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Storyteller & inclusion strategist

Wajahat Ali

Wajahat Ali helps organizations build inclusive cultures through storytelling, diversity and inclusion strategy, and cross-cultural communication. He works with corporate and academic audiences as a New York Times contributing writer, TED speaker, and Amazon Best Book author.

Trusted by The New York Times, TED, Amazon

Wajahat Ali, Speaker | Author & Memoirist

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Wajahat Ali's biography

At a glance

  • New York Times contributing op-ed writer
  • Author of Go Back to Where You Came From
  • TED speaker and Muslim American advocate
Wajahat Ali is a writer, storyteller, and advocate who challenges audiences to rethink what it means to build an inclusive America through personal narrative and collective action. Ali is a contributing op-ed writer for The New York Times, a TED speaker, and the author of Go Back to Where You Came From, named one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year. His work has also appeared in The Washington Post and The Atlantic. Drawing from his experience as a Muslim Pakistani-American navigating immigration, politics, and parenthood, Wajahat offers audiences a framework for turning personal struggle into community progress. His memoir and talks demonstrate how storytelling can cut through distrust and polarization, giving people practical tools to engage across difference rather than retreat from it. Audiences leave Wajahat's sessions with a clearer understanding of how humor and empathy disarm defensiveness in difficult conversations, strategies for building coalitions across cultural and political lines, and renewed confidence that individual stories hold real power to shift public narratives. Book Wajahat Ali to give your audience both the courage and the roadmap to create honest social change.

Why we recommend booking Wajahat

Ali's work with The New York Times and his Amazon-recognized memoir position him to help teams navigate polarization with practical storytelling tools that build trust across divides. His framework turns difficult conversations into coalition-building opportunities, particularly valuable for organisations managing cultural complexity or stakeholder tension.

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Trusted by The New York Times, TED, Amazon

frequently asked questions

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How do I book Wajahat Ali for my next event?
Email wajahat.ali@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 Wajahat Ali 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 Wajahat Ali'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 Wajahat Ali directly.
What is Wajahat Ali's speaking style like?
Previous bookers say Wajahat Ali connects well with audiences and speaks with clarity, confidence, and ease.
What topics does Wajahat Ali specialise in?
Email wajahat.ali@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 Wajahat Ali 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 Wajahat Ali'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 Wajahat Ali directly.
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. 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.

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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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. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

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!

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