Neal Petersen

Biography

Neal Petersen has completed two amazing journeys in his life: a single-handed yacht race around the world, 27,000 miles, 9 months at sea, alone, and in a yacht he designed and built himself. And an even more arduous and eventful trip of overcoming racial prejudice during the Apartheid era in South Africa, poverty, and a childhood physical disability, just to make it to the start line! While sharing his riveting life story - and philosophy, Neal`s personal messages and unique delivery opens the mind to "turn barriers into opportunities."

He appeals to and understands different cultures; he is well travelled and has lived in many parts of the world. Currently, Neal has homes in the USA, Dominican Republic and South Africa.

An award winning author, solo racing yachtsman and global investor, Neal Petersen shares real life examples of how he overcame tremendous barriers by always turning them into advantages --then into opportunities. In his captivating and empowering "No Barriers - Only Solutions" keynote, Neal demonstrates how success is realized -- through innovation, balancing risk against return and being flexible enough to adapt to constant shifting winds. Neal Petersen has challenged thousands to prevail against their own formidable barriers and setbacks and to turn them into treasures. Neal has "wowed" international audiences with his story and how he relates it to their challenges, which typically ends with standing ovations.

In these challenging times of uncertainly, fear and insecurity rise, many feel like solo sailors, adrift, grasping for survival. Neal lays out the importance of a clearly communicated vision and direction, followed by detailed planning, preparation, passion and execution using his personal story.

Take away values:
- Neal carries a treasure chest on stage to empower others to turn your baggage into treasures.
- Innovate -- how to capitalize on ever changing winds storms.
- Change - adapt to wind shifts and stormy seas by knowing when to alter course.
- Leverage economic challenges to your advantage -- keep pumping, choose a winning course and navigate to your advantage.
- Attitude adjustment - refresh your vision - There are No Barriers ~ Only Solutions!
- Elements of success include determination, perseverance and hard work.
- With hope and planning, a dream can become a reality -- anything is possible.
- Life is about choice, with choice are consequences ~ chose your course wisely.

Neal will inspire, entertain and captivate while providing the tools to prepare audiences to tackle their barriers, by providing hope, a change in attitude and the vision to navigate these challenging times ahead, not just for today -- but, more importantly, the next generation. "Strive not only for success ~ but for significance!"

"Neal is one of the most inspiring, dynamic and thought provoking speakers you will ever witness, he is mesmerizing."

Publications

Journey of a Hope Merchant: From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing

Neal Petersen was born physically disabled and impoverished in apartheid-era South Africa, but was introduced to healing and equality in the waters surrounding Cape Town. Journey of a Hope Merchant recounts the epic journey that took this misfit kid from a racially segregated, working class neighborhood to the prestigious world of solo yacht racing.

His gripping account of the 1998-99 Around Alone race, made famous by the mid-ocean rescue of the French sailor Isabelle Autissier, may become a classic of nautical writing.

Written with a freshness and style that reflect his unstoppable optimism, the story of Petersen`s compelling journey is proof that the harshest lessons learned at sea apply to all aspects of life and that even the wildest dreams are attainable.

Titles

In Life There are No Barriers ~ Only Solutions!"
"Neal Petersen`s "No Barriers -- Only Solutions" keynote addresses adversity, diversity, childhood physical handicap, poverty and the need to excel with accountability and responsibility - not only for today, but, for the next generation. Neal is a sought-after guest speaker at the College of Charleston`s International Business and Economics Program -- he is a well-travelled global investor, lives in various parts of the world, and has experienced many cultures.

Neal demonstrates how success is realized-through innovation, balancing risk against return and being flexible enough to adapt to constant shifting winds. Neal has "wowed" international audiences with his life story and how he relates and connects it to their challenges, which end with rave reviews and rousing standing ovations. Petersen shares how his courage to dream, dedication to a plan, perseverance, and help from others, enables him to reach his goals. His story of hope, resilience and accomplishment is brilliantly delivered, truly inspiring and reflects a powerful message

Neal has delivered keynotes at multiple events for IBM, AIG, Cisco, Mars, Microsoft, Intel, Mass Mutual, Prudential and MDRT and many other top tier corporations/associations globally.