Leadership Keynote Speaker for Organisations Navigating Pressure, Change and Uncertainty
From Crisis to Contribution
Peter Baines didn’t set out to become a humanitarian. He began his career navigating the darkest corners of disaster — as a forensic police officer responding to terrorism, mass fatalities, and natural catastrophes across the globe. But it was in the wreckage of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, standing in the silence of Thai temples filled with the lost, that something shifted.
Among the devastation, he met children who had lost everything — and it changed the course of his life. From that moment, Peter traded the crime scene for contribution, founding a charity that would go on to impact thousands of lives.
Today, Peter brings the hard-won lessons of those experiences to the stage — not from textbooks, but from tents, temples, and boardrooms in crisis. His keynote presentations and leadership programs challenge audiences to lead with purpose, navigate uncertainty with courage, and build legacies grounded in service.
33 Marathons.
One EXTRAORDINARY TEAM.
A Lifetime of Lessons.
Peter Baines’ latest book, Together We Can, shares the story of what led him to run the length of Thailand and the two decades of heartbreak, hope, and humanity that paved the way. But this isn’t just a story about running.
It’s about what drives us forward when tragedy strikes.
It’s about the power of purpose, and the people who show up when it matters most.
It’s about how one idea, one person, one community — can create change that lasts generations.
More Than a Speaker. More Than a Storyteller. A Leader Who’s Walked the Path.
Peter Baines doesn't just talk about leadership — he’s lived it in some of the world’s most confronting environments.
Whether he’s speaking on stage, facilitating immersive leadership programs, or writing books that inspire action, Peter helps individuals and organisations lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.
His message is simple: legacy isn’t what you leave behind. It’s what you choose to build today.
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Inspiring Leadership at Every Level
Unforgettable presentations that inspire audiences to lead with purpose and show up when it counts.
Popular topics include:
Leadership in Times of Crisis
Leading with Purpose
Together we Can
Each keynote is tailored to the audience and delivered with Peter’s signature humility, insight, and storytelling mastery.
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Purpose-Led Programs that Create Lasting Impact
Peter works with organisations to build cultures of trust, alignment, and courageous leadership. His programs combine personal reflection with organisational insight — helping teams connect their “why” to real-world impact.
From immersive experiences and bike rides in Thailand to in-house executive workshops, these programs go beyond training — they transform the way leaders show up in the world.
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Stories that stay with you — from disaster zones to boardrooms, and the road in between.
HANDS ACROSS THE WATER
In the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Peter met a group of children living in a tent who had lost everything. That moment became a turning point — the catalyst for founding Hands Across the Water, a charity that has since raised over $40 million AUD and supported more than 1,000 children across Thailand with safe homes, education, and opportunity.
What began as a personal commitment has become a global movement.
Contact PETER
Email
peter@peterbaines.com.au
Phone
0438 145 219
Location
Sydney, NSW