THE SPEAKER WHO COACHES FROM THE ARENA, NOT THE SIDELINES
Peter McKenzie isn't a former executive - he's currently General Manager at a Blackstone portfolio company and Professor at IESE Business School. He delivers framework-driven keynotes on executive presence, strategic communication, and leadership in the age of AI. Your audience gets practical tools from someone still in the C-suite, not motivational talks from someone who left it years ago.
WHY BOOK PETER MCKENZIE
WHAT YOUR ATTENDEES WILL EXPERIENCE
Conference organizers choose Peter McKenzie because he delivers what senior professional audiences actually need: practical frameworks they can implement immediately, not motivational platitudes that fade by Monday morning.
YOUR ATTENDEES WILL LEAVE WITH:
Actionable Tools, Not Theory
Peter doesn't just talk about executive presence - he teaches proven frameworks developed through 25+ years of C-suite experience and refined through teaching at IESE Business School. Your audience gets step-by-step methods for commanding the room, influencing stakeholders, and advancing their careers.
Real-World Credibility
Unlike speakers who left the corporate world years ago, Peter is currently General Manager of a real estate company in the Blackstone portfolio. He faces the same challenges your audience faces - right now. His insights come from the arena, not the sidelines.
High Engagement + Zero Fluff
Peter's anti-BS philosophy means no corporate jargon, no generic advice, no wasted time. Attendees consistently rate his sessions among the highest at conferences because he combines sharp insights with humor, memorable frameworks, and direct answers to tough questions.
Easy Partnership for Organizers
-
Customizes content to your conference theme and audience
-
Professional with simple tech requirements
-
Available for pre-event promotion and post-event follow-up
-
Based in Barcelona, available globally (virtual or in-person)
Proven Track Record
-
50+ conferences delivered across finance, private equity, pharma, and C-suite leadership events in Europe, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Consistently requested to return for future events.
PRIMARY SPEAKER REEL
SEE PETER IN ACTION
Watch Peter deliver 'Optimal Leadership Performance' - keynote excerpts showing his stage presence, audience engagement, and practical frameworks
SEE MORE SPEAKING HIGHLIGHTS AND LEARN ABOUT PETER'S APPROACH BELOW.
FOUR KEYNOTE DESCRIPTIONS
SIGNATURE KEYNOTES
Framework-driven presentations that give your audience tools, not just inspiration
KEYNOTE 1: EXECUTIVE PRESENCE - COMMAND THE ROOM
The practical framework for building executive presence that gets you recognized, respected, and promoted. No theory- just the system Peter uses with C-suite clients at IESE Business School and in private coaching.
Most executives believe hard work should speak for itself. It doesn't. Without executive presence, technically brilliant leaders get overlooked while less capable colleagues advance. This keynote teaches the systematic approach to building executive presence through three dimensions: how you see yourself (In-pression), how you express yourself (Ex-pression), and how others perceive you (Im-pression). Your audience will learn: The three components of executive presence and how to develop each systematically How to prepare for high-stakes meetings, presentations, and negotiations with a proven framework Techniques to project confidence and authority through verbal and non-verbal communication How to manage the inner dialogue that undermines executive presence Strategic approaches to building visibility and influence within their organizations Perfect for: Conferences for C-Suite leaders, Major industry summits, C-suite leadership events, executive development programs Format: 45-60 minute keynote or 90-minute interactive workshop Outcome: Attendees leave with a clear roadmap for developing executive presence and specific techniques they can apply in their next important meeting.
KEYNOTE 2: THE ROCKSTAR LEADER
The 10 traits that separate transformational leaders from middle managers. Based on 25 years of C-suite experience at Citi, Apollo, and Blackstone portfolio companies - and what Peter teaches future leaders at IESE Business School.
Rockstars don't follow the rules - they challenge the status quo and create their own path. The same applies to exceptional leaders. They don't conform to outdated leadership models; they transform them. This keynote breaks down the 10 distinctive traits of transformational leaders—from managing energy rather than time, to building courage for difficult decisions, to creating cultures where people thrive rather than just survive. Your audience will learn: Why "only dead fish go with the flow" and how to challenge organizational inertia The difference between time management (irrelevant) and energy management (everything) How to focus on the 20% of activities that drive 80% of results Building courage and resilience to make difficult decisions under pressure Creating psychological safety while maintaining high performance standards The role of authenticity in building trust and influence Perfect for: Leadership conferences, corporate transformation events, industry association gatherings Format: 45-60 minute keynote or half-day leadership workshop Outcome: Leaders leave with a clear framework for elevating their leadership style and specific strategies for implementing change in their organizations.
KEYNOTE 3: LEADERSHIP IN THE AGE OF AI
As AI handles analysis and automation, the human skills of leadership become more critical than ever. What C-suite leaders must master to remain irreplaceable in the AI era.
AI will transform every industry and eliminate many roles. But it cannot replace the human elements of great leadership: strategic judgment, emotional intelligence, courage under uncertainty, and the ability to inspire teams through change. This forward-looking keynote examines which leadership capabilities become more valuable as AI handles routine cognitive work - and how executives can develop these irreplaceable human skills. Your audience will learn: Which leadership skills AI will enhance vs. which remain uniquely human How to develop strategic judgment that machines cannot replicate Building emotional intelligence and authentic relationships in a digital age Leading through ambiguity when AI provides data but not wisdom Combining AI efficiency with human creativity and innovation Preparing their organizations and teams for AI transformation Perfect for: Industry conferences, Technology conferences, future-of-work events, innovation summits, industry transformation gatherings Format: 45-60 minute keynote or 90-minute workshop with Q&A Outcome: Leaders gain clarity on which skills to develop, confidence about their irreplaceable value, and practical strategies for leading through technological disruption.
COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP - ANCIENT WISDOM MEETS MODERN NEUROSCIENCE
2,000-year-old Stoic philosophy combined with cutting-edge neuroscience reveals the formula for courage, resilience, and calm decision-making under pressure. A unique keynote that competitors cannot copy.
The Stoics—ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—developed frameworks for courage and resilience that modern neuroscience now validates. These aren't abstract philosophical concepts; they're practical tools for managing stress, making better decisions, and leading with clarity during crisis. This intellectually rigorous yet highly practical keynote bridges ancient wisdom with modern science, giving leaders proven techniques for building mental toughness and maintaining composure in high-stakes situations. Your audience will learn: The fundamental Stoic principle: focusing on what you control vs. what you cannot Why "the obstacle is the way" transforms problems into opportunities Neuroscience-backed techniques for managing stress and anxiety Building resilience through adversity using Stoic practices Maintaining perspective and avoiding reactivity during crises Developing the mental discipline of great leaders throughout history Perfect for: Executive leadership programs, resilience and wellbeing conferences, high-pressure industry events (finance, private equity, retail, healthcare, operations) Format: 45-60 minute keynote or half-day workshop with practical exercises Outcome: Leaders leave with immediately applicable techniques for managing stress, building resilience, and maintaining composure - grounded in both ancient wisdom and modern science.
TESTIMONIALS.........
Consistently top-rated at global conferences
From conference organizers and C-suite attendees across finance, private equity, and leadership events
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PETER
HOW PETER WORKS WITH YOUR EVENT
Flexible Formats to Fit Your Agenda
Peter customizes his delivery format to match your event needs and audience size. Whether you need a high-impact keynote, an interactive workshop, panel facilitation, or someone to guide your entire event, he adapts his content and approach accordingly.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS
45-60 minute presentations for 50-1,000+ attendees
High-energy, engaging presentations designed to inspire, challenge thinking, and provide practical frameworks. Perfect for opening or closing conference sessions, or as featured content during main programming. Attendees leave with actionable takeaways they can implement immediately.
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS
90-minute to half-day deep-dive sessions for 20-20
Go deeper into specific frameworks with audience participation, breakout discussions, and practical exercises. These sessions move beyond inspiration to hands-on skill building. Attendees leave with tools they can implement immediately and confidence to apply new techniques.
CONFERENCE CHAIR / MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Guide your entire multi-day event with executive presence and polish
Peter brings executivepresence, wit, and professional polish to guide your entire event. He ensures smooth transitions between sessions, keeps energy high, engages the audience throughout, and ties conference themes together. His ability to think on his feet and handle unexpected moments makes him a reliable choice for multi-day conferences. Audience size: Any
FIRESIDE CHATS
Intimate conversational format with audience Q&A
Less formal than keynotes, more personal and relatable. These intimate conversations explore leadership challenges, career journeys, and practical insights from the C-suite. The conversational format allows for deeper exploration of topics and direct audience interaction through Q&A. Audience size: 50-300 attendees
PANEL MODERATION & FACILITATION
Dynamic panel discussions with audience engagement
Peter brings his executive experience and communication expertise to facilitate panel discussions, ensuring engaging conversations, audience participation, and valuable insights. His ability to ask challenging questions keeps panels dynamic and relevant, moving beyond surface-level discussion to actionable insights. Audience size: Any
VIRTUAL & HYBRID EVENTS
Professional remote delivery with high engagement techniques
Fully equipped for virtual delivery with professional setup, high engagement techniques adapted for online audiences, and experience keeping remote attendees actively involved. Whether fully virtual or hybrid format, Peter ensures the same level of energy and interaction as in-person events.
PHOTO GALLERY
PETER IN ACTION
Speaking at global events across five continents
From intimate workshops to main stage keynotes for 1,000+ attendees
ABOUT PETER MCKENZIE
COACHING FROM THE ARENA, NOT THE SIDELINES
Peter McKenzie isn't a former executive reminiscing about past glory - he's currently in the game. As General Manager of a real estate company in the Blackstone portfolio, he faces the same leadership challenges, organisational politics, and high-stakes decisions that his audiences navigate daily.
This real-world credibility, combined with 25+ years of C-suite experience at Citigroup and in portfolio companies of Apollo Global Management and Blackstone, gives Peter a perspective that theoretical leadership experts simply cannot match. He knows what works in the arena because he's still competing in it.
FROM THE C-SUITE TO THE CLASSROOM
As a communications coach and professor at IESE Business School - one of Europe's top-ranked business schools - Peter teaches communications and executive coaching to MBA students and executive education participants. This dual role as both practitioner and educator allows him to translate complex leadership concepts into practical frameworks that executives can implement immediately.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP
Peter practices what he preaches about sustainable high performance. A marathon runner and student of Stoic philosophy, he integrates physical wellness, mental clarity, and ancient wisdom into his leadership approach. This isn't feel-good theory - it's practical methodology for maintaining executive presence and decision-making quality under pressure.
THE ANTI-BS PHILOSOPHY
Peter's speaking style reflects his personality: direct, practical, no corporate jargon. He doesn't deal in buzzwords like "unleash your potential" or generic platitudes about leadership. Instead, he provides concrete frameworks, real examples from his own successes and failures, and actionable strategies that audiences can use the following Monday.
His philosophy is simple: "Only dead fish go with the flow." He challenges audiences to question the status quo, focus on what truly matters (the 20% that drives 80% of results), and build the courage to lead authentically rather than conforming to outdated leadership models.
GLOBAL SPEAKING EXPERIENCE
Peter has delivered 50+ keynotes and workshops across five continents, speaking at private equity forums, finance summits, HR conferences, and corporate leadership events. He's consistently rated among the top speakers for his engaging delivery, practical content, and ability to challenge thinking while keeping audiences entertained.
Whether addressing 50 executives in a workshop or 1,000+ attendees at a major conference, Peter delivers the same thing: frameworks that work, insights from the arena, and zero BS.
BOOK PETER FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT
Ready to Bring Executive Presence Expertise to Your Conference?
Peter McKenzie delivers keynotes, workshops, and conference chair services that combine C-suite credibility with practical frameworks your audience will actually use. Whether you're planning a finance summit, private equity forum, HR conference, or executive leadership event, Peter customises his content to match your theme and audience needs.
What happens next:
-
Schedule a brief call to discuss your event, audience, and objectives
-
Review options - keynote topics, formats, and customisation possibilities
-
Receive proposal with pricing and logistics tailored to your event