Neal Petersen

Who is Neal Petersen?

Neal Petersen, born 1967 in Cape Town, South Africa is an international motivational speaker, award-winning author and extreme adventurer, the subject of a PBS documentary. Neal 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 will open 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 is well traveled and has lived in many parts of the world and has homes scattered around the world and a frequent guest lecturer at the College of Charleston’s International Business School teaching leadership and macroeconomics.

An award winning author, world-class single-handed professional racing yachtsman and informed global investor, Neal Petersen shares real life examples of how he overcame insurmountable barriers by always turning “perceived” disadvantages into advantages—then into opportunities. In his captivating and empowering “No Barriers – Only Solutions” keynote