Neal Petersen has completed two amazing journeys in his life: a single-handed yacht race around the world, 27,000 miles, nine 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.

An award winning author, adventurer and global investor, 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, Neal demonstrates how success is realized—through innovation, balancing risk against return and being flexible enough to adapt to constant shifting winds. Neal Petersen has challenged thousands to prevail against their own formidable barriers and setbacks and to turn them into treasures. Neal has “wowed” international audiences with his story and how he related it to their challenges, which typically ends with standing ovations and rave reviews.

Neal understands different cultures having lived in many parts of the world; he is well traveled and has homes in the USA, Dominican Republic and South Africa.

In these challenging times of uncertainly, fear and insecurity rise, many feel like solo sailors, adrift, grasping for survival. Neal lays out the importance of a clearly communicated vision and direction, followed by detailed planning, preparation, passion and execution using his personal story.

Take away values:
• Neal carries a treasure chest on stage to empower others to turn your baggage into treasures.
• Understand the importance of building a solid support structure.
• Innovate — how to capitalize on ever changing winds storms.
• Change - adapt to wind shifts and stormy seas by knowing when to alter course.
• Leverage economic challenges to your advantage—keep pumping, choose a winning course and navigate to your advantage.
• Attitude adjustment - refresh your vision - There are No Barriers ~ Only Solutions!
• Remove personal barriers – get rid of the chips on your shoulder.
• Dreams are the seeds of success, hope is the fuel.
• Elements of success include determination, perseverance and hard work.
• With hope and planning, a dream can become a reality – anything is possible.
• The application of knowledge is POWER.
• Ego can destroy, but passion can build.
• Life is about choice, with choice are consequences ~ chose your course wisely.

As a world, we are facing our "Cape Horn". More than any other time in history, people must have the attitude to be open to finding the many ways to develop the systems that will bring optimum results. We need to be focused, have a solid strategy, create a dependable team, respect the competition and get to the finish line in the most efficient method. In this process, there will be headwinds of resistance, stormy seas of change, or just the immense challenges of having daunting objectives on a limited budget. Neal will help prepare audiences to tackle their barriers, by providing hope, a change in attitude and the vision to navigate these challenging times ahead, not just for today – but, more importantly, the next generation. Strive not only for success ~ but for significance!” “Neal is one of the most inspiring, dynamic and thought provoking speakers you will ever witness, he is mesmerizing.”

"I have been very fortunate to work with Neal Petersen - we brought him in to speak to 3 of our top producer meetings. He is a great speaker and he has found ways to help financial advisors take Neal's experiences and to apply it to their practices in such a way to grow their businesses through the tough times and enjoy the good times." Larry Roth - CEO - Advisors Group, AIG

"Neal, very fascinating! I really enjoyed your keynote and the time I got to spend with you. You have more global-macro insight than the vast majority of advisors that I have had the opportunity to discuss such matters with - for sure." Paul Barr - FSC Leaders Summit - July 2011

"I just wanted to thank you for the great message you shared with our top producers and senior management team. Your entire presentation was right on point with the goals of the meeting and was extremely well received (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... It was a pleasure working with you during the entire process. Thanks for helping us have a successful event. " FSC Securities Corporation

“Neal AMAZING, your story and how you integrated it so well into our organization. I actually thought you were trained to do what we do. Your story obviously was very well received by the standing ovation you were given. Wonderful!” John Hancock Financial Sales Managers Conference
“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 thank for the extraordinary presentation you gave in San Diego to 8,000, but for the follow up presentation you gave in Barcelona with virtually no prep time as well. I truly was in awe of the spirit you drove into the audience and how you made your own journey so very relevant to every person in both locations. You were nothing short of a genius! You generated some of the highest ratings and most positive feedback I have seen in many years of running WW events in this division.” Leslie Benway - IBM