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Speaker & survival expert

Jessica Buchanan

Transform crisis into resilience with Jessica Buchanan, speaker and survival expert. Jessica empowers organizations to develop change management strategies and crisis response capabilities, delivering powerful insights from her dramatic rescue by SEAL Team Six after 93 days in captivity.

Trusted by SIGINT Systems, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, Bluegrass Business Media

Jessica Buchanan
Jessica Buchanan

Jessica Buchanan

Richmond, United States

Typical fee range

$11k–25k

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

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Richmond, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Jessica Buchanan's biography

At a glance

  • Inspirational survivor of Somali pirate kidnapping
  • Author of Impossible Odds detailing her dramatic rescue
  • Keynote speaker on resilience and overcoming challenges

Jessica Buchanan shares her incredible story of survival and resilience after being kidnapped by Somali pirates and held captive for 93 days. Through her harrowing experience, she learned that the human spirit is unbreakable and we have the strength to overcome any obstacle. Buchanan's story is chronicled in her book, "Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six." She now shares her tools for finding strength and facing challenges with audiences, teaching them to remain hopeful, dig deep, and trust their instincts.


Buchanan offers keynote presentations and training on change management, coping through crisis, and finding strength in any situation. Her powerful storytelling and practical exercises inspire and empower audiences to embrace change and thrive in adversity. Organisations have praised Buchanan's dedication, courage, and ability to captivate audiences with her inspirational story.

Topics, sessions and talks

Coping Through Crisis: How 93 Days With Somali Pirates Prepared Me For COVID-19

Jessica Buchanan shares how her harrowing experience with Somali pirates equipped her with resilience and coping strategies for navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impossible Odds: A Story Of Strength And Survival

Jessica Buchanan shares her story of the impossible odds facing her during her 93 days of captivity by Somali land pirates and her determination and efforts to survive the harrowing and most painful experience of her life. In sharing her story with audiences, she provides to use in everyday life to help find strength in any situation or challenge.

Change Is Your Proof Of Life

Change is inevitable, whether it’s chosen or thrust upon you, but you always have a choice. Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times Bestselling Author, Humanitarian, and Survivor, shares her dramatic rescue by SEAL Team Six after being held hostage by Somali Pirates. Through storytelling and practical exercises, Jessica teaches how to collaborate with change and develop strategies to thrive. Attendees will learn to build a collaborative mindset, redefine change, and find purpose in hardship, empowering them to grow and succeed.

Why we recommend booking Jessica

Jessica's firsthand experience with extreme adversity and her triumphant recovery offer unparalleled insights into resilience, change management, and overcoming obstacles. Her powerful storytelling and practical strategies will inspire and equip your team to thrive in the face of challenges. Booking Jessica will not only captivate your audience but also empower them with the tools to navigate any crisis with strength and confidence.

Check Jessica's availability

Trusted by SIGINT Systems, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, Bluegrass Business Media

Testimonials

Jessica was the very best! Her gripping story kept the ACE Summit audience hanging on every word. Beyond her story is a great person who will provide a rich experience for all who come in contact with her. It was an honor to meet and become friends with Jessica.

John Kelly

CEO, Bluegrass Business Media

Jessica was an EXCELLENT guest speaker for our spouse's breakfast event at the Broadmoor. I was fortunate to meet with her personally before the event and she shared so much about her life, both before and after such a harrowing experience. I was moved to tears when I read her book IMPOSSIBLE ODDS, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the ballroom as she shared her experience with all of us.

Beth Szymczak

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association

Jessica was a fantastic speaker, I know she touched so many in our audience yesterday. Many of our guests came up to me after her presentation and raved. It was an honor to have Jessica tell her story. I will be forever touched her courage and dignity.

Kelley Stachurski

Director, SIGINT Systems

Featured Projects

Jessica Buchanan - Deserts To Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey To (Re)Claiming Our Voice book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Jessica Buchanan for my next event?

Email jessica.buchanan@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 Jessica'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.

What is Jessica Buchanan's speaking style like?

Jessica Buchanan uses first-person narrative of her 93-day captivity by Somali pirates as the structural backbone of her sessions, drawing directly from the events documented in her book Impossible Odds. She pairs this storytelling with practical exercises designed to give audiences transferable strategies for managing change and building resilience.

What topics does Jessica Buchanan specialise in?

Jessica Buchanan speaks on crisis coping, survival under captivity, and adapting to change through personal experience and practical frameworks. She is a New York Times bestselling author whose book, Impossible Odds, chronicles her 93-day kidnapping by Somali pirates and her rescue by SEAL Team Six.

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.