JOHN PETERS
John Peters knows about dealing with uncertainty, change and performing under pressure. Many will remember John from the 1991 Gulf War when, as a Prisoner of War, the enduring, iconic image of his battered and bruised face was paraded on television by Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime. It is his insight and ability to relate this to everyday challenges that keeps him a unique, contemporary speaker that is in constant demand and why so many are eager to hear him speak.
Meet John Peters
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With over 15 successful years on the public speaking circuit, John has gained an international reputation as an exceptional and versatile speaker with audiences worldwide ranging from 5 to 5500 people, from corporations to charities, from Royalty and Heads of State to schools. Of note, he was the sole reader representing the British Armed Forces at the National Gulf Memorial Service, in front of Her Majesty, The Queen, presented the Sir James Martin Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society in the presence of Prince Philip, and has followed Mr Nelson Mandela on stage in South Africa for which he gained a standing ovation!Concurrently, John has over a decade’s experience in business consulting developing senior business leaders with a particular focus on leadership, resilience, uncertainty, motivation, strategy and change. These unique attributes allow John to seamlessly tailor a speech to whatever the client’s requirements may be and thereby supply the perfect address for any event. His insights generate actions; these actions inspire performance. A series of events in 1991 changed John Peters' life forever. This is not a war story as such, but a very human, moving and, at times, funny story. It is of particular relevance in today's changing times and John is as busy as ever delivering after dinner and keynote speeches at corporate events. John Peters came to the world’s attention in January 1991, when his bruised and battered face flashed onto television screens around the world. It was his disfigured image that became a potent symbol of Saddam Hussein’s ruthless aggression. His dramatic and sometimes harrowing experiences reach deep into our innermost minds, showing us how we can overcome even our worst fears and nightmares. His war was not all as he expected – it became a seven-week ordeal of torture and interrogation testing John Peters to the absolute limit and bringing him close to death. John presents a roller-coaster ride: you will believe you were there! He provides an incredible descriptive insight of his experiences. He is certainly not a doom and gloom merchant. Far from it – his innate sense of humour and superb timing ensures the audience sees the funny and lighter side of his experience. He is passionate, emotive & challenging. He can seamlessly and skilfully relate his experiences to current business issues. John Peters is superbly masterful when motivating and inspiring an audience, or when he enthrals guests after dinner or luncheon. They leave with an inspired sense of purpose, with a greater understanding of how to cope with unexpected change and how to drive through these difficulties to set and achieve real goals. The impact he has on an audience is reflected by the standing ovations he so often gets and overwhelming response he always receives after his presentations. SPEAKING TOPICS
John has a Master's Degree in Business Administration and was responsible for a cultural change programme in the RAF. This initiative was awarded the 1999 Flight International Aerospace Industry Award for Training and Safety. He is also a former Chair of The Association of MBA’s. Since leaving the RAF in 2000, he has been a business consultant and performance coach to business leaders, and has a business specialising in leadership, team development and communication skills. His clients include the Cabinet Office, Unipart International, Barclays Bank, MTV, Channel 5, NHS, TUI UK and Arthur Andersen. He has written two best-selling books and the documentary, 'Tornado Down' was Independent Documentary of the Year and a BAFTA Award Nominee in 1992. He has extensive international TV, radio, PR and media experience and has built up an international speaking reputation, including American, South African, Swedish, Maltese, French, German and Australian audiences. |
'...Calmly you accept where you are, accept your weaknesses, and it is in that moment you truly understand yourself. Then you begin to win. No should haves, could haves...you start to learn and adapt to whatever challenge. You will always make mistakes, you are human, but you realise that your power rests in the speed at which you learn' - John Peters, POW
John was great. Probably the most powerful story the audience has ever heard. Quite controversial, but we wanted to stir up the audience and get them really talking and thinking about the messages he delivered in his presentation. |
