Available to book
Ian Hawkins
Public Speaking
Storytelling
Confidence
Unlock leadership impact and navigate change through powering up your storytelling. Ian Hawkins is a speaker coach and communication expert who helps global organisations strengthen executive presence and audience engagement through narrative-driven communication, coaching Netflix executives and Fortune 500 leaders worldwide.
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Ian Hawkins has worked closely with the world's most influential speakers and biggest brands for over 20 years. His unique background gives him unrivalled insights into how leaders use communication to meet the challenges of AI, business transformation and engaging others. His own story starts with a serious heart condition that historically had a 90% mortality rate. He survived and began a lifelong passion for understanding how personal narratives, storytelling and advocacy shape our lives.
Ian's career began at the UK's largest speaker bureau, where he collaborated with prominent figures from politics, business, sports, and entertainment. In addition to his work in the speaking arena, Ian has worked extensively in the comedy industry both as a writer for BBC comedy shows, including The News Quiz and Loose Ends, as well as working on projects for headline comedians. He has also performed as a professional stand-up comedian across the UK and at prestigious venues such as the Edinburgh Festival and New York City's UCB Theatre. Ian's abilities as a storyteller saw him become Head of Content at an award-winning production company.
His role allowed him to travel globally, making films for the BBC and CBS about subjects from pharmaceutical labs in Gothenburg to water purification efforts in Nicaragua. His experiences have equipped him with unique insights into how communication and audience engagement are used to solve business problems from staff turnover to change management, digital transformation and protecting your reputation in a crisis. Ian's keynotes and workshops go beyond "tips and tricks" for better speaking asking deeper questions about what makes a leader and how the stories we tell shape the world we live in. Ian dedicates his expertise to coaching a wide range of clients, including CEOs, Olympic athletes, entertainers, and politicians. Most recently, he has taken on a new role as the speaking and storytelling coach for Netflix, sharing his expertise with executives and teams on the power of narrative, audience engagement and effective communication.
As the author of three books on speaking and storytelling, Ian continues to work as a moderator, presenter and storyteller at a huge range of events is a respected figure in the field.
Topics, sessions and talks
Ian Hawkins challenges outdated conventions of public speaking by revealing what truly drives connection and influence. With energy and wit, he explores how great communicators engage, inspire and lead through authenticity rather than performance. Drawing from his experience coaching global leaders and writing for top broadcasters, Ian reframes speaking as a key leadership skill. Audiences gain a toolkit of practical insights, fresh thinking and the confidence to speak with purpose - and lead with impact.
As AI reshapes the world of work, Ian Hawkins explores why authentic leadership is more essential than ever. Drawing on two decades in the speaking industry and a unique background in stand-up, scriptwriting and global journalism, Ian reveals how the world’s most influential speakers captivate and inspire. With humour, sharp insight and high energy, he shares powerful techniques to cut through noise, build trust and lead with impact in an age of automation, deepfakes and digital disconnection.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email ian.hawkins@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 Ian'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.
Ian Hawkins structures his sessions around the contrast between performance-based speaking and authentic communication, drawing on case studies from his two decades working with global leaders, broadcasters and comedians to illustrate what drives genuine audience connection. He delivers practical frameworks through high-energy presentation, grounded in his background as a stand-up comedian, BBC scriptwriter and documentary filmmaker.
Ian Hawkins specialises in public speaking conventions, authentic leadership in the AI era, and communication as a leadership skill. He serves as speaking and storytelling coach at Netflix, and has spent over two decades writing for BBC comedy programmes, making films for the BBC and CBS, and coaching CEOs, Olympic athletes and politicians.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.
If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.
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.
No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.
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