Neal is an award-winning author, solo ?Around Alone? racing yachtsman, founding
partner of an investment bank and so much more. Few people have realized their
dreams, but even fewer have raced solo around the world and in a home built
boat! Neal overcame insurmountable odds to achieve his dream. It is an
unparalleled adventure, the longest, most extreme race for any man or woman,
27,000 miles in a boat, nine months at sea - alone! Petersen has demonstrated
what can happen when one truly lives by goals, planning and preparation,
believing there are no obstacles so great that they cannot be overcome. In
sharing his high-impact extraordinary adventure, Petersen delivers a powerful
message that, "In life there are no barriers ~ only solutions." He encourages
his audience to think outside the box to find their solutions!
As a gifted professional speaker, Petersen has over fifteen years experience
internationally delivering his history-making life-story to corporations such
as IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, Genentech, MDRT, World Trade Summit, American
Express, Prudential, JP Morgan Chase, National Governors Conference etc. ? all
standing ovations. His high energy, entertaining and inspirational keynotes are
based on real life experiences which set him apart from speakers who speak on
topics.
Petersen is known for his powerful content, uniqueness, high energy, genuine
humor, adaptability and flexibility. He customizes every keynote. Petersen?s
messages include: the importance of realizing goals; perseverance,
determination in reaching them; choosing conquest over adversity; learning to
turn perceived disadvantages into advantages; the power of positive attitude
and how it affects one?s performance; with choice there are consequences ?
choose wisely, and most importantly ~ change is constant ? it?s how you play
the cards.
Petersen was rated the best speaker ever at IBM?s Global Conference. After the
opening keynote presentation to 8,000 attendees, Petersen personalized and sold
1,000 copies of his award-winning autobiography, Journey of a Hope Merchant,
with a solid line out the door for six hours! Unscheduled, but willing,
Petersen was on a plane three days later to open the sister conference in
Europe to another 5000 attendees. It was history making at IBM.
Petersen has a wonderful spirit and a genuine talent for storytelling ? his
audience responses tell it all. Neal was the keynote speaker for Porto School
of Business Alumni - 300 of Portugal?s most prominent business leaders in fall
of 2007. They are still talking about his keynote today!
Neal is unique in his delivery, carrying a treasure chest on stage ? taking his
audience on a journey they will long remember and content they will use -
everyday. They find the key messages are not just a topic ? rather a philosophy
that Neal lives by and they can incorporate into their lives as well.
Petersen's goal is to be a part of a conference to assist meeting
planners/clients in generating maximum results for their audience. He is
willing to do in-house welcome videos, build excitement, media appearances,
executive breakfasts, book-signings, lunches, dinners, photo ops,
Neal arrives by walking through the audience carrying a treasure chest to the
stage. He does not speak from behind a podium, instead uses the stage as a
platform, and at times interacts with his audience. The combination of the
treasure chest, red sailing jacket and movie clips make his story come to life.
His audience is on the edge of their seats enthralled with his real life
adventure. Half way through Neal shows a powerful video - Rounding Cape Horn.
Neal's real life story is unique, captivating, humorous, filled with valuable
messages of perseverance, determination and dedication, "No Barriers, Only
Solutions". His message is supported by his own insurmountable trials and
successes and its Neal's engaging personality and captivating storytelling that
engages his audience.
Neal remains very visible and accessible after his keynotes, attending parties
or just being around public spaces where the audience can come ask additional
questions, chat, get autographs or photos with him.
No Barriers - Only Solutions is Neal's driving theme. Through detailed research
via conference calls and sometimes face to face meetings, Neal customizes every
keynote to fit his client's theme, industry or company challenge - seamlessly.
It's the content in the keynote and Neal's impeccable delivery that bring
audiences to their feet and constantly give him standing ovations.
