Pete is a sailor, speaker and Oxford Associate Fellow delivering inspiring talks on leadership, teamwork and performance beyond perceived limits.
5 of 5
Pete Goss was truly remarkable. So very engaging and genuine. His story is very moving and heartfelt.
Dentists Choice / Aspen American Insurance
Pete Goss is a former Royal Marine and accomplished sailor whose life has been shaped by challenge, innovation and adventure. With over 300,000 nautical miles sailed and experience in multiple transatlantic and round-the-world races, he brings rare credibility to the stage. Known for his engaging and authentic delivery, Pete shares powerful lessons on leadership, teamwork and resilience drawn from extreme real-world situations. His talks inspire audiences to push boundaries, embrace uncertainty and perform under pressure
Pete Goss is a former Royal Marine turned elite sailor and internationally respected speaker. Across a career defined by challenge and exploration, he has competed in seven transatlantic races and two round-the-world races, logging more than 300,000 nautical miles. Every mile has contributed to a deep understanding of leadership under pressure, teamwork in isolation and decision-making when the stakes are high.
As an Associate Fellow at Said Business School, Oxford University, Pete regularly shares his insights with future leaders. His speaking style is dynamic yet grounded, shaped by real experiences rather than theory.
Pete first captured global attention during the Vendee Globe, the single-handed non-stop round-the-world yacht race. In the middle of a violent Southern Ocean hurricane, he made the extraordinary decision to turn back and rescue fellow competitor Raphael Dinelli. Risking his own life, Pete completed the rescue before continuing the race and finishing in fifth place.
This act of courage earned him the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest award for bravery, an MBE presented by Her Majesty the Queen and recognition as World Sailor of the Year. These moments form the backbone of his talks, illustrating leadership when it matters most.
Throughout his career, Pete has consistently challenged convention. One of his most ambitious projects was Team Philips, a revolutionary catamaran designed to break records. As project leader, he managed a workforce of over 100 people, secured multi-million-pound sponsorships and helped launch new companies.
Although the project ended prematurely due to a storm in the Atlantic, the experience provided powerful lessons in innovation, risk management and navigating complex organisational pressures. Pete translates these experiences into valuable insights for businesses facing uncertainty and change.
Pete’s passion for exploration extends far beyond competitive sailing. He built the 37-foot Cornish Lugger Spirit of Mystery and recreated a historic voyage to Melbourne with his family, including his teenage son. Navigating by the stars and facing the harsh Southern Ocean, the journey tested endurance, teamwork and trust to the limit.
Despite capsizing in a severe storm and dealing with serious injury onboard, the crew completed the journey together. This story stands as a powerful example of resilience, preparation and collective determination.
He has also circumnavigated Tasmania by sea kayak, once again exposing himself to the unpredictable conditions of the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait with minimal communication support.
Pete has led and trained amateur crews for the British Steel Challenge, widely regarded as one of the toughest yacht races in the world. Guiding individuals with limited experience through extreme conditions required clarity, trust and strong leadership.
In his talks, Pete focuses on:
His experiences offer practical frameworks that resonate across industries.
Pete Goss combines compelling storytelling with practical business insight. His presentations are filled with humour, honesty and moments of real intensity, keeping audiences fully engaged from start to finish.
From leading complex projects to surviving extreme expeditions, Pete brings a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed when conditions are far from ideal. His ability to connect experience with actionable lessons makes him a valuable speaker for organisations looking to strengthen leadership, teamwork and resilience.
Whether addressing senior executives, emerging leaders or large conference audiences, Pete delivers a memorable and thought-provoking experience that stays with listeners long after the event ends.
5 of 5
Pete Goss was truly remarkable. So very engaging and genuine. His story is very moving and heartfelt.
Dentists Choice / Aspen American Insurance
Keynote by Pete Goss :
Keynote by Pete Goss:
What happens when turning back is not an option, but going forward might cost everything? Pete Goss takes audiences into moments where decisions are made under extreme pressure, far from support, and with real consequences. Drawing from life as a Royal Marine, round-the-world sailor and expedition leader, this keynote explores what leadership truly looks like when conditions are uncertain, stakes are high and teams must rely on each other completely. Through powerful stories from the Southern Ocean and beyond, Pete connects adventure with the realities of modern organisations.
Takeaways for the audience
Keynote by Pete Goss :
Watch Pete Goss in action
