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James Kanagasooriam
Transform data into strategic advantage with James Kanagasooriam, speaker and political analytics expert. James works with organisations to leverage data-driven decision-making and political strategy, delivering pioneering insights as the originator of the "Red Wall" concept and advisor to major think tanks.
James Kanagasooriam is a distinguished expert in data analytics and political strategy, renowned for his unique blend of analytical acumen and strategic foresight. Most famously, he came up with the term and seat list the "Red Wall" in 2019.
He is Chief Research Officer of the AI-enabled research firm Focaldata, having previously co-founded Stack Data Strategy.
With a background in political science and a passion for innovation, James has been instrumental in transforming data-driven decision-making processes across various sectors, including finance, retail, and tech, where his work has earned him recognition as a thought leader in both political and business circles.
From the Scottish referendum of 2014 onwards, James has worked on almost all of the referendums and elections in the UK since, as well as multiple Federal and provincial elections in Canada, the United States, and Israel.
He is a regular contributor to the Times and Radio 4, and sits on the advisory board of centre-right think tank Onward and is a senior researcher at King’s College London.
often considered together
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Robert Wu
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Ian Bremmer
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frequently asked questions
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To book James Kanagasooriam, email james.kanagasooriam@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 James' availability and speaking fee. 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 about your audience.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
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Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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