Neal Petersen

"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 take this opportunity to thank you not only for the extraordinary presentation you gave in San Diego but for the follow up presentation you gave in Barcelona with virtually no prep time as well. I can tell you that you generated some of the highest ratings and most positive feedback I have seen in many years of running events in this division. You were nothing short of a genius by utilizing our event theme and messaging within the context of your presentation and it was exactly what we needed to reinforce our theme. I particularly admire this given that you spoke to over thirteen thousand attendees."

"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”."

"Thank you so much Neal for being our (Covid virtual) 'closing ceremonies' speaker for the SalesForce Launch Week program. Your story and vision align so closely with ours and we are honored to have had you on with us. Folks were very inspired by your speech and everyone wants to come join you down in the DR!"

"Neal Petersen was an outstanding keynote speaker for us. His positive message of 'No Barriers, Only Solutions' was powerful, his preparation was impressive and showed that he knew his audience cold, his life story of hard work and success was riveting, his delivery was first-rate. Everyone was glued to their seats, and then at the end of his speech, 750 members rose up and gave him the rousing ovation he deserved. Neal was a huge hit!"

"Your compelling stories culled with your sailing adventures presented inspiring message along which set a perfect tone. We appreciate how you were able to weave the elements discussed of our challenges with your lessons learned; your keynote was very relevant to the issues facing CIO’s. The audience thoroughly enjoyed your presentation, giving you the first ever standing ovation, and your stories generated a tremendous amount of discussion even after your session ended."

"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 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!"

"I have spent hours and hours reviewing motivational speaker options for my corporate clients. But this is the first time that I have felt so strongly about a speaker and the success that he will bring to your events, that I felt compelled to pass the information on to all of you. Neal Petersen's message is current and very significant in today's times. His energy is contagious. He is easy to work with and very affordable. He can follow up a keynote address with an additional seminar in which he moderates the group to find ways to solve the issues that face them. Any group is sure to give him a standing ovation."

"I met Neal in San Diego two years ago, when I was at the lowest point in my professional career. His story left more than a lasting impression on me; it changed my life. I’ve had the opportunity to hear this great man and friend tell his story three times; and I’ve read his autobiography twice. On every one of these occasions I’ve walked away with many valuable messages."

"For our leadership conference, we were fortunate to have Neal Petersen as guest speaker. We brought Neal to our conference to address the topics of rallying around common goals and achieving operational excellence. His presentation was vivid and dynamic and his life story and experiences helped this audience see how we can all marshal our inner strengths, stretch our capabilities and realize remarkable achievements. Neal's words inspire confidence by making the pathway to success seem like something that every individual can attain."

"Neal delivered an inspiring keynote address for our leadership team that touched everyone deeply. Neal is so genuine in the delivery and style of his message, but even more importantly is how personal and moving his story is to those that have the opportunity to hear it. Neal is a true leader and his life experiences are relevant for ANY leadership group."

"In over 30 years in industry, hearing dozens of motivational, academic, and informational speakers, I am hard pressed to name one that I was more impressed with or appreciated more. The connection with the audience, with salient and pertinent comments directly related to the conference, was superior."

"Over the last 45 years, I have heard many speakers but none better than you last week. You have a wonderful story with a great message and your ability to include relevant information about our company was impressive. Thanks for WOWing us all!"

"I stepped into the General Session to listen to the featured speaker, Neal Petersen. Quickly, I was riveted to his dynamic delivery of inspiration, hope, and excitement. Neal is one of the most inspiring, dynamic and thought provoking speakers you will ever witness, he is mesmerizing. His presentation takes you on a journey from his personal struggles and childhood, of just being able to walk, to becoming the first black man to race solo around the globe, and in doing so breaking down every barrier put before him. Neal's story of conquering political issues and the oceans of the world will challenge your association, opening the mind, with new hope and a determination to break down the barriers, real or perceived, that now exist and to take adversity head on and demonstrate that with determination and hard work you can achieve your goals."

"Neal came highly recommended to us among other state local government associations. We were not disappointed! He was exceptionally professional to work with and did a masterful job of weaving into his address of overcoming barriers the current issues facing the members of our organization. Neal's presentation was an absolute success. We seldom experience keynote speakers who receive a standing ovation for their message, but this was the case with Neal. I also appreciate Neal's willingness to stick around and talk with people individually and share his thoughts, humor, and good company. We found Neal engaging from beginning to end and have no trouble recommending him."

"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 is so unique, he is so much more than a keynote, he is the 'best of the best'. Neal not only delivers a unique, captivating and memorable life-story, filled with valuable content, but he masterfully weaves in his audiences challenges and he does it seamlessly because he is PREPARED! He digs deeper and goes out of his way – to gain an in-depth understanding of where they are as a group, where they want to be and what it will take to get them there. Neal is truly a leader and teaches genuine leadership, by example in all aspects of what he represents. He is so much more than just a keynote speaker."

"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!"

"Neal Petersen has received our highest ratings ever for a keynote speaker, and this covers hundreds of events over more than a decade. Before him, we never had a single standing ovation, yet I can't remember a time when he did not get one! He also goes out of his way to spend time with attendees afterwards. He has a magical way of inspiring people. We couldn't have made a better choice for our thirty conferences this year."

"I have spent hours and hours reviewing motivational speaker options for my corporate clients. But this is the first time that I have felt so strongly about a speaker and the success that he will bring to your events, that I felt compelled to pass the information on. Neal Petersen's message is current and very significant in today's current times. His energy is contagious. The group is sure to give him a standing ovation and participants will take away messages that will indeed be life-changing."

"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."

"Based on the numerous people who commented, 'Wow – he was unbelievable!' and the long line that formed after your talk to purchase a copy of your book, your story obviously hit a chord with our insurance audience! There is no doubt that our participants left the event inspired and ready to 'tackle the world', which is exactly how we wanted them to depart. It's amazing how important that closing presentation is. To a large extent, it determines how people rate and recall the entire event. Secondly, your delivery is magnetic. You establish rapport with the audience instantly, as your energy 'zaps' through the crowd."

"Quite frankly, I've never worked with a speaker who puts so much effort into customizing the message to fit the specific needs of the audience. And it paid off tremendously! As these folks go through the transition from an independent software company to becoming part of IBM's sprawling software unit, you helped them understand that they can successfully navigate the uncharted waters ahead as long as they stay focused on solutions, not barriers."

"Neal did a great job for our event. We were very pleased that some of the key points that Neal made in his presentation became part of our language in the group – a real sign of the presentation being spot on, and useful in its purpose. (For example, we now use the phrase, 'I don't need a new boat, I just need two feet' when we need to be more practical and to make it work with what we have at hand. It is new shorthand speak for 'get it done simply' as well as 'look at this a different way.') Many of our attendees mentioned Neal's presentation as a key highlight in the event on our feedback form. I was honoured to meet Neal and would recommend him for other events."