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Diplomat, author & political strategist

Rory Stewart

Transform cross-cultural leadership with Rory Stewart, international diplomacy expert and geopolitical strategist. Rory equips organisations to navigate complex political landscapes through actionable frameworks and cultural intelligence. Former UK Secretary of State, award-winning author, and co-host of The Rest Is Politics podcast with Alastair Campbell.

Trusted by Kroll, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Credit Agricole Group, Association of British Insurers, Vodafone

Rory Stewart, Speaker | Writer & Broadcaster
Rory Stewart

Rory Stewart

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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Book Rory

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Rory Stewart's biography

At a glance

  • Former UK Secretary of State for International Development
  • Professor at Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs
  • Co-host of one of the UK's leading podcasts, The Rest is Politics
Rory Stewart combines political leadership, international diplomacy, and cultural exploration to offer rare insight into global governance and cross-cultural understanding. He bridges academic knowledge with practical experience, having worked in conflict zones, led humanitarian initiatives, and held senior political office. Rory served as Member of Parliament for Penrith and The Border from 2010 to 2019 and was an independent candidate for Mayor of London. During his time in government, he was Secretary of State for International Development, Minister of State for Africa, Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs, and the youngest ever Chair of the Defence Select Committee. His earlier diplomatic career saw him posted to Indonesia, Montenegro, and Iraq, where he was Deputy-Governor of two provinces after the 2003 intervention. Beyond politics, he founded and led the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Kabul, revitalising historic districts, establishing schools and clinics, and promoting Afghan crafts internationally. Rory is the author of five books, including three international bestsellers, has presented three BBC television documentaries, and written for leading journals including the New York Review of Books, the London Review of Books, and the Times Literary Supplement. He co-hosts The Rest is Politics, one of the UK’s leading podcast, with Alastair Campbell, where they analyse global events and political challenges. In January 2024, he became the inaugural Brady Johnson Professor of the Practice of Grand Strategy at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs. Rory helps organisations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes by drawing on his diverse experiences in conflict zones, diplomatic missions, and parliamentary politics. His presentations offer actionable strategies for cross-cultural leadership and insights into effective stakeholder engagement across diverse environments. His storytelling approach makes complex geopolitical concepts accessible and applicable. Book Rory Stewart for an uncommon blend of political insight, cultural intelligence, and practical wisdom that transforms how organisations approach global challenges.

Rory's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Rory

Drawing from his extraordinary journey as UK Secretary of State for International Development, diplomat, and cultural explorer, Rory Stewart delivers transformative insights on global governance and cross-cultural leadership that help organisations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes with confidence. Book Rory Stewart for an uncommon blend of political acumen and practical wisdom that will equip your team to turn global challenges into strategic opportunities.

Check Rory's availability

Trusted by Kroll, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Credit Agricole Group, Association of British Insurers, Vodafone

Testimonials

He was as expected, so thoughtful and articulate and offered very detailed and concrete ideas to the audience.

Credit Agricole Group, Credit Agricole Group

A fantastic speaker – thank you for the original recommendation, you were absolutely spot on. Rory was very pleasant to deal with, and our delegates found his address and Q&A session very thought provoking.

Scottish Council for Development and Industry

All our stakeholders were very pleased. It was an excellent speech.

Kroll

Kroll

Featured Projects

The Rest Is Politics Podcast
Occupational Hazards
Politics On The Edge

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Rory Stewart for my next event?
Email rory.stewart@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 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. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Rory Stewart for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Rory Stewart's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Rory Stewart directly.
What is Rory Stewart's speaking style like?
Rory delivers thoughtful, articulate presentations with detailed, concrete ideas. He is engaging, flexible, and authentic, encouraging open discussion and making complex topics accessible and thought-provoking for all audiences.
What topics does Rory Stewart specialise in?
Email rory.stewart@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 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. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Rory Stewart for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Rory Stewart's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Rory Stewart directly.
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 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 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 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, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show.

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.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.