John Peters

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John Peters Biography

John Peters - Conference and keynote speaker, motivational, leadership
Topics:
  • Inspirational
  • Leadership
  • Motivation & Teamwork

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's Dramatic Story

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.

International Speaker

John is an experienced speaker of international repute.  He was the sole reader representing the British Armed Forces at the National Gulf Memorial Service, in front of Her Majesty, The Queen and presented the Sir James Martin Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society in the presence of Prince Philip.  Furthermore, he followed Mr Nelson Mandela on stage in South Africa and achieved a standing ovation! 

Inspirational Speaker

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 was the sole reader representing the British Armed Forces at the National Gulf Memorial Service, in front of Her Majesty The Queen and Heads of State; presented the 1999 Sir James Martin Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society in the presence of Prince Philip and subsequently at the SAFE symposium in Atlanta. Furthermore, he followed Mr Nelson Mandela on stage in South Africa and achieved a standing ovation.

Motivational Speaker

John Peters is one of the leading motivation speakers in the UK. His corporate credits include Nortel, IBM, Sony, Lloyds and The Royal Bank of Scotland and Peugeot cars to name a few.

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

  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Performing Under Pressure
  • Dealing with Change

Specialist in Leadership, Team Development & Communication

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. 

Best-selling Author & Writer, TV & Radio

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.

For further information or to book John Peters, call us on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk

John Peters Video

John Peters Speaker Showreel - Click play to watch a short sample video clip of John Peters. For more information on John Peters please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk

Outside of appearing and speaking at live corporate and private events John Peters has a number of retail products available that can be purchased through Speakers Corner. For upcoming new book and product launches related to John Peters then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk

John Peters Books


John Peters News

A selection of relevant news related to John Peters and Inspirational stories. For more information on John Peters or details as to how to book John Peters for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk

CONFEX 2007
15th February 2007Tuesday 20th February - Speaker line-up
What Do Leaders Really Do? By Jeff Grout
19th December 2007Jeff Grout writes article for the Edge Magazine due to be published in February 2008
Will Howard Gardner, a visionary and one of the world's authorities on leadership, be voted Thinker 50 in the 2009 poll?
3rd August 2009A visionary and lauded public intellectual, Harvard professor, Howard Gardner has not only revolutionized our understanding of intelligence and creativity, but he has also established himself as one of the world’s foremost authorities on leadership and professional responsibility. He is a contender for this year's Thinker 50 poll and is a much sought-after international keynote speaker
Winner of the 2008 Thinkers 50, CK Prahalad one of the most influential business & management thinkers of our time, is a definite contender for the 2009 poll
7th July 2009The winner of the bi-annual Thinkers 50 survey in 2007 was CK Prahalad. He is one of the most influential management and business thinkers of our time and is a definite contender for this year's poll. Coimbatore Prahalad is Professor of Strategy at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and is a world renowned business speaker
Lessons learnt from Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple - one of the greatest speakers ever
19th November 2009The Times is featuring extracts from Simon Maier and Jerremy Kourdi's book 'The 100: Insights and lessons from 100 of the greatest speeches ever delivered'. Read The Times article on lessons learnt from one of the world's best speakers - Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and former chief executive officer of Pixar Animation Studios.
What can conference speakers learn from the great orator, Martin Luther King
22nd October 2009The first of 10 articles in The Times yesterday featured an extract on Martin Luther King from Simon Maier and Jeremy Kourdi's book 'The 100: Insights and Lessons from 100 of the Greatest Speeches Ever Delivered'. Over the coming weeks, other of the world's greatest speakers will be featured including Napoleon Bonaparte, Barack Obama and Socrates. No doubt, there will be much that today's conference speakers can learn.
An insight into Pierluigi Collina's thoughts about Management
18th June 2008Pierluigi Collina, the most globally recognisable football referee, discusses his management style in a recent edition of the Financial Times.
Will The Stig’s Identity be Revealed?
24th August 2010The original Stig Perry McCarthy is now an after dinner and motivational speaker, so will the identity of the new Stig be revealed thus demolishing the massive publicity created by the allure of hidden identity?
Greg Dyke and Stuart Hampson take up advisory roles with the NHS
17th April 2009The NHS has recruited two captains of industry in an effort to improve leadership in the health service. Greg Dyke, who ran the BBC for four years and Sir Stuart Hampson, former chairman of John Lewis are among a group of health outsiders drafted in to provide the NHS with insights on raising standards in larger corporations.
The Human Polar Bear: Lewis Gordon Pugh on the Discovery Channel
28th June 2010Tonight environmentalist and keynote speaker Lewis Gordon Pugh features in an incredible documentary on the Discovery Channel about his swim in the Arctic ocean – a feat thought impossible prior to his achievement.

John Peters Reviews

John Peters has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for John Peters for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book John Peters for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk

"There was no one in the room that wasn't one minute moved to tears, the next gasping or laughing. I know I was riveted throughout your presentation. You have a great sense of humour as well as real humility. It was a truly a memorable experience reach of us at the event."
Stanley

"Your powerful and emotional presentation provided a dramatic perspective to the Challenge of Change theme, warmly received by the immediate audience reaction as you saw. Perhaps what you have not been able to appreciate is the motivational impetus that it has inspired, and for that we must thank you again"
Lloyds Bowmaker

"The response to your talk has been outstanding. The delegates were deeply moved by your experiences and they have been left with a lasting impression of your bravery and determination. Were it not for your own contribution, we could not have delivered such a successful day none of us will ever forget the story you had to tell and we all feel immensely privileged to have met you "
RBS

Q & A with John Peters

Speakers Corner interviewed John Peters to give you a bit more insight as to the type of performance and delivery you would expect from John Peters However for more information on John Peters or details as to how to book John Peters for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk

Speakers Corner: Can you remember your first speaking engagement?

John Peters: It just emerged. The speaking started when a work colleague asked me whether I spoke about my POW experiences, she was a member of a Ballooning Society and they offered me free beer and butties, and a balloon ride! I said, yes, got 3 hours of questions after the speech and it went from there through other friends who asked. Never did the balloon ride! Then out of the blue, 6 months later, I was asked by an ‘agent’ to speak at my first corporate at a conference to 2000 people in Athens – straight in at the deep end.

Speakers Corner: Which event has been your favourite and why?

John Peters: Every speech is different and, although this sounds corny, it is a real privilege that people are prepared to give space to someone and listen to them. Favourite can be defined a number of ways and each is absolutely memorable in its very individual way: the whoop, whoop standing ovation; the fact that so many people are seriously affected by the speech and then years later write to thank you for changing their life; the great party event; the fabulous, extravagant overseas, 5 star venue or speaking in front of royalty or following Nelson Mandela on stage.

Speakers Corner: And your last event?

John Peters: To a business mentoring group of 6 CEOs who wanted a speech around dealing with uncertainty and leadership

Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?

John Peters: To a House of Commons event to help the politicians understand war

Speakers Corner: Who would you most like to share a platform with?

John Peters: Any speaker: it is a pleasure to hear another story. Otherwise, Anthony Robbins or Tony Blair!

Speakers Corner: On average, how many times a year do you speak at corporate events?

John Peters: 24 +

Speakers Corner: Do you use powerpoint?

John Peters: Most of the time I just start with a video and talk, but I have a Powerpoint presentation

Speakers Corner: Are you as happy speaking to 50 as to 1,000 people?

John Peters: Yep, I have done the full gambit. Smallest audience is 5; largest is 5500.

Speakers Corner: How do you like to be introduced?

John Peters: By why they chose me out of all the speakers they could have chosen and why am I relevant. I am not a great one for listing past success: a speaker should be able to convince an audience straight up, without any introduction.

Speakers Corner: Do you always like to do a briefing call before the event?

John Peters: Yes, it always useful to have a brief and chat directly to the client.

Speakers Corner: What are the most asked for topics?

John Peters: Leadership, motivational, dealing with uncertainty and pressure. Overcoming adversity. Dealing with change. I also get asked to speak on safety.

Speakers Corner: Is your speech at all interactive with audience participation?

John Peters: Can be if they want it that way, as a QnA session, but as I run a consultancy firm, I can turn the speech into an entirely interactive workshop. Usually, however, through agents, it is the traditional speech.

Speakers Corner: Do you have any funny/embarrassing speaking anecdotes you care to share?

John Peters: Early on, at a gig in Turkey, when people were very protective of us after the Gulf and we were still ‘celebrities’(!?), a famous comedian made some jokes on stage about the POWs that got him boo’ed off stage. It was a three stage conference, but the company cancelled the rest of his gigs and sent him home! Shame, as the joke was excellent, funny and great banter, but it was a bit embarrassing as I had no issue whatsoever with it.

Speakers Corner: Your favourite film?

John Peters: Gladiator

Speakers Corner: Favourite book?

John Peters: Any book

Speakers Corner: Favourite holiday destination

John Peters: I have a house in Crete, but otherwise, the Far East

Speakers Corner: What’s your tipple?

John Peters: Wine

Speakers Corner: Country or townie?

John Peters: I live in the country but love the city!

If you are interested in booking John Peters for your live event or require any additional information regarding John Peters then please fill in the enquiry form below and one of the Speakers Corner booking agents will contact you within 24 hours.

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"It was a privilege to hear John speak and to gain some small understanding of the experiences he went through. He takes time before the event to understand the messages the client wants delivering."

Helena

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News

2nd September 2010
Michael Douglas shared his struggle on The Late Show with David Letterman yesterday and keynote speakers including Lance Armstrong and Martina Navratilova have been open to sharing their own experiences and stories of hope.
1st September 2010
The BBC One controller, Jay Hunt has confirmed that Graham Norton's chat show will switch to friday nights in October to replace Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.