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Speaker & geopolitical expert

Gavin Esler

Transform leadership storytelling with Gavin Esler, speaker and geopolitical expert. Gavin works with business and public sector leaders to leverage political insights and leadership communication strategies, delivering award-winning expertise featured in his bestselling books and acclaimed podcasts.

Trusted by Society of Construction Law, Close Growth Capital, Roche

Gavin Esler
Gavin Esler

Gavin Esler

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

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

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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Gavin Esler's biography

At a glance

  • Award-winning broadcaster and podcaster
  • Former BBC North America Correspondent
  • Bestselling author on politics and leadership
Gavin Esler is a former BBC broadcaster, journalist, and author. He served as the BBC’s North American Correspondent for eight years, based in Washington, where he reported extensively during the Clinton presidency. Gavin has hosted various programmes, including Dateline London and Hardtalk, and left the BBC in 2018 to pursue freelance work. He is the presenter of the award-winning podcast The Big Steal, which focuses on Vladimir Putin. He has received multiple accolades, including a Royal Television Society award and a Sony Gold award. His current podcast series, This is Not a Drill, addresses global stability issues from Ukraine to China. Gavin has authored five novels and four non-fiction books, including How Britain Ends and Lessons From The Top. Lessons from the Top draws on Gavin’s interviews with numerous world leaders, such as Bill Clinton and Angela Merkel, examining how effective leaders use storytelling to influence and inspire change. He frequently shares these insights with business and public sector leaders. In addition to his broadcasting career, Gavin has reported from diverse locations, including China, Cuba, and Iran. He has also been a visiting lecturer at various institutions and organisations, including the British military. After two terms as Chancellor of the University of Kent, he stepped down in 2024. In How Britain Ends, Gavin explores the future of the United Kingdom, questioning what it means to be British in the 21st century. He discusses the potential for the UK to reinvent itself or face dissolution, considering the implications of nationalism and interdependence. Through literature and culture, he examines whether a federal structure could preserve the union or if internal divisions would lead to its end.

Gavin's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Gavin

Book Gavin Esler to engage your team with insightful discussions on global politics and leadership. His extensive experience with world leaders and award-winning storytelling will inspire and provoke thought, making him an ideal choice for fostering intelligent conversations that drive change and innovation within your organisation.

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Trusted by Society of Construction Law, Close Growth Capital, Roche

Testimonials

An interesting, engaging speaker who was perfect for the audience and performed exactly to plan within time. Great.

Society of Construction Law

He brought charisma and flair to the table.

Roche

Featured Projects

Gavin Esler - The Big Steal podcast cover
Gavin Esler - Lessons From The Top: The Three Universal Stories That All Successful Leaders Tell book cover
Gavin Esler - Britain Is Better Than This: Why A Great Country Is Failing Us All book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Gavin Esler for my next event?

What is Gavin Esler's speaking style like?

Gavin Esler draws on interviews conducted with world leaders — including Bill Clinton and Angela Merkel — to examine how effective leaders use storytelling to drive influence and change, translating these findings for business and public sector audiences.

What topics does Gavin Esler specialise in?

Gavin Esler speaks on leadership and storytelling, geopolitics and global stability, and the future of the United Kingdom. He served as the BBC's North American Correspondent for eight years and hosted flagship programmes including Hardtalk and Dateline London, winning a Royal Television Society award and a Sony Gold award.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

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.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

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.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

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.

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

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.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

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.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.