Available to book
Rob Shanahan
Team Building
Effective Leadership
Leadership Development
Rob Shanahan helps organizations build high-performance, synchronized teams, drawing on 30 years photographing icons like Ringo Starr and the Rolling Stones. A leadership speaker, he created The ICONS Blueprint and is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted author.
Author
Musician
Artist
Motivational
High Energy
Thought Leader
Rob Shanahan has spent more than three decades as personal photographer to some of music's most enduring icons, including Ringo Starr, the Rolling Stones, and Paul McCartney.
A professional drummer of 35 years, Rob has photographed hundreds of performers, including Christina Aguilera, Sammy Hagar, Sheila E., Elton John, Aerosmith, and Luke Bryan. He is the author of two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted photography volumes, with forewords by Ringo Starr and Sheila E. Rob is also a certified YPO speaker who has addressed organizations including Ideagen, CenturyLink, and Lumen.
That decades-long access gave Rob direct insight into how elite performers sustain excellence under pressure. He built those observations into The ICONS Blueprint, a leadership framework covering resilience and reinvention, team synchronization, and clarity of purpose. Rob now translates the discipline behind legendary performances into practical lessons for business audiences navigating high-stakes environments.
Audiences leave with a clearer sense of how to adapt after failure, synchronize teams the way a tight rhythm section operates, and build the daily habits that sustain long-term success. Through cinematic visuals and firsthand stories from the music industry, Rob makes those lessons memorable and immediately actionable.
Rob turns three decades of backstage access into a leadership story that resonates with any team chasing peak performance.
Topics, sessions and talks
Rob Shanahan spent three decades as personal photographer to icons like Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Christina Aguilera, and the Rolling Stones, watching firsthand how elite performers sustain excellence under pressure. Drawing on those relationships, Rob shares The ICONS Blueprint, a framework built around imagination, self-challenge, seizing opportunity, resilience, and disciplined habits. Through never-before-heard stories and striking visuals, he shows sales teams, executives, and creatives how to move from individual performers to a fully synchronized team.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email rob.shanahan@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 Rob'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.
Rob Shanahan delivers sessions through a combination of cinematic visuals drawn from three decades of backstage photography and firsthand stories from sustained relationships with performers such as Ringo Starr and the Rolling Stones, structured around his ICONS Blueprint framework covering resilience, team synchronisation, and disciplined habits.
Rob Shanahan delivers sessions through a combination of cinematic visuals drawn from three decades of backstage photography and firsthand stories from sustained relationships with performers such as Ringo Starr and the Rolling Stones, structured around his ICONS Blueprint framework covering resilience, team synchronisation, and disciplined habits.
Rob Shanahan delivers sessions through a combination of cinematic visuals drawn from three decades of backstage photography and firsthand stories from sustained relationships with performers such as Ringo Starr and the Rolling Stones, structured around his ICONS Blueprint framework covering resilience, team synchronisation, and disciplined habits.
Rob Shanahan speaks on resilience and reinvention, team synchronisation, and clarity of purpose, drawing on three decades of backstage access to music's most enduring performers. He is the author of two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted photography volumes, with forewords by Ringo Starr and Sheila E.
Rob Shanahan speaks on resilience and reinvention, team synchronisation, and clarity of purpose, drawing on three decades of backstage access to music's most enduring performers. He is the author of two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted photography volumes, with forewords by Ringo Starr and Sheila E.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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