Episode 12. Fear, Control and Choice: Leading Yourself Through the Hardest Moments with John Peters

THIS EPISODE WILL BE LAUNCHING IN APRIL 2026

In this episode, Sarah sits down with former RAF pilot and Gulf War POW John Peters to explore what leadership, resilience and perspective really mean when everything is stripped away. Shot down on the first day of Operation Desert Storm and held captive for seven weeks, John reflects on how he learned to manage fear, pain and uncertainty, and how those experiences reshaped his understanding of success, identity and what truly matters.

The conversation moves beyond survival to examine the quieter challenges of returning to life, navigating sudden public attention, and recalibrating career, purpose and personal relationships. With rare honesty, John shares insights on emotional control, acceptance, and the long-term impact of lived experience, offering grounded reflections for anyone facing pressure, transition or change. His lessons are not about endurance alone, but about perspective – and how to lead yourself, and others, when it matters most.

Key Topics Covered

• The early motivation and personal drive behind becoming a fast-jet pilot
• How intense career focus can quietly disrupt personal life and balance
• Leadership as a practice of adaptation, awareness and decision-making under change
• Mindset, structure and psychological strategies used to survive captivity
• The role of acceptance in managing fear, pain and emotional response
• Navigating public attention and identity in the aftermath of high-profile events
• Reframing life experiences as learning points rather than defining outcomes
• The importance of ongoing learning in leadership and personal development
• The stabilising role of trusted relationships and honest feedback
• Self-understanding as the foundation for meaningful leadership and contribution

John Peters is a former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot, author, and recognised motivational speaker, best known for surviving as a prisoner of war during the Gulf War and co-authoring the notable book 'Tornado Down.' His career has been defined by both remarkable achievements and profound challenges.