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Former Defense Secretary & strategist

James Mattis

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.

Trusted by United States Marine Corps, U.S. Department of Defense, Pentagon

James Mattis
James Mattis

James Mattis

Seattle, United States

Typical fee range

$51k–75k

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

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James Mattis

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Seattle, United States

Starting from

$51k–75k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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James Mattis's biography

At a glance

  • Retired United States Marine Corps General
  • Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
  • Known for strategic military leadership

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.

Why we recommend booking James

Book James N. Mattis for unparalleled insights on leadership, strategy, and global security. His experience as a Marine Corps General and U.S. Secretary of Defense offers invaluable lessons for strengthening alliances and enhancing organisational readiness.

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Trusted by United States Marine Corps, U.S. Department of Defense, Pentagon

frequently asked questions

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How do I book James Mattis for my next event?

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.

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Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

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.

What happens after I send a brief?

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.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

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

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.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

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.