Squadron Leader John Peters first captured global attention in January 1991 when his battered face appeared on television. His disfigured image became a symbol of Saddam Hussein’s brutal aggression during the Gulf War.
John’s experience, however, offers more than just a glimpse of that moment. What began as a routine mission turned into a seven-week trial of torture and interrogation, pushing him to the edge of death. His journey through this unimaginable ordeal is a powerful lesson in overcoming fear and adversity.
Now, John shares his story with corporate, public sector, and charity organizations. He has represented the British Armed Forces at the National Gulf Memorial Service before Her Majesty The Queen. He also delivered the Sir James Martin Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society, where Prince Philip was present. In South Africa, he followed Nelson Mandela on stage. John’s best-selling books and the award-winning documentary Tornado Down further amplify his message of resilience.
John speaks on topics such as:
- Resilient Agility
- Leading and coping with uncertainty
- Performance under pressure
- Grit and mental well-being
- Managing unexpected challenges
- Resilience, mental toughness, and dealing with vulnerabilities
- The mindset of a fighter pilot
During his RAF career, John flew Tornado GR1s and led programs on leadership, safety, and human error in aviation. After leaving the RAF, he founded Monkey Business, a consultancy focusing on leadership, strategy, and innovation. His clients include Capital One, Virgin Media, NDS, and Lloyds Bank.
John also serves as a Visiting Professor at Kingston Business School and an Associate Professor at RANEPA in Moscow. In 2022, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Education from the University of Bedfordshire.
Outside his professional work, John is deeply involved in charity. He is a Trustee of the RAF Club, a RAFA Ambassador, and a Patron of KidsOut. He is also a former Chair of the Association of MBAs and a Governor of Worcester Royal Grammar School. John is married with two grown children.
