Available to book
James Mattis
Leadership Development
Geopolitics
Effective Leadership
Strengthen strategic leadership with James N. Mattis, speaker and former U.S. Secretary of Defense. James works with organizations to develop crisis management, build strategic alliances, and enhance military readiness, delivering proven insights from commanding forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and leading Pentagon operations.
Thought Leader
Military
Inspirational
James N. Mattis, born on 8 September 1950 in Pullman, Washington, is a retired United States Marine Corps General and former U.S. Secretary of Defense. Renowned for his strategic insight and leadership, Mattis has a wealth of experience in military operations and global security. His career in the Marine Corps saw him command forces in significant conflicts, including the Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where his decisions and leadership were pivotal. During his tenure as the U.S. Secretary of Defense from January 2017 to December 2018, Mattis focused on strengthening international alliances and enhancing military readiness. His approach to defence policy was marked by a commitment to collaboration and preparedness, which earned him respect both domestically and internationally. Mattis's emphasis on alliances underscored his belief in the importance of collective security and cooperation in addressing global threats. Beyond his military and governmental roles, Mattis is an advocate for intellectual development within the armed forces. He is an avid reader and has shared reading lists to inspire military personnel to engage with diverse perspectives and ideas. This commitment to continuous learning and intellectual growth is a testament to his belief in the power of knowledge and strategic thinking. In his public speaking engagements, Mattis offers valuable insights into leadership, strategy, and the complexities of global security challenges. His experiences provide a unique perspective on the intricacies of international relations and defence strategy. Mattis's ability to distil complex issues into understandable concepts makes his talks both informative and engaging. James Mattis's career and thoughtful approach to leadership and strategy make him a compelling speaker for those interested in understanding the dynamics of global security and the importance of strategic alliances. His insights are particularly relevant in today's rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
15,000+ experts
People also viewed
Robert Gates
Politics
Government
National Security
frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email james.n.mattis@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'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.
James Mattis draws on decades of operational command experience — across the Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq — to distil complex geopolitical and defence strategy concepts into accessible frameworks for civilian and professional audiences.
James Mattis speaks on leadership development, geopolitical strategy, international alliances, military decision-making, and collective security. He served as U.S. Secretary of Defense from January 2017 to December 2018, having previously commanded forces across the Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq as a United States Marine Corps General.
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.
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 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.
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, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.
Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show.
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.
Get the right person
Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.
