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Geopolitics & global affairs expert

Ritula Shah

Transform global perspectives with Ritula Shah, speaker, international affairs and current events expert. Ritula engages audiences on geopolitics, digital transformation and cultural insights, delivering authoritative analysis honed at BBC Radio 4 and trusted by leading think tanks worldwide.

Trusted by BBC Radio 4

Ritula Shah, Speaker | Journalist, Broadcaster, Host
Ritula Shah

Ritula Shah

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

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

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Ritula Shah's biography

At a glance

  • Ex-Lead Presenter of The World Tonight on Radio 4
  • Chair of Panels for BBC's Any Questions
  • Ambassador for the British Asian Trust
Journalist and broadcaster Ritula Shah has worked across a range of radio stations and television news programs. Journalist and broadcaster, chair and event host, Ritula Shah is one of the most recognisable voices on speech radio. As one of the BBC's top radio news and current affairs presenters, Ritula has spoken to politicians, thinkers and newsmakers. Her role as the lead presenter of the World Tonight on Radio 4 and at the BBC World Service has given her a unique perspective on national and international events from 9/11 to Brexit. Her considered approach has enabled her to interrogate and explain why and how stories matter. From the rise of China to mass migration, populism and cryptocurrencies, Ritula has been at the forefront of the coverage and has taken the deep dive for those who want to get beyond the headlines. Ritula has extensive experience in chairing panels, including on the BBC's Any Questions and The Real Story. She also leads major public debates for Universities and think tanks on everything from foreign policy to AI and digital transformation. Ritula has travelled extensively for her work, reporting from countries including China, India, Brazil, the US, Iran and Germany. Her calm and authoritative style has gained her access to secretive Chinese carmakers and the American military base at Guantanamo Bay. Ritula is on the advisory board of the defence and security think tank, the Royal United Services Institute. She's also a trustee of the visual arts organisation INIVA and an ambassador for the British Asian Trust. Ritula currently presents Calm Classics on ClassicFM, indulging her lifelong interest in the arts.

Topics, sessions and talks

Geopolitics: A Multipolar World, What Next?
The age of the unipolar world - when the US had no significant rivals - is over. That brief span of around two decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union and while China was rising, has given way to one in which China presents a formidable military, economic and technological challenge and Russia is dangerously unpredictable. Throw into that mix the financial muscle being exercised by countries in the Arab world, can a rules-based system survive and who gets to make and police them?
Reading the News: Understanding Headlines and Making Sense of the World
Most of the time we can’t even agree on the facts so what is the point of reading the news? When major events erupt at home or abroad, how do we try to understand them? From climate change to conflict, who or what do we believe? There’s plenty of evidence to indicate trust in news is falling and a significant section of the audience is actively avoiding it, either some of the time or all of it. Conspiracy theories and misinformation are corroding our open democratic societies. Ritula Shah makes a case for actively engaging with the news, for sifting facts from opinion and for trying to find the truth.
It's Not Who You Are, It's Who You Become: Breaking Glass Ceilings
A short, brown woman who didn’t smoke: Ritula Shah was a minority when she started working in media and journalism at the end of the 1980s. Her parents weren’t graduates; she couldn’t ski and hadn’t had the benefit of a gap year. But after more than three decades at the BBC, she ended her career as the lead presenter of a prestigious daily radio news programme. How do you gain acceptance when your face or class doesn’t fit the culture of your industry? Why do so many of us suffer from imposter syndrome, and how do you get over it? Personal growth can come from sharing success - Ritula Shah draws on her experience to chart a path for transformation. Accept who you are and focus on who you want to become.

Why we recommend booking Ritula

Book Ritula Shah for her unparalleled insights into global events, drawn from extensive experience interviewing top newsmakers. Her calm, authoritative style ensures engaging and thought-provoking discussions on pressing topics. Ritula's expertise in chairing panels and leading debates makes her an exceptional choice for any event.

Check Ritula's availability

Trusted by BBC Radio 4

Testimonials

Book Ritula Shah for her unparalleled insights into global events, drawn from extensive experience interviewing top newsmakers. Her calm, authoritative style ensures engaging and thought-provoking discussions on pressing topics. Ritula's expertise in chairing panels and leading debates makes her an exceptional choice for any event.

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ritula Shah for my next event?
Email ritula.shah@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 Ritula'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 Ritula Shah's speaking style like?
Ritula Shah structures her sessions around a case-building format, presenting evidence and competing perspectives drawn from her reporting experience before arriving at a reasoned position — as seen in her session on news engagement, where she moves from data on declining trust to a direct argument for active news consumption.

What topics does Ritula Shah specialise in?
Ritula Shah's sessions cover geopolitics and the shifting multipolar world order, media literacy and navigating misinformation, and breaking glass ceilings through personal and professional transformation. She spent more than three decades at the BBC, serving as lead presenter of The World Tonight on Radio 4.

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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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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.

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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.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

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.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

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.

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.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

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.