Squadron Leader John Peters first captured global attention in January 1991 when his battered face appeared on television screens worldwide. His disfigured image became a powerful symbol of Saddam Hussein’s brutal aggression.
John’s dramatic and harrowing experiences offer deep insights into overcoming our worst fears. His war ordeal was far from what he expected. It turned into a seven-week trial of torture and interrogation, pushing him to the brink of death.
As a renowned speaker, John shares his story with corporates, public sector organizations, and charities. He has represented the British Armed Forces at the National Gulf Memorial Service before Her Majesty The Queen and delivered the Sir James Martin Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society in the presence of Prince Philip. Additionally, he followed Nelson Mandela on stage in South Africa. His best-selling books and the documentary Tornado Down, which earned the Independent Documentary of the Year award and a BAFTA nomination, highlight his extensive media experience.
John speaks on various topics, including:
- Resilient Agility
- Leading and coping with uncertainty
- Performance under pressure
- Grit and mental wellbeing
- Managing unexpected challenges and pressure
- Resilience, mental toughness, and dealing with vulnerabilities
- The mindset of a fighter pilot
During his RAF career, John flew Tornado GR1s across multiple squadrons and led programs on leadership, safety, and human error in aviation. After leaving the RAF, he founded Monkey Business, a management consultancy offering expertise in 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, John received an Honorary Doctorate in Education from the University of Bedfordshire. He is married with two grown-up children and is actively involved as a Trustee of the RAF Club, a RAFA Ambassador, a former Chair of the Association of MBAs, a Patron of KidsOut, and a Governor of Worcester Royal Grammar School.
