Available to book
David McWilliams
Transform complex economics into actionable insights with David McWilliams, global economic keynote speaker. David equips executives to anticipate market shifts and identify opportunities amid disruption. Award-winning Trinity College professor whose bestseller, Money: A Story of Humanity, has been translated into 21 languages and recognised by the Financial Times and The Economist.
David McWilliams is an economist who transforms complex financial concepts into captivating narratives that resonate with global audiences. His unique storytelling approach makes the "dismal science" accessible and engaging for leaders navigating today's uncertain economic landscape.
As Adjunct Professor of Global Economics at Trinity College Dublin and host of The David McWilliams Podcast, which has reached over 40 million downloads, David has established himself as a trusted voice in economic discourse. His latest bestseller, Money: A Story of Humanity, has been translated into 21 languages and named Book of the Year by the Financial Times, The Economist, and The Observer.
David helps organisations decode economic complexity with practical insights rather than abstract theories. By connecting historical patterns to current challenges, he equips executives with frameworks to anticipate market shifts, understand monetary policy implications, and identify emerging opportunities amid disruption. His remarkable track record includes accurately forecasting the 2008 financial crisis, Brexit, and the rise of populist movements.
Audiences leave David's presentations with a refreshed economic vocabulary to discuss complex issues confidently, practical tools to translate global trends into strategic decisions, and the ability to recognise patterns that signal both risk and opportunity in their specific industries.
Book David McWilliams when you need an economist who makes complex ideas simple and leaves your audience energised rather than overwhelmed.
Topics, sessions and talks
In his engaging presentations, economist and bestselling author David McWilliams transforms the perception of economics from a complex language to an essential toolkit for understanding daily life. He illustrates how economics influences our shopping, saving, voting, and community-building choices. Drawing from his popular podcast and extensive global experience, David emphasises that economics is fundamentally about people. Attendees will leave with a clearer perspective on world events and the ability to explain them effectively, armed with what he calls “social ammunition.”
In this captivating presentation, David McWilliams explores the evolution of money from Mesopotamian clay tablets to Bitcoin wallets, illustrating its role in shaping human civilisation. Drawing from his bestselling book, Money: A Story of Humanity, he emphasises that money is not just a mathematical concept but a social and cultural phenomenon. Attendees will gain insights into how financial systems influence geopolitics and identity, and why understanding money as culture is essential for navigating future economic changes.
David McWilliams transforms complex economics into captivating narratives that equip leaders with practical frameworks to anticipate market shifts and identify emerging opportunities amid disruption. Book this trusted voice in economic discourse to give your team the refreshed vocabulary and strategic tools they need to confidently navigate today's uncertain financial landscape.
Testimonials
Featured Projects
often considered together
Trevor Williams
Economics
Global Economy
Global Issues
Richard Werner
Economics
Global Economy
Corporate Governance
Pippa Malmgren
Global Economy
Geopolitics
Future Trends
frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
David McWilliams structures presentations around narrative arcs that trace economic concepts through historical progression — for example, mapping the evolution of money from Mesopotamian clay tablets to Bitcoin — before connecting those patterns to current market conditions and strategic decision-making. He frames economic theory as a cultural and social phenomenon rather than a technical discipline, equipping audiences with what he terms “social ammunition” to discuss and apply economic ideas in practical contexts.
David McWilliams speaks on economics as a framework for everyday life, the cultural and historical evolution of money, and the intersection of financial systems with geopolitics and identity. His book Money: A Story of Humanity was named Book of the Year by the Financial Times, The Economist, and The Observer, and has been translated into 21 languages.
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.
