Keynote Speaker and Professional Adventurer
Corporate leadership teams, executive retreats, strategy offsite, sales organizations and conferences focused on resilience, teamwork and performance under pressure.
Harnessing the passion for success
RESOLVE, takes a new look at how to foster passion, then harness that passion to create discipline and to construct a process, which will drive passion and discipline towards significant success.nnWe conduct both our professional (and personal) lives in a turbulent, dynamic, fiercely competitive and often harsh world.
And so, starting a business, meeting an insane sales target, turning a floundering venture around, these are all challenges that are infinitely comparable to trekking to a Pole or rowing an ocean.
The Business world is the new frontier, it is a place of extraordinary adventure, presenting an arena for uniquely challenging expeditions every day.
For the past decade of my life I have taken part in and led many expeditions to some of the most remote desolate and beautiful parts of the planet, and the lessons I have learned are astonishingly transferable to the world of business/sales/marketing/finance Vision, passion, grit, calculated risk taking, survival, collaboration, discipline, leadership, precise planning are as important in the boardroom as they are in the wilderness….although of course an error in the boardroom may not result in your death.
Of all of the attributes I have mentioned, resolve/vasbyt/Nyamezela is the one quality most likely to guarantee success. However, resolve isn’t created in a vacuum, it cannot and does not stand alone.
It grows out of PASSION.nnThis presentation, RESOLVE, takes a new look at how to foster passion, then harness that passion to create discipline and to construct a process which will drive passion and discipline towards significant success.
“If one is resolute about the journey ahead and passionate about achieving one’s vision, then with the right processes in place we can achieve that which has been considered to be impossible before.”
But it will take RESOLVE!
Every venture you embark on, both in a professional and personal capacity, will demand clear vision, dynamic strategy, precise planning and preparation, absolute honesty, integrity, discipline and fearlessness, but above all it will demand GRIT, perseverance!!
We currently conduct our ventures in a turbulent, dynamic , competitive and often harsh world. So how do we adapt and then thrive in this environment? How do we achieve and sustain true success and fulfill our purpose.
My presentation “GRIT” answers these fundamental questions with profound universal principles learned during some of my expeditions.
So if we put the right processes in place and we persevere we will absolutely be able to achieve those things we have considered ‘impossible’ before.
“Every venture in life is going to demand clear vision, dynamic strategy, precise planning and preparation, absolute honesty and integrity, uprightness of character and self discipline, but above all it will take perseverance, nyamazela, GRIT.
If we put the right processes in place, we persevere and never give up on our vision, we absolutely will not fail.”
This presentation is pure motivation and focuses on the 888km unsupported Scott-Amundsen Race to the South Pole with a few anecdotes from the rows across the Atlantic.
Target audience: PURE MOTIVATION!
“Peter’s talk was definitely one of the very best I have heard – and I have heard many! His description of the expeditions he has undertaken are a fantastic example of the vision, planning, courage and discipline required to succeed in any venture.
The talk is filled with insights of leadership, teamwork, focus and the ability to endure almost unbelievable stress and hardship. He is an outstanding example of a truly authentic and humble hero.”
Peter van Kets’ story encompasses a myriad of compelling themes that resonate deeply with audiences:
Peter van Kets is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, professional adventurer and conservation advocate from South Africa. Recognized for pushing the limits of human endurance, he has completed world class expeditions across some of the planet’s most unforgiving environments, including solo rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and navigating the frozen extremes of Antarctica.
These high stakes journeys required meticulous planning, disciplined execution and unwavering mental resilience. Through them, Peter developed a powerful framework for leadership, teamwork and decision making under pressure. His lived experience in isolation, uncertainty and risk forms the foundation of his compelling keynote presentations.
Peter translates expedition tested principles into practical strategies for corporate teams and executives facing rapid change and competitive pressure. His presentations combine gripping storytelling with actionable insights on goal setting, risk management, adaptability and sustained performance. With a strong business and entrepreneurial background, he connects adventure lessons directly to organizational realities, making his message highly relevant to modern leadership challenges.
Peter van Kets is an internationally recognized motivational adventure speaker, whose exploits across the most extreme environments on Earth have provided him with unique insights into the power of resilience, teamwork, and leadership. An established figure in the realm of extreme adventure, Peter has not only survived but thrived in conditions that most would find unimaginable. His engaging keynotes inspire audiences to push their limits and redefine their boundaries of possibility.
Peter van Kets has established himself as a beacon of endurance and determination in the world of extreme adventure. His notable achievements include rowing unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean, a grueling endeavor that demands mental fortitude as much as physical strength. This epic journey not only tested his limits but also showcased his capability to manage and overcome extreme challenges, making him a compelling figure in motivational speaking.
Beyond the oceans, Peter’s adventures span continents. He has competed in the arduous Arctic race, traversing the polar ice caps under some of the harshest conditions on the planet. His experiences in these extreme environments have equipped him with invaluable lessons in perseverance and strategic thinking, themes that resonate deeply in his motivational speeches.
Peter is also an accomplished author and educator. His books and workshops focus on the psychological aspects of endurance and survival, drawing parallels between his adventures and business challenges in the corporate world. His ability to link the lessons learned in the wilderness to everyday life and professional environments makes his insights particularly relevant and impactful.
His role as a speaker is not just about recounting tales of adventure but about imparting practical strategies for overcoming adversity. Peter’s presentations are enriched with narratives that not only entertain but also provide real-world applications, helping individuals and teams to cultivate a mindset geared towards high performance and continuous improvement.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Overview of User Reviews for Peter Van Kets – Inspirational Motivational Speaker
Peter Van Kets is highly praised for his powerful and inspiring presentations, which resonate deeply with audiences. Reviewers highlight his ability to connect real-life success stories to critical business concepts, making his talks both relatable and impactful. His passion for motivating and inspiring change in people's lives is evident, as he tackles essential topics such as vision, planning, teamwork, strategy, conflict management, and perseverance.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Overall, Peter Van Kets is recommended for anyone seeking an uplifting and informative experience that can lead to personal and professional growth.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Shelmina Babai Abji is a TEDx speaker, board member, former vice president at IBM, and an angel investor. She started her career as a software engineer and then moved into sales and sales leadership, leading global teams to deliver over $1B in annual revenues and serving as a key decision-maker in hiring and promoting hundreds of […]

As the founder of the internationally-acclaimed wellness brand Drunk Yoga® (now The Uplift Center), Eli Walker pioneered the wellness entertainment movement to bridge the gap between #selfcare and #communitycare. Now, Eli helps organizations and individuals do the same: break the rules to get over themselves, engage community and spark radical belonging through the power of play. When you […]

Paris Norriss is not your average TV personality and public figure – fuelled by insatiable curiosity and thirst for adventure, this Dubai-based force of nature is unstoppable. From early on in his life, being conventional was never in the cards for him and that’s one of the few things he never dared to try. Growing […]

Best known for his 1985 discovery of the TITANIC, Dr. Robert Ballard has succeeded in tracking down numerous other significant shipwrecks, including the German battleship BISMARCK, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier YORKTOWN (sunk in the World War II Battle of Midway), and John F. Kennedy’s boat, PT-109. While those discoveries have captured the imagination of the […]

There is nothing quite as mesmerizing and as a Water Sphere Acts or Performance. Intriguing and enchanting, our dancers gracefully balance and move within a large transparent sphere, creating a beautiful and fascinating visual experience. Our sphere dancers are world-renowned performers, having danced internationally, as well as on film and TV. The creative opportunities are […]

Henry Evans is the Founder and Managing Partner for Dynamic Results, LLC. In his career, Henry Evans has delivered more than 10,000 hours of Executive Coaching and also, more than 2000 hours of Change Management and Strategic Implementation services to clients. He applies the knowledge and experience gleaned from numerous successes and a failure in […]

Paralympic gold medalist and former world record holder Nate Tucker delivers powerful keynote speeches that inspire lasting transformation. After surviving a traumatic brain injury at age 10 that left him partially paralyzed, Nate defied the odds to become one of the most dominant middle-distance runners in Paralympic history. His keynotes explore the mindset of a […]

Katty Kay is an award-winning journalist and news anchor who brings an instinctively global perspective to her observations on American politics and global affairs – a result of having grown-up living and traveling all over the Middle East, as well as reporting from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. throughout her career. […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Connecting you with the perfect speaker.
We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.
Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel