Extreme Adventurer, Award-Winning Author, History-Making Global Keynote Speaker
For IN-PERSON EVENTS, the exact fee falls within the fee range on this page, unless this is a “Call for Fee.”
For VIRTUAL EVENTS, the fees can vary depending on how the presenter is used (example: virtual keynote, workshop sessions, multiple video messages, etc).
To learn the exact fee, complete the “Check Availability” form or call us (at 973-313-9800), email us at info@eaglestalent.com, or chat with one of our team members on LiveChat.
We look forward to helping you.
Extreme Adventurer, Award-Winning Author, History-Making Global Keynote Speaker
For IN-PERSON EVENTS, the exact fee falls within the fee range on this page, unless this is a “Call for Fee.”
For VIRTUAL EVENTS, the fees can vary depending on how the presenter is used (example: virtual keynote, workshop sessions, multiple video messages, etc).
To learn the exact fee, complete the “Check Availability” form or call us (at 973-313-9800), email us at info@eaglestalent.com, or chat with one of our team members on LiveChat.
We look forward to helping you.
Neal Petersen has navigated more storms—literal and metaphorical—than most people will ever face. Born in apartheid-era South Africa with a physical disability, Neal defied extraordinary odds to become a solo around-the-world racing yachtsman, circumnavigating 27,000 miles alone in one of the world’s most grueling sailing races. Today, as an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and global keynote speaker, Neal draws on his life at sea to empower organizations on how to thrive under pressure, align around common goals, and build resilient, high-performing teams.
Neal’s core message is simple but powerful: “It’s not the conditions that determine your success—it’s your mindset and how you respond to those conditions.”
He challenges teams to reframe adversity as a training ground. Whether facing economic uncertainty, organizational change, or personal setbacks, resilience is built by embracing the struggle as fuel for growth. When solo at sea, he couldn’t change the weather—but he could change how he navigated it. In business, the same principle applies: Build teams that are solution-oriented and empowered to act, even when conditions are volatile.
Neal’s journey to become a solo circumnavigator started with a vision that seemed impossible for a young, disabled Black boy in apartheid South Africa. Yet he teaches that powerful goals must feel just out of reach—they force innovation, courage, and persistence.
For teams, this means aligning around a clearly defined “north star.” Leaders must communicate not just the what and how, but the why. Goals should be broken into achievable milestones, much like plotting a course across oceans. And as with sailing, continuous recalibration is essential—conditions change, but the destination remains firm.
In a storm, a sailor must respect the sea, not try to dominate it. In organizations, the same applies to leadership. Neal emphasizes humility and purpose over bravado. He succeeded not by being the strongest, but by being the most adaptable and purpose-driven.
Winning teams are led by individuals who put mission above ego. Leaders must empower others, foster accountability, and share both the hardships and victories. That shared sense of purpose builds loyalty and tenacity in the face of stress.
He challenges teams to reframe adversity as an (opportunity) . Whether facing economic uncertainty, organizational change, or personal setbacks, resilience is built by embracing the struggle as fuel for growth. When solo at sea, he couldn’t change the weather—but he could change how he navigated it. In business, the same principle applies: Build teams that are solution-oriented and empowered to act, even when conditions are volatile.
Neal’s corporate keynote title, “No Barriers – Only Solutions,” is more than a slogan; it’s a mindset. Teams must be trained to identify problems and then immediately transition to solution-seeking. Complaints don’t sail a boat—actions do.
This approach requires a culture that rewards innovation, embraces risk, and tolerates failure in pursuit of progress. It’s about shifting from paralysis to possibility—even in crisis.
Perhaps the greatest ocean Neal had to cross was the one in his own mind. Sailing solo, he often faced isolation, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion. Success came from mastering the mental game: visualizing success, managing fear, and staying present under pressure.
In life and in leadership, storms are inevitable. Neal Petersen’s strategies are not just lessons from the sea—they are essential frameworks for navigating the uncertainties of business, team dynamics, and personal growth. With resilience, clear goals, and a winning mindset, any organization can not only weather the storm—but harness it.
“It was an absolute pleasure having you speak at our 2024 Spring Leadership Retreat. We appreciated your trek to New Mexico to share your message of “Adjusting Your Sails: There are No Barriers” with our audience of board members, physician leaders, and senior management.
Your presentation was engaging and resonated deeply with our audience. We appreciated the skill with which you delivered your message and the storytelling that helped illustrate your poignant messages. The meeting evaluations are rolling in, and your presentation has scored very high marks.”
“Neal – I just wanted to thank you for the great message you shared with our top producers and senior management team at the Leaders Summit. Your entire presentation was right on point with the goals of the meeting and was extremely well received and you were given a rare standing ovation. Several advisors commented on how much they personally got from your unique story, how effective you were at incorporating relevant elements to this group, and how enjoyable it was to spend time with you throughout the meeting.”
“Our biggest challenge at these events is to hold the audience in their seats as we typically lose somewhere around 40-50% of the crowd between speakers. This was the first time in the eight years Neal, I have been coordinating these sessions where the audience was spellbound from beginning to end and stayed in their seats for the entire presentation. Amazing!”
“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.”
“Neal you have received our highest ratings ever for a keynote speaker and this covers hundreds of events over more than a decade. Before you, we had never had a single standing ovation, yet I can’t remember a time that you did not get one! You also go out of your way to spend time with attendees afterwards. “Neal has a powerful story in itself and he relates it to our industry – he ties it all into their challenges as he customized content for each event. “He’s inspiring, thought-provoking, the audience loves it when we start with a great story and a powerful message, then present the other topics which are typically dry and difficult and in need of solutions. Once I booked Neal for the year (32 keynotes) I took the burden off myself and didn’t have to think about a speaker.”
“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”
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