Julian Fisher
Transform leadership and risk management with Julian Fisher, speaker and intelligence expert. Julian works with organisations to apply espionage techniques in business, enhance strategic decision-making, and build influence, delivering unique insights from his diplomatic and intelligence background.
London, United Kingdom
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Julian's story began in inner-city Birmingham, where he was raised in one of Britain’s most deprived postcodes. Early life presented profound challenges, but, while in hospital, conversations with an Iranian refugee altered his outlook on life. Her story left Julian determined to strive for academic, personal and professional fulfilment.
Julian went on to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University, before entering the British Diplomatic Service. His work took him across East and Southern Africa, and later into the private security sector, where he operated in high-risk environments including Somalia, Congo, and South Sudan. Julian later founded Africa Integrity Services, a private intelligence company focused on the continent.
In 2017, Julian became widely known as the lead trainer on Channel 4’s Spies, which tested civilians on their potential for espionage. His published work draws on the same experience to help readers understand and ethically apply the principles used by intelligence officers, skills such as persuasion, elicitation, and alliance-building.
Through his talks, Julian also offers commentary on international risk, privacy, and threat intelligence, while focusing on the psychology behind espionage and what it can teach us about communication and collaboration. He brings practical knowledge, hard-won wisdom, and sharp insight to each talk, underpinned by a belief that the human element remains at the heart of intelligence work. Julian's sessions blend storytelling with applicable insight, offering a rare window into a world few people experience directly.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
Julian Fisher explores how intelligence officers persuade people to do the seemingly impossible - sharing secrets and risking everything. Drawing from espionage psychology, he reveals the structured techniques spies use to influence, build trust and drive change. With stories from the field and personal experience, Julian offers tools for applying these skills in everyday life, from personal development to professional negotiation.
Through the lens of espionage, Julian Fisher examines how business leaders can develop sharper interpersonal awareness, navigate diverse cultural settings and grow authentic client relationships. He draws parallels between the motivations of intelligence agents and the dynamics of professional partnerships. Audiences gain practical approaches to trust-building, persuasion and communication, drawn from the shadowy world of spies.
With wit and lived experience, Julian Fisher lifts the lid on the practical skills spies use to survive unpredictable situations. From managing chaos in unfamiliar terrain to navigating power dynamics in hostile settings, this talk blends humour with insight. Behind the anecdotes lies a serious exploration of resilience, adaptability and creative problem-solving in the face of uncertainty.
Based on his work in conflict zones and volatile environments, Julian Fisher explores how intelligence professionals assess and manage risk in real time. Blending high-stakes stories with practical advice, this talk reveals how to think like a spy when facing danger or making critical decisions. With style and sharp delivery, Julian encourages audiences to reassess how they perceive threats, uncertainty and control.
This session explores breaking barriers as the key to achieving social mobility. It will discuss the various barriers that individuals face in their pursuit of upward social mobility, such as economic, educational, and cultural barriers. The session will provide insights and strategies on how to overcome these barriers and create opportunities for social advancement. Attendees will benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of breaking barriers and how it can positively impact their own social mobility.
Looking for a custom keynote or workshop designed around your company’s goals and culture? The expert will create a tailored, interactive session that aligns with your objectives, values, and strategic priorities. From leadership and innovation to wellbeing and collaboration, each experience is built from the ground up to deliver measurable impact and lasting change.
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