Available to book
George Tenet
Navigate complex security challenges with George Tenet, speaker and former CIA Director. George works with organizations to enhance crisis leadership, intelligence strategy, and national security expertise, delivering insights from directing America's intelligence operations during 9/11 and Iraq War.


George Tenet is a American intelligence official who served as the Director of Central Intelligence from 1997 to 2004, a period marked by pivotal events in U.S. history. His leadership of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during this time placed him at the forefront of national security challenges, including the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War. Tenet's insights into these critical moments offer a unique perspective on the complexities of global security and intelligence operations. Born to Greek immigrant parents in Queens, New York, George's early life was shaped by his family's diner business, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for hard work and perseverance. He pursued his academic interests at Georgetown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, followed by a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his career in public service and national security. George's professional journey began on Capitol Hill, where he focused on national security issues, eventually transitioning to the National Security Council. His expertise and dedication led him to the CIA in 1995 as the Deputy Director, and just two years later, he was appointed as the Director by President Bill Clinton. He continued to serve under President George W. Bush, navigating the agency through some of the most challenging periods in recent history. In 2007, George published his memoir, "At the Center of the Storm: My Years at the CIA," offering a detailed account of his experiences and the decisions made during his tenure. His story is one of resilience and commitment to public service, providing valuable lessons on leadership and the intricacies of intelligence work. George Tenet's contributions to national security and his firsthand experiences make him a compelling figure in the field of intelligence and global affairs.
Topics, sessions and talks
We teach our children practical skills like tying shoelaces, reading, and riding a bike. We explain the weather, rainbows, and why people work. However, when it comes to the intense and complex emotions they experience, things become vague. Nurturing a child's emotional intelligence is crucial, yet many parents feel lost on how to do this effectively. In this session, Anne will guide parents through the challenges of emotional parenting, helping them teach their children essential life skills for emotional intelligence. Attendees will learn to understand their child's emotions from preschool to pre-teen and gain tools to help their children accept and understand these emotions.
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frequently asked questions
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Email george.tenet@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 George'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.
George Tenet draws on his firsthand experience as Director of Central Intelligence to walk audiences through the decision-making processes behind major national security events, including the September 11 attacks and the lead-up to the Iraq War. He structures his sessions around his memoir, At the Center of the Storm: My Years at the CIA, using it as a framework to illustrate the realities of intelligence work and leadership under pressure.
George Tenet speaks on intelligence operations, national security decision-making, and crisis leadership during pivotal moments in U.S. history. He served as Director of Central Intelligence from 1997 to 2004, leading the CIA through the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War, and later documented his tenure in his memoir At the Center of the Storm: My Years at the CIA.
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