Perry McCarthy

Whatever It Takes

Throughout his entire motor racing career, Perry McCarthy was renowned not just for his speed and determination, but for his sense of humor and sideways look at life.

His quick wit and ability to deride himself, and others, has entertained spectators, race guests and even rival teams and drivers, in pit lanes, paddocks and bars across the world.

His popularity has since catapulted him into being in high demand for large and small corporations all over the world. With his unique and alluring style, Perry engages audiences with hilarious anecdotes and tales of highs and lows.

McCarthy’s speeches are fast paced and include stories about his role as the original Stig (from Top Gear), his rise to Formula One, some misadventures at 200 miles per hour and comic sketches on Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, Nigel Mansell, Murray Walker, and of course, Jeremy Clarkson.

Work Ethic and Resilience

Dreams, aspirations, ambitions and targets are wonderful but, if you’re serious about achieving those goals, a great work ethic is equally important. Making things happen can’t be left to the efforts of others, or just plain luck. Within any journey, short or long, there is hopefully success, which needs to be seized and maximized, and there is often failure which needs to be understood and overcome. Both require resilience as an individual or as a workplace culture.

Recognizing and Creating Opportunities

Those who strive for success often focus on their own goals and business. However, valuable opportunities aren’t always only within your own environment. With eyes and ears constantly open and if there’s a chance opening — action it!

Audience Takeaways:

• Recognizing opportunities: Has something happened external to your business that could be neatly tapped into? Has somebody said something in passing that connects? 
• Creating opportunities: Finding things external to your business that act as a multiplier, forming a plan for mutual benefit, and prioritizing contact whoever needs to be contacted. Don’t wait for suggestions—start the conversation and ask the right questions.

Commitment and Communication

Big ambitions require more than a singular vision; they demand teamwork, trust, and effective leadership. Success hinges on clear communication and a sustained commitment to engaging and motivating others. Whether in motor racing or any industry, the leader’s role is to inspire, inform, and earn trust to keep the team aligned and performing at its best.

Audience Takeaways:

• Performance and Determination: Progress is always possible, but it requires persistence and grit.
• Teamwork: Success is never a solo effort—it’s built on collaboration.
• Marginal Gains: Small, consistent improvements can lead to significant results.
• Data in Formula 1: Collecting, trusting, and organizing data is critical for making informed decisions that drive success.