“Failed in London, Try Hong Kong”
Peter Olsen was born in London in the middle of World War II. With a bigamist father on the run and the untimely death of his mother, Peter lived a tumultuous childhood in a cold-water flat. Despite abject poverty, violence and family dysfunction, he found his footing working for the maker of Matchbox toys.
In 1972, Peter’s career with the firm took him to Hong Kong. Then, just as he was adjusting to a strange new life, Matchbox went bust. Undeterred, he turned crisis into opportunity by founding his own company, building a US$95 million enterprise.
But while successful at work, Peter’s personal life began to unravel. The demands of business took a toll on his relationships. At the age of 52, he succumbed to the pressure, turning to cocaine – a decision that marked the beginning of a six-year descent into addiction. The cost was devastating: the collapse of his marriage and irreparable damage to his business, resulting in reputational and financial ruin. In 2001, after hitting rock bottom, Peter sought help at a rehab facility.
Today in recovery, he is an active supporter of several charities close to his heart, and he is one of the most sought-after speakers on recovery, captivating audiences worldwide with his raw, honest storytelling. Drawing from his own journey, he inspires others to embrace gratitude, forgiveness and resilience as tools for overcoming adversity and creating meaningful change.