Pete Goss Biography
For a speaker to have the ability to connect and move an audience is rare, but to be able to stretch and propel people forward to want to achieve and learn more about themselves is truly remarkable – that’s the effect Pete Goss has on people.
Pete's Presentations
His presentations inspire people to enter into a world of self-discovery, to realise their capabilities both individually and collectively, to sharpen their skills and then put them to the test.
‘Can Do’ Philosophy
Pete Goss is the ultimate competitor, whose outstanding ‘can do’ philosophy, combined with his limitless courage to overcome all the risks and dangers became abundantly clear in the world's toughest yacht race, 'The Vendée Globe non-stop, single-handed Round the World Race'. His vision and ten-year dream in the making, resulted in him setting off from France in November 1996, in a race that would test him, his team and the boat to the absolute limit.
The drama of the race unfolded in the notorious hostile environment of the southern ocean. The world looked on as huge seas and winds of up to 80mph pounded Raphael Dinelli’s stricken boat; he was facing certain death. After receiving the distress call, Pete immediately turned his boat around and battled for two days against hurricane force winds to reach Dinelli and rescue him - the rest is now history.
For his heroic rescue of Dinelli, he was awarded France’s highest decoration, the Legion d’Honneur by President Chirac of France, and the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen.
His single-minded determination during the last leg of the race became abundantly clear when he was forced to operate on himself without anaesthetic and just a few basic instructions to repair ruptured muscles around his elbow, after which he joked… “Now I’m truly a single-handed sailor”.
People come away inspired from Pete’s talks, sharing in his ethos of taking responsibility for what they want to achieve and for what they believe in.
For further information or to book Pete Goss, call us at Speakers Corner on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Pete Goss Video
Pete Goss Speaker Showreel - Click play to watch a short sample video clip of Pete Goss. For more information on Pete Goss please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Pete Goss News
A selection of relevant news related to Pete Goss, After Dinner Speakers, Keynote Speakers and Motivational Speakers, Peak Performance, Sport Speakers and Teamwork Speakers stories. For more information on Pete Goss or details as to how to book Pete Goss for your corporate event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Pete Goss MBE Takes the Plunge and Chases his Dream
2nd November 2010
Keynote and motivational speaker Pete Goss was awarded the British MBE and French Legion D’Honneur for an incredible rescue of a fellow sailor at considerable cost to himself. As an ordinary man who does extraordinary things he is relatable and inspirational and about to embark on another challenging expedition.
17 year old Mike Perham becomes the youngest person to sail solo around the world
27th August 2009
Having tackled 50ft waves, gale force winds and technical problems during a 30,000-mile circumnavigation Mike Perham, the 17 year old from Potters Bar in Hertfordshire now holds the record of the youngest person to sail around the world single-handed. He set sail from Portsmouth on the 15th November 2008 and crossed the finishing line between Lizard Point and Ushant in France today, 27th August 2009.
Michel Desjoyeaux wins the Vendee but, huge praise to Brit Samantha Davies & Dee Caffari
16th February 2009
The British girls are getting all the attention at the Vendee Globe. Eight years ago Ellen MacArthur sailed into French folklore by finishing second and now in 2009, another Brit Samantha Davies returned in third place on Valentines Day to a heroes welcome having overcome the challenges of the gruelling 24,700 mile journey. Dee Caffari is also set to make history....
Around the world in about 100 days
10th November 2008
Competitors get off to a flying start in the sixth Vendée Globe race, watched by up to 300,000 people at Les Sables d'Olonne, near La Rochelle.
Pete Goss sets sail on epic voyage
22nd October 2008
WITH a smile and a wave, Pete Goss sailed out of Newlyn Harbour last night to begin a 12,000-mile voyage which will take the Maritime adventurer and his three-man crew to Australia.
Ronnie O’Sullivan Wins Fifth World Title
7th May 2013
Snooker player, Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Barry Hawkins to win the Betfair World Championships at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Mike Forde Links Business to Football
18th April 2013
Business speaker and one of the UK’s leading sports executives, Mike Forde has compared the ideas and practices used in professional football to those used in business environments.
Anna Watkins Announces She is Pregnant
25th March 2013
Olympic double skulls champion and motivational speaker, Anna Watkins, has announced that she is pregnant.
Chris Boardman Supports Fellow Cyclist
4th March 2013
Olympic Gold medallist and motivational speaker, Chris Boardman, supported fellow cyclist, Martyn Irvine after his win at the World Track Championships.
Steve Black Believes Jonny Wilkinson Has What It Takes
18th February 2013
Steve Black, keynote speaker and Jonny Wilkinson’s coach for 15 years, believes Wilkinson has what it takes to become a great coach.
Pete Goss Reviews
Pete Goss has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for Pete Goss for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book Pete Goss for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Pete Goss' speech was great, he had everyone engrossed and wanting to hear more.
Absolutely first class. We were mesmerised. Without doubt the most interesting, stimulating and motivational speaker we have experienced. Pete Goss has excellent management motivation.
Pete Goss made an enormous impression on our audience. He had the right mixture of adventures, pertinent leadership and teambuilding, delivered in a relaxed and personable manner which left our audience with a lot to think about.
Incredibly motivating. Pete Goss has a unique ability to turn problems into challenges. One of the most thought provoking speakers we have heard.
Q & A with Pete Goss
Pete Goss answered some probing questions for Speakers Corner. For speaking secrets revealed - read on! To book Pete Goss for your event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: How did the corporate speaking start?
Pete Goss: I was asked to speak to BT after the British Steal Challenge and found that I really enjoyed it and fortunately so did they. For me it’s really important to have a good briefing so that each talk is bespoke. I am lucky in that as a business man as well as sportsman I am able to relate to the audience and draw out relevant points.
Speakers Corner: Can you remember your first speaking engagement?
Pete Goss: I did a talk to my local sailing club after a single handed transatlantic race in a tiny catamaran. The talk was more frightening than the trip but I am glad to say that the nerves are settled now as I enjoy it so much.
Speakers Corner: And your last event?
Pete Goss: I was speaking to a small group of very senior people in BAE Systems on Leadership – more of a lecture than a talk. Leadership is something that is close to my heart and I do a lot on. In fact I have just been made an Associate Fellow of Said Business School Oxford University.
Speakers Corner: Which event has been your favourite and why?
Pete Goss: I can honestly say that I don’t know for they are all so different in content, location and number. What I can say is that I really enjoy putting the effort in prior to the event so that the client gets just what they are after. With a total of twenty four projects under my belt I have plenty of material to draw from; Single Handed Sailing, Fully Crewed sailing, Polar trips and of course my last project which was a historical one. The fact that we raise the money, design, build, promote and then do the sailing gives all the above depth.
Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?
Pete Goss: See above
Speakers Corner: Who would you most like to share a platform with?
Pete Goss: Anyone that is inspiring and interesting.
Speakers Corner: On average, how many times a year do you speak at corporate events?
Pete Goss: It very much depends on the year for there are some where I don’t do many as I am away on one of my ‘daft projects’. If I am about it can be anything up to six a month.
Speakers Corner: Do you use powerpoint?
Pete Goss: I use PowerPoint where appropriate as I have lots of lovely pictures which make a nice backdrop to the talk. Sometimes I will drop in some video but it is very short for mood as much as anything. Might sound odd but I also quite like speaking without any support at all – this is often the case with after dinner speeches.
Speakers Corner: Are you as happy speaking to 50 as to 1,000 people?
Pete Goss: Really happy with both as the small numbers can offer an intimate relationship whilst the bigger the better for the feedback in terms of emotion.
Speakers Corner: How do you like to be introduced?
Pete Goss: ‘Pete Goss Cornish Sailor’
Speakers Corner: Do you always like to do a briefing call before the event?
Pete Goss: I insist on it as that is where you have the chance to make it relevant – what messages is it that the client wants the audience to be left with. If it can be arranged I like a face to face.
Speakers Corner: What are the most asked for topics?
Pete Goss: There are the usual headline things like Leadership, Teamwork, Communications, Responsibility, Values and so on but for me it is the subtleties that lie below them and are specific to the client that are important and that is why I like plenty of time to explore this with the client.
Speakers Corner: Is your speech interactive with audience participation?
Pete Goss: I can do whatever the client wants but the norm is to deliver the talk and then do questions so that the story is able to flow and often the questions that come up are answered later in the story so its more efficient that way.
Speakers Corner: Do you have any funny/embarrassing speaking anecdotes you care to share?
Pete Goss: Loads.................................
Speakers Corner: Your favourite film?
Pete Goss: ‘Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘Something’s Got to Give’ followed by Apollo Thirteen
Speakers Corner: Favourite book?
Pete Goss: To Kill a Mocking Bird
Speakers Corner: Favourite holiday destination?
Pete Goss: New Zealand
Speakers Corner: What’s your tipple – wine, beer, champagne?
Pete Goss: Red Wine
Speakers Corner: Country or townie?
Pete Goss: Country – I manage a wood that is a nature reserve and have just completed a Bee Keeping course so that’s next on the list.
For further information or to book Pete Goss, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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