John Peters came to the world’s attention in January 1991, when his bruised and battered face flashed onto television screens around the world and his disfigured image 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.
In the years that followed, John has become a speaker of international repute to Corporations, the Public Sector and Charities.
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 and followed Mr Nelson Mandela on stage in South Africa.
He has written two best-selling books and the documentary, ‘Tornado Down’ was Independent Documentary of the Year and a BAFTA Award Nominee.
He has extensive international TV, radio, PR and media experience.
Talking Points
Keynote Presentations
John draws on his unique experience to speak on resilience, agility, leadership, dealing with uncertainty, agility and having a high-performance mindset.Keynote Presentations
Resilient Agility
Leading in uncertainty. Coping with uncertainty
Performance under Pressure
Grit and mental wellbeing
Dealing with the unexpected and managing the pressure?
Resilience, mental toughness and dealing with vulnerabilities.
The mindset of a Fighter Pilot
Video
John Peters | Gulf War POW, Performance Coach & Best-Selling Author | Saxton Speaker
John Peters shares a gripping account of his experience as a Gulf War POW, where he faced harrowing moments, including being shot down, captured, and subjected to brutal physical and psychological torture in Baghdad. His powerful story, broadcast to millions worldwide, became a symbol of resilience. In this video, John unpacks how he transformed his extreme adversity into a foundation for unshakable confidence and strength. As a sought-after Speaker, Performance Coach, and Best-Selling Author, he challenges audiences to embrace failures, adapt to change, and choose their future with intention. Whether you're seeking an inspiring Speaker, MC, or Entertainer, discover more about John Peters' extraordinary journey and insights on the Saxton Speakers website.John Peters on 'Coping and Decision Making Under Pressure' at the Centre of Leadership Performance
Many will remember John Peters from the 1991 Gulf War when, as a prisoner of war, the enduring, iconic image of his battered and bruised face was paraded on television by Saddam Hussein's brutal regime. His ordeal was one of seven weeks of physical and psychological torture, documented in the best-selling Tornado Down. Since that defining moment, John has translated his experience to connect with, and create success for, numerous businesses and organisations. From the heart, he inspires and motivates audiences to succeed when the going gets tough, see opportunity in 'failure', and be resilient in uncertain times.John Peters: Gulf War POW, performance coach and best-selling author of 'Tornado Down'
An introduction to former RAF pilot, Gulf War POW, performance coach and best-selling author of 'Tornado Down' John Peters. Many will remember John Peters from the 1991 Gulf War when, as a prisoner of war, the enduring, iconic image of his battered and bruised face was paraded on television by Saddam Hussein's brutal regime. His ordeal was one of seven weeks of physical and psychological torture, documented in the best-selling Tornado Down. Since that defining moment, John has translated his experience to connect with, and create success for, numerous businesses and organisations. From the heart, he inspires and motivates audiences to succeed when the going gets tough, see opportunity in 'failure', and be resilient in uncertain times.Gulf War POW, RAF pilot & best-selling author John Peters | 2014 Saxton Ultimate Event Experience
Many will remember John Peters from the 1991 Gulf War when, as a prisoner of war, the enduring, iconic image of his battered and bruised face was paraded on television by Saddam Hussein's brutal regime. His ordeal was one of seven weeks of physical and psychological torture, documented in the best-selling Tornado Down. Since that defining moment, John has translated his experience to connect with, and create success for, numerous businesses and organisations. From the heart, he inspires and motivates audiences to succeed when the going gets tough, see opportunity in 'failure', and be resilient in uncertain times.Anyone who has had the privilege of listening to you speak cannot be anything other than impressed by your attitude to life and your determination, courage and integrity. Yours is a gripping ... keep reading West Mercia Police
John Peters - what an inspiration! What I found most powerful was his totally down to earth and dignified approach towards life threatening experiences.
John was great. Probably the most powerful story the audience has ever heard. Quite controversial, but we wanted to stir up the audience and get them really talking and thinking about the messages he delivered in his presentation.
One minute I wanted to cry my eyes out and the next minute you had me laughing out loud... the feedback has been incredible. Twitter has gone mad. Thought provoking, empowering and inspirational are just a few of the words people have used to describe yesterday's event.
I am left with a lasting impression of John Peters, who will remain in my memory as one of the most incredible and emotional speakers that I have ever experienced and had the honour of hearing.
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 for us at the event.
I have never seen the officer cadets so obviously captivated before: it is a feat in itself to keep them awake, but to maintain their interest is almost unheard of! It is only the second time that I've ever heard the cadets give such a prolonged ovation to a speaker at Sandhurst.
I have seen some speakers in my time, but you are the first to provide a presentation that was truly overwhelming. You came across as one of us, a real person and the way you delivered your amazing story and experiences touched the whole audience, as the content was relevant to every single person. It was powerful stuff and I felt very privileged to have even been there.
