Rory Stewart
Transform cross-cultural leadership with Rory Stewart, international diplomacy expert and geopolitical strategist. Rory equips organisations to navigate complex political landscapes through actionable frameworks and cultural intelligence. Former UK Secretary of State, award-winning author, and co-host of The Rest Is Politics podcast with Alastair Campbell.
London, United Kingdom
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Rory served as Member of Parliament for Penrith and The Border from 2010 to 2019 and was an independent candidate for Mayor of London. During his time in government, he was Secretary of State for International Development, Minister of State for Africa, Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs, and the youngest ever Chair of the Defence Select Committee. His earlier diplomatic career saw him posted to Indonesia, Montenegro, and Iraq, where he was Deputy-Governor of two provinces after the 2003 intervention. Beyond politics, he founded and led the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Kabul, revitalising historic districts, establishing schools and clinics, and promoting Afghan crafts internationally.
Rory is the author of five books, including three international bestsellers, has presented three BBC television documentaries, and written for leading journals including the New York Review of Books, the London Review of Books, and the Times Literary Supplement. He co-hosts The Rest is Politics, one of the UK’s leading podcast, with Alastair Campbell, where they analyse global events and political challenges. In January 2024, he became the inaugural Brady Johnson Professor of the Practice of Grand Strategy at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs.
Rory helps organisations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes by drawing on his diverse experiences in conflict zones, diplomatic missions, and parliamentary politics. His presentations offer actionable strategies for cross-cultural leadership and insights into effective stakeholder engagement across diverse environments. His storytelling approach makes complex geopolitical concepts accessible and applicable.
Book Rory Stewart for an uncommon blend of political insight, cultural intelligence, and practical wisdom that transforms how organisations approach global challenges.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
With extensive experience in moderating, participating in panels, and hosting events, our experts ensure every event is seamless and impactful. They skillfully guide discussions, contribute insightful perspectives, and engage audiences with their dynamic presence. Whether moderating a complex debate, offering expertise on a panel, or hosting a major conference, their ability to connect with diverse audiences ensures a memorable and successful event every time.
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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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
We do not accommodate requests for birthday messages or any other personal, non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.
We work with speakers across a variety of fee ranges, giving you the flexibility to choose someone who fits your event's needs. Virtual keynote fees in the UK and Europe typically start at £2,000, while in-person top-tier speakers can reach £25,000. In the US, virtual in-person fees range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the speaker and format, such as after-dinner talks, conference keynotes, Q&As, or podcasts. Comedians generally start at £1,500 or $2,000 for a 20-minute set.
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Reach out for personalised recommendations and detailed information on specific speaker fees. We’re here to offer a tailored service and are always happy to discuss your unique requirements!
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Partnering with PepTalk means elevating your events with our curated roster of top motivational speakers, industry experts, delivering punchy keynotes that leave a lasting impact. From talent selection, to contracts and logistics, we handle it all. We have global expert network, with over 3000 speakers from over 33 countries on our line-up.
We also provide a full range of talent, from event hosts and moderators to interviewers and corporate entertainment, ensuring your event’s success from start to finish.
PepTalk workshops are interactive learning experiences for leaders at all levels, blending theory with practical insights from industry experts. These programs, led by experienced facilitators, are designed to drive real mindset changes and equip participants with actionable skills. Workshops can be customised to meet your organisation's specific needs. Explore our workshop examples and contact us today to learn how your team can benefit.
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