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Speaker & purpose-driven strategist

Joe Garner

Transform organisational leadership with Joe Garner, speaker and purpose-driven business strategist. Joe works with executives to navigate change, drive digital transformation, and build ethical leadership cultures, delivering insights from leading Nationwide, Openreach, and advising government bodies.

Trusted by Employee Ownership Association, John Lewis, PwC, Nationwide, Openreach

Joe Garner, Speaker | Leader, CEO, Author
Joe Garner

Joe Garner

London, United Kingdom

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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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

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+44 203 835 2929

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Joe Garner's biography

At a glance

  • Former CEO of Nationwide Building Society
  • Advocate for ethical leadership in finance
  • Speaker on technology and customer trust
Joe Garner is a top-tier business leader who has led some of the UK’s most recognisable financial and telecommunications organisations. As Chief Executive of Nationwide Building Society, he navigated the organisation through Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining its customer-first approach while driving digital transformation. Before this, he was CEO of Openreach, key in expanding superfast broadband access across the UK. Joe's career began at Procter & Gamble, followed by leadership roles at HSBC, where he guided the UK retail division through the financial crisis of 2008. He has served on industry boards, advised government bodies, and chaired regulatory panels, influencing key financial and infrastructure policies. In 2023, he was commissioned by the Chancellor to lead a review into the future of payments, with the government committing to his key recommendations. He also serves on the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee. Beyond the corporate world, Joe passionately advocates for leadership with humanity, mental and physical well-being, and ethical decision-making in business. He is a Patron of British Triathlon, a GB age-group competitor, and Chair of the charity Tennis First. His recently published book "52 Hard Learned Lessons for Leaders" shares lessons from a career spent balancing purpose with commercial success. An engaging and thoughtful speaker, Joe brings deep experience from leading complex organisations through change, offering insight into purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and strategy.

Joe's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Ethical Leadership
Joe Garner examines the role of ethical leadership in today’s fast-moving and high-pressure corporate world. Drawing on his experience leading major organisations through economic and regulatory challenges, he explores how integrity, transparency, and purpose can drive long-term success. He addresses the tension between commercial pressures and doing the right thing, offering practical insights into building trust with employees, customers, and stakeholders. His perspective challenges conventional leadership thinking, highlighting the value of ethical decision-making in shaping resilient, high-performing organisations.
Digital Innovation in Financial Services
Joe Garner explores how digital innovation is reshaping financial services, from payments and infrastructure to customer experience and operational strategy. Having led major transformation initiatives in banking and telecommunications, he shares lessons on balancing technological advancement with customer needs, regulatory requirements, and ethical considerations. He examines the risks and opportunities of emerging trends, from AI to digital payments, offering a clear view of how businesses can embrace innovation while maintaining trust and purpose in an increasingly digital world.
The Future of Work
Joe Garner unpacks the changing nature of work, exploring how businesses can navigate shifting expectations, workforce dynamics, and technological disruption. With experience leading large organisations through economic turbulence and digital transformation, he examines what the workplace of the future will look like and what leaders must do to keep up. From flexible working and skills development to maintaining employee wellbeing in an always-on culture, he provides a thought-provoking perspective on creating organisations that are both high-performing and human-centred.

Why we recommend booking Joe

Book Joe Garner to inspire your team with insights on ethical leadership and digital innovation. His expertise in blending technology with customer focus will empower your business to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape while fostering trust and integrity.

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Trusted by Employee Ownership Association, John Lewis, PwC, Nationwide, Openreach

Testimonials

It was a huge privelege to have Joe speak to the John Lewis Partnership leadership team. He was human, honest, and utterly inspiring.

Dame Sharon White

Chair, John Lewis

It was a fantastic way to close the two days and the feedback from all of our clients has been marvellous.

PwC

Joe gave a powerful and very human keynote speech on purposeful leadership, which landed well with our audience, energised the 800+ attendees and was the catalyst for lots of thoughtful conversations.

Employee Ownership Association

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Joe Garner for my next event?

What is Joe Garner's speaking style like?

Joe Garner structures his sessions around lessons drawn directly from his executive career, using named organisational examples — Nationwide, Openreach, HSBC — to ground broader leadership principles in documented institutional experience. His book, 52 Hard Learned Lessons for Leaders, serves as a framework that runs through his speaking, giving audiences a tangible reference point tied to specific decisions made under pressure.

What topics does Joe Garner specialise in?

Joe Garner speaks on ethical leadership, digital innovation in financial services, and the future of work. He served as Chief Executive of Nationwide Building Society, where he led the organisation through Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, and was subsequently commissioned by the Chancellor to lead a review into the future of payments, with the government committing to his key recommendations.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

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.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

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.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

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.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

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.

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

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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

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.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

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.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

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.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.