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Available to book

SAS veteran & resilience expert

Ben Timberlake

Transform decision-making under pressure with Ben Timberlake, speaker on risk management and resilience. Ben works with organisations to develop leadership in high-stakes environments, drawing from SAS experience and bestselling author credentials.

Trusted by Jonah X Projects, Channel 4, BBC

Ben Timberlake, Speaker | Security Consultant, Author
Ben Timberlake

Ben Timberlake

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Ben

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Ben Timberlake's biography

At a glance

  • Security consultant and medic in high-risk areas
  • Author of bestselling autobiography High Risk
  • Former SAS operative and undercover mission specialist
Ben Timberlake is a security consultant and medic with extensive experience in high-risk environments, particularly in Iraq and Syria. His insights into decision-making in challenging situations are informed by a career that spans military service, archaeology, and journalism. As a former member of the SAS, he has undertaken undercover missions addressing critical issues such as nuclear terrorism and trafficking, providing him with a unique perspective on resilience and leadership. Ben published his bestselling autobiography, High Risk: A True Story of the SAS, Drugs and Other Bad Behaviour, which chronicles his remarkable journey and the lessons learned from his experiences. His writing has appeared in publications like the Financial Times, The Guardian, and The Economist, and he has produced documentaries for Channel 4 and the BBC. Currently, Ben is engaged in archaeological work in Iraq and Syria, where he focuses on countering the trade in looted antiquities. His academic background includes the study of prehistoric art and the origins of human creativity, informing his belief that our projects can bridge the achievements of our ancestors with contemporary aspirations. As a co-founder of Jonah X Projects, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to exploring and promoting heritage, art, and culture, Ben is committed to celebrating the shared stories that unite us. His dynamic storytelling and profound understanding of human behaviour in extreme situations make him a compelling speaker, offering valuable insights into the psychology of risk and the importance of post-traumatic growth.

Ben's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Adventure & Psychology of Risk
Ben Timberlake explores what draws people to danger and the mental processes behind high-stakes decision-making. Drawing from his experiences in combat, undercover operations, and extreme environments, he examines the neuroscience of risk-taking and flow states, shedding light on how people push their limits. Audiences gain a deeper understanding of resilience, adaptability, and how to apply risk-management strategies in their own professional and personal lives.
Archaeology & Socio-Political Impacts of War
Through first-hand accounts of working in war-torn regions, Ben Timberlake examines the impact of conflict on cultural heritage and the communities that depend on it. He shares stories of archaeological discoveries in Iraq and Syria, the fight against antiquities trafficking, and the role of heritage in shaping national identity. This session highlights how history is weaponised and preserved, offering a thought-provoking look at the intersection of archaeology, politics, and resilience.

Why we recommend booking Ben

Unlock unparalleled insights with Ben Timberlake, a former SAS operative and acclaimed author. His expertise in high-risk environments and human behaviour equips teams to navigate challenges effectively. Book him now to enhance your understanding of resilience and leadership in today’s complex landscape.

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Trusted by Jonah X Projects, Channel 4, BBC

Featured Projects

Ben Timberlake - High Risk: A True Story Of The SAS, Drugs And Other Bad Behaviour book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ben Timberlake for my next event?
Email ben.timberlake@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Ben's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

Ben Timberlake structures his sessions around first-hand accounts drawn from his career across military service, archaeology, and journalism, using these experiences as case studies to illustrate the neuroscience of risk-taking and decision-making in high-stakes environments.

What is Ben Timberlake's speaking style like?
Ben Timberlake structures his sessions around first-hand accounts drawn from his career across military service, archaeology, and journalism, using these experiences as case studies to illustrate the neuroscience of risk-taking and decision-making in high-stakes environments.

Ben Timberlake structures his sessions around first-hand accounts drawn from his career across military service, archaeology, and journalism, using these experiences as case studies to illustrate the neuroscience of risk-taking and decision-making in high-stakes environments.

What topics does Ben Timberlake specialise in?
Ben Timberlake's sessions cover the psychology of risk and high-stakes decision-making, the archaeology and socio-political consequences of conflict, and the trafficking of looted antiquities in war zones. He is a former SAS operative whose autobiography, High Risk: A True Story of the SAS, Drugs and Other Bad Behaviour, became a bestseller.

Ben Timberlake's sessions cover the psychology of risk and high-stakes decision-making, the archaeology and socio-political consequences of conflict, and the trafficking of looted antiquities in war zones. He is a former SAS operative whose autobiography, High Risk: A True Story of the SAS, Drugs and Other Bad Behaviour, became a bestseller.

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What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

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What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

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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. Alongside direct talent, 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.

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When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

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Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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