Available to book
Robert Gates
Transform leadership and security strategy with Robert Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and geopolitical expert. Robert equips organizations with crisis decision-making frameworks and organizational change strategies, drawing from his cross-partisan leadership experience at the CIA, Pentagon, and Texas A&M University.
Robert M. Gates brings insights into global security and leadership drawn from his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Defense under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
As the former Secretary of Defense (2006-2011), CIA Director, and President of Texas A&M University, Gates has navigated complex international challenges at the highest levels of government and academia. His 26-year intelligence career provides him with rare perspective on global security landscapes and institutional leadership.
Gates offers organizations practical strategies for navigating geopolitical uncertainty and institutional transformation. Drawing from his experience managing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he illuminates how leaders can make consequential decisions amid competing priorities and limited information. His cross-partisan approach demonstrates how to build consensus and implement change in polarized environments.
Audiences gain actionable frameworks for strategic decision-making during crisis situations, practical approaches to leading organizational change across resistant bureaucracies, and insights into global security trends that impact business planning and risk management.
Book Robert Gates for a rare opportunity to learn from someone who has successfully led complex organizations through the most challenging global security environments of our time.
Topics, sessions and talks
Robert Gates discusses Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading through change, and partisan politics. Talks are designed to resonate with diverse audiences, offering insights into current events and policy.
Experience the unique insights and pragmatic approach of Robert M. Gates, former United States Secretary of Defense, in a captivating keynote talk. Gain valuable perspectives on foreign policy, national security, and international relations, as Gates shares his expertise and critiques both political parties. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of America's longest-serving defense secretaries.
Robert Gates, former US Secretary of Defense and CIA Director, delivers unparalleled insights on global security, strategic decision-making, and leading organizational change drawn from his cross-partisan government experience. Book this exceptional leader to equip your team with actionable frameworks for navigating geopolitical uncertainty and implementing transformation in challenging environments.
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frequently asked questions
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To book Robert Gates, email robert.gates@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 Robert's availability and speaking fee. 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 about your audience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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