John Peters came to the world’s attention in January 1991 during the first Gulf War, when his bruised and battered face flashed onto television screens around the world. It was his disfigured image that 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. By no means a doom and gloom story, his insights are powerful, passionate, emotive & challenging with an innate sense of humour.

John started his career as an RAF fast-jet pilot flying Tornado GR1. Many will remember him from the first Gulf War in 1991 as the bruised and battered POW who was paraded on Iraqi State television. Subsequently, he has written two best-selling books on his experiences; ‘Tornado Down’ and ‘Team Tornado’, and the documentary; ‘Tornado Down’ was Independent Documentary of the Year and a BAFTA Award Nominee.

This experience sparked an international business speaker reputation that has spanned the last 30 years. Of note, he was the sole reader representing the British Armed Forces at the National Gulf Memorial Service, in front of Her Majesty, The Queen, presented the Sir James Martin Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society in the presence of Prince Philip, and has followed Mr Nelson Mandela on stage in South Africa.

In 2000, John retired from the RAF to set up his own management consultancy firm. Working internationally with corporates, governmental and the Third Sector, Monkey Business provides business critical development, consulting and coaching through a leadership lens. John lives in the Worcestershire countryside with his wife, Helen, and dog, Spartacus. His son is a City banker and daughter an Event Manager.