Biography of Neal Petersen

Only a few people have realized their dreams of reaching the stars, but even fewer have sailed alone around the world and in a home built boat! It is an unparalleled adventure, "Around Alone" is the longest race for any man or woman, 27,000 miles in a sail boat, 9 months at sea - alone! Neal's keynote presentations are unique and like no other. He has demonstrated what can happen when one truly lives by goals, planning and preparation, believing that there are no obstacles so great that they cannot be overcome. In sharing his high-impact extraordinary adventure, Neal delivers a powerful message that "In life there are no barriers - only solutions!"

Neal, born in South Africa, has appeared on CNN, National Public Radio, PBS airs a documentary about his life story - No Barriers, the story of Neal Petersen and wrote the award-winning book, Journey of a Hope Merchant. He helped initiate and part fund South Carolina's only investment bank, Sequence Holdings, and founded the No Barriers Education Foundation.

Neal has faced many challenges in life - poverty, discrimination and other obstacles - and responded by looking for opportunities and solutions. His experience shows that imagination coupled with determination to achieve can break through the roughest challenges.

Your audiences will want to hear him explain why he took up these extraordinary challenges. Sailing solo around the world involves not just an exploration of the oceans, but of oneself.

Neal has acquired knowledge across multiple disciplines through rigorous education and training. His description of how to set ones goals and then map the steps to acquire the knowledge and skills to achieve these goals is a compelling story audiences will want to hear.

Neal's accomplishments demonstrate that true exploration isn't just about what you find in the world - it's about what you discover within yourself. It's about an internal journey - that goes far beyond money, fame and recognition - and creates deep, internal satisfaction. Audiences will be eager to hear what Neal learned about himself in his journeys.