiring. Neal was born “colored” during the harsh apartheid-era in South Africa with a childhood physical disability, unable to walk, yet he overcame these insurmountable barriers to become an accomplished sailor, author, and motivational speaker. His journey from poverty and adversity to success is a powerful narrative that resonates with audiences, inspiring them to overcome their own challenges.
Petersen's story exemplifies resilience, determination, and perseverance. He faced numerous setbacks and challenges throughout his life but refused to let them define him. Instead, he used them as opportunities for growth and learning, demonstrating the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
Petersen's experiences touch upon universal themes such as perseverance, resilience, overcoming adversity, and the importance of self-belief. His message transcends cultural and geographic boundaries, having traveled to over 100 countries, making it relevant and relatable to diverse audiences.
Petersen captivates audiences with his engaging storytelling style. He has a natural charisma and presence on stage, drawing listeners in with his authenticity and passion. Using stunning imagery, Neal incorporates lightning, thunder and fog to bring his story to life.
In addition to sharing his personal story, Petersen imparts valuable lessons and practical strategies for overcoming barriers and achieving success. Audiences leave his presentations not only feeling inspired but also equipped with actionable insights they can apply to their own lives and careers.
Neal Petersen's keynote takeaway lessons:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Petersen's life story teaches the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Despite facing significant challenges, including poverty, disability, and racial discrimination, Petersen refused to be defined by his circumstances. His journey demonstrates that resilience is key to overcoming adversity and achieving success.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Petersen's experiences as a person of mixed race in apartheid-era South Africa highlight the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion. His message encourages audiences to recognize the value of diversity and to create inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Setting and Pursuing Goals: Petersen's determination to achieve his dream of racing SOLO around the world in the most extreme sport known to man, a 27,000 mile yacht race, 9 months at sea and in the smallest boat he designed and built himself. Despite numerous setbacks Neal shares the importance of setting ambitious goals and pursuing them with determination and perseverance. His story inspires audiences to identify their own goals and to pursue them with passion and commitment.
In conclusion, Neal Petersen is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transformation. His unique blend of personal story, practical insights, and passionate advocacy makes him one of the best speakers for any audience. Through his words and his example, Petersen inspires us to overcome adversity, to lead with vision and integrity, and to take bold steps toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Neal Petersen Videos
How do I book Neal Petersen to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Neal Petersen for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Neal Petersen, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Neal Petersen or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Neal Petersen for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Neal Petersen, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Neal Petersen are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Neal Petersen, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Neal Petersen speak about?
Neal Petersen is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Inspirational, Sales, Black Heritage, Change Management, Adventure, Diversity & Inclusion, Empowerment, Creativity, Human Resources, Personal Growth, Authors, Overcoming Adversity, Customer Experience, Disability, Motivational, Athlete, Peak Performance, Innovation, Storytelling, College, Education, Literary, Sports, Leadership, Extreme Sports, Travel, ESG, Culture, Business Leadership, Sustainability, Ethics & Integrity, Business Growth and Environment.
Where does Neal Petersen travel from?
Neal Petersen generally travels from South Carolina, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Neal Petersen?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Neal Petersen for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Neal Petersen for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Neal Petersen or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Neal Petersen is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Inspirational and Sales. The estimated speaking fee range to book Neal Petersen for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Neal Petersen generally travels from South Carolina, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rudy Ruettiger, Libby Gill and Jim Davidson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Neal Petersen for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Neal Petersen Speaking Topics
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Inspirational Story
Petersen's life story is riveting and incredibly inspiring. Neal was born “colored” during the harsh apartheid-era in South Africa with a childhood physical disability, unable to walk, yet he overcame these insurmountable barriers to become an accomplished sailor, author, and motivational speaker. His journey from poverty and adversity to success is a powerful narrative that resonates with audiences, inspiring them to overcome their own challenges.
-
Resilience and Determination
Petersen's story exemplifies resilience, determination, and perseverance. He faced numerous setbacks and challenges throughout his life but refused to let them define him. Instead, he used them as opportunities for growth and learning, demonstrating the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
-
Universal Themes
Petersen's experiences touch upon universal themes such as perseverance, resilience, overcoming adversity, and the importance of self-belief. His message transcends cultural and geographic boundaries, having traveled to over 100 countries, making it relevant and relatable to diverse audiences.
-
Engaging Delivery
Petersen captivates audiences with his engaging storytelling style. He has a natural charisma and presence on stage, drawing listeners in with his authenticity and passion. Using stunning imagery, Neal incorporates lightning, thunder and fog to bring his story to life.
-
Practical Takeaways
In addition to sharing his personal story, Petersen imparts valuable lessons and practical strategies for overcoming barriers and achieving success. Audiences leave his presentations not only feeling inspired but also equipped with actionable insights they can apply to their own lives and careers.
Neal Petersen's keynote takeaway lessons:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Petersen's life story teaches the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Despite facing significant challenges, including poverty, disability, and racial discrimination, Petersen refused to be defined by his circumstances. His journey demonstrates that resilience is key to overcoming adversity and achieving success.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Petersen's experiences as a person of mixed race in apartheid-era South Africa highlight the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion. His message encourages audiences to recognize the value of diversity and to create inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Setting and Pursuing Goals: Petersen's determination to achieve his dream of racing SOLO around the world in the most extreme sport known to man, a 27,000 mile yacht race, 9 months at sea and in the smallest boat he designed and built himself. Despite numerous setbacks Neal shares the importance of setting ambitious goals and pursuing them with determination and perseverance. His story inspires audiences to identify their own goals and to pursue them with passion and commitment.
In conclusion, Neal Petersen is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transformation. His unique blend of personal story, practical insights, and passionate advocacy makes him one of the best speakers for any audience. Through his words and his example, Petersen inspires us to overcome adversity, to lead with vision and integrity, and to take bold steps toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
VIDEO
Neal Petersen Videos
BOOKS
REVIEWS
Neal Petersen Reviews
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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. Neal’s inspirational “No Barriers” presentation brought our Summit theme to life!
MasterCard - Aug 26 2024 -
Sure to give you a standing ovation. Neal is one of the most inspiring, dynamic and thought provoking speakers you’ll ever witness – he is mesmerizing. It is rare that I am asked by my senior management at IBM to immediately hire a keynote speaker when he is barely off the stage to give another keynote speech the following week - but that is in fact what happened with you Neal. And I want to thank for the extraordinary presentation you gave in San Diego to 8,000, but for the follow up presentation you gave in Barcelona to another 5,000 with virtually no prep time as well. I truly was in awe of the spirit you drove into the audience and how you made your own journey so very relevant to every person in both locations. You were nothing short of a genius! (Regarding book-signing) Our security team advised me that we had to shut it down with well over 200 people still in line after your inventory ran out which I believe was well over a thousand books. That is just a record at our events - even with some famous athletes we have used in the past. You generated some of the highest ratings and most positive feedback I have seen in many years of running WW events in this division.
IBM - Dec 11 2018 -
I have been very fortunate to work with Neal Petersen - we brought him in to speak to 3 of our top producer meetings. He is a great speaker and he has found ways to help financial advisors take Neal's experiences and to apply it to their practices in such a way to grow their businesses through the tough times and enjoy the good times.
AIG Advisors Group - Mar 11 2015 -
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".
Qlik 2015 - Mar 11 2015
FAQS
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How do I book Neal Petersen to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Neal Petersen for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Neal Petersen, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Neal Petersen or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Neal Petersen for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Neal Petersen, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Neal Petersen are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Neal Petersen, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Neal Petersen speak about?
Neal Petersen is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Inspirational, Sales, Black Heritage, Change Management, Adventure, Diversity & Inclusion, Empowerment, Creativity, Human Resources, Personal Growth, Authors, Overcoming Adversity, Customer Experience, Disability, Motivational, Athlete, Peak Performance, Innovation, Storytelling, College, Education, Literary, Sports, Leadership, Extreme Sports, Travel, ESG, Culture, Business Leadership, Sustainability, Ethics & Integrity, Business Growth and Environment. -
Where does Neal Petersen travel from?
Neal Petersen generally travels from South Carolina, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Neal Petersen?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Neal Petersen for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Neal Petersen for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Neal Petersen or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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