Australia's 2024 Keynote Speaker of the Year
Genie of the Podium and Customer Service Excellence Awardee
Bringing wonder back to life, leadership and service
Nourishing the human spirit of organizations across the globe
Peter Merrett is a multi-award-winning luxury hotelier, Australia’s 2024 Keynote Speaker of the Year, and the visionary founder of The House of Wonderful.
With over thirty-five years of transforming luxury hotels, commercial properties, and their teams from status quo to best-in-class, Peter has revitalized the hearts of some of the world’s most recognized brands. His approach transcends KPIs and mission statements, infusing leadership and service with fresh, impactful energy to achieve extraordinary results.
How Peter inspires wonder
Proven strategies to spark team spirit and customer loyalty
Peter’s transformative approach reignites wonder in leadership, culture, and service. With heartfelt encouragement and no-nonsense simplicity, he provides leaders with clear, easy-to-implement strategies to elevate team dynamics and customer experiences—without the need for big budgets or complex systems.
On and off stage, Peter captivates his audiences by sharing lessons and practical techniques he’s honed throughout his career. Whether he’s tying red ribbons around asparagus, hosting potato-peeling competitions with top executives, or wearing a superhero cape over his three-piece suit, Peter’s wonder-filled approach injects appreciation, connection, and humility back into the workplace.
Discover the secrets to becoming best-in-class
Blending wonder and hospitality to define cultures with unforgettable service
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the magic of the moment. Peter helps organizations reconnect with what matters most—building positive, caring cultures where employees feel valued, and customers can’t wait to return.
Peter led his teams to win the United Kingdom’s Hotel of the Year twice, the International Office Building of the Year, and the Best Customer Experience in the World. He brings his custom-made “recipes” to audiences everywhere, to show how wonder isn’t just for children, nor is heart-led hospitality only for esteemed hotels, but a way to inspire workplaces, service, and lives.
Peter's practical insights
A world of lessons as a chef, luxury hotelier and corporate leader
Drawing from three decades of international experience across 11 countries as a chef, luxury hotelier and corporate leader, Peter shares refreshing, real-world lessons. From kitchens to luxury hotels and corporate boardrooms, his stories and strategies inspire leaders to:
- Embrace simplicity and heart in service delivery.
- Foster cultures of appreciation and connection.
- Transform everyday experiences into something extraordinary.
No matter your industry, sector, or role, Peter’s highly tailored speaking, mystery shopping and trusted advisor experiences provide practical ways to redefine service and leadership—and life filled with wonder.
What Peter's clients say
A world class production. It felt like we were special guests at the Cannes Film Festival!
Allan Parker
Director, Peak Performance Development Australia
Your message will forever change the way that I think about work. A must experience for any business who wants to increase employee and customer engagement!
Belinda Falzon
COO, Kingpin, Australia
This was the first standing ovation we have seen in my 10 year history of running the annual JLL America conference. A truly memorable show that touched everyone!!
Dan Pufunt
President, JLL America
Peter makes a great closing speaker for any conference or event, ensuring the audience leaves on a high and with refreshed business ideas.
Dr Neryl East
Expert on credibility, influence, media & communication, Neryl East Communications
Peter set the bar incredibly high and many attendees personally told me that it was the best BOMA event they've been to in over 20 years.
Jarrett Walters
Chief Operating Officer, Hawaiian Building Maintenance
Great presentation, you made me cry (in a good way)! I was moved by the inspirational approach you have to delivering exceptional service.
Kei Lee
Senior Marketing Cloud Consultant, System Partners
If anyone hasn't had the opportunity to experience Peter Merrett you are surely missing out. His mixture of humour and thought-provoking insights kept us captivated from start to finish. It was nothing short of fantastic!
Michael Young
Chief of Security, Ward Village, Honolulu
Peter Merrett is one of the best professional speakers I have ever seen. He received a well-deserved standing ovation at the NSW Chapter Meeting of Professional Speakers Australia - something I've never seen before.
Michelle Bowden
Persuasive Presenting in Business, Michelle Bowden Enterprises
Peter's messages have a childlike innocence that has been tempered by the wisdom of experience and they still resonate with me.
Mirza Shamid
Leadership Development, Strategist, Department of Economic Development
Peter’s 'show’ was a big highlight of the South Africa property convention!
Richard Quest
International Anchor & Business Reporter, CNN
Peter's message of 'Bringing Wonderful to Life' was inspiring, motivational and resonated with our team on both the professional and personal level.
Rob Behrend
Senior Vice President, Auction.com
Peter was absolutely magical as he shared his three keys of Wonder during our first virtual national event. His message was uplifting, inspirational, and completely aligned with our conference vision.
Robert Gebhardt
President-Elect, Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management
Truly the most unique and heart-warming standing ovation I have seen! Peter embodies the craftsmanship of wonderful both on and off the stage.
Sharmila Nahna
Chief of Relationships, Ovations International
Your menu for awakening wonder
Tailored services and experiences designed to create heart-led cultures and exceptional service
Keynote Speaker
Culture and customer service innovation
Award-winning, custom-made presentations that inspire real-world lessons and heart lifting refreshment.
Advisory Services
Elevate experiences and business potential
Hands-on tailored support, guidance, and special advisory experiences – with Peter on your team.
Contact Peter
Ready to Bring Wonder to Your Workplace?