Available to book
Eliza Manningham-Buller
Business Strategy
Crisis Management
Negotiation
Transform leadership strategy with Eliza Manningham-Buller, speaker and former MI5 Director General. Eliza equips organisations to navigate uncertainty, manage crisis response, and develop authentic leadership, drawing from her experience leading Britain's security service and the Wellcome Trust.
Thought Leader
Business Leader
Police
Executive
Inspirational
Intelligence Services
Baroness Manningham-Buller LG, DCB, FRS, was the head of Britain's Security Service (MI5) from 2002 to 2007 and later as Chair of the Wellcome Trust from 2015 to 2021. Her leadership spanned critical periods, from counterterrorism to global health crises. Baroness Manningham-Buller's two decades of leadership across different organisations highlight the commonalities in managing unpredictability and safeguarding millions. She stresses the need for leaders to adapt to evolving stakeholder demands and address unforeseen challenges. From tackling threats like climate change and pandemics to promoting diversity and fairness, leaders must navigate a complex landscape affecting organisational success and societal well-being.
During her time at MI5, Baroness Manningham-Buller guided the organisation through significant change, growth, and scrutiny, particularly after the 9/11 attacks and the 7/7 bombings in London. Before becoming Director General, she held various roles, including a stint in Washington during the first Gulf War. She managed responsibilities ranging from Irish terrorism and surveillance to technical collection, finance, and IT. She eventually became Deputy Director General, overseeing intelligence operations. As Chair of the Wellcome Trust, Baroness Manningham-Buller led the UK's largest charity, overseeing funding for scientific research in areas such as infection and mental health and responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Anticipating the pandemic threat, the Trust helped establish the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Baroness Manningham-Buller shares leadership lessons from her extensive career in her presentations, highlighting the importance of honest communication and openness to criticism. She advises leaders to be authentic, take responsibility for their teams, and recognise the value of praise. She also underscores the power of finding humour, even in challenging situations. Baroness Manningham-Buller is a crossbench peer, Co-president of the foreign policy think-tank Chatham House, and was Chair of the Council at Imperial College for four years. She has delivered the prestigious BBC Reith Lectures, where her analysis of the theme 'Securing Freedom' also became the basis for her book of the same title.
Topics, sessions and talks
Baroness Manningham-Buller will discuss how leaders manage change and risk under pressure, handle crises, and build accountable, supportive cultures. She will also cover leading towards goals while under scrutiny and the importance of values-driven leadership. Attendees will learn effective strategies for leadership in challenging times.
Book Eliza Manningham-Buller for unparalleled insights on leadership through crises, from counterterrorism to global health. Her experience at MI5 and the Wellcome Trust offers invaluable lessons on adaptability, authenticity, and resilience. Perfect for inspiring your team to navigate today's complex challenges.
Testimonials
Featured Projects
15,000+ experts
People also viewed
Neil West
Business Strategy
Creativity
Customer Experience
Carme Artigas
Big Data
Innovation
Artificial Intelligence
Robert Hannigan
Cybersecurity
Geopolitics
Risk Management
frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email eliza.manningham.buller@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 Baroness Eliza'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.
Eliza Manningham-Buller draws on two decades of leadership across MI5 and the Wellcome Trust to present case-based lessons, using real institutional examples — including the post-9/11 expansion of MI5 and the Trust's pandemic preparedness work — to ground principles around crisis management, honest communication, and values-driven decision-making.
Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller's session covers leadership under pressure, crisis management, values-driven leadership, accountability, and navigating scrutiny during periods of significant organisational change. She served as Director General of MI5 from 2002 to 2007, guiding the organisation through the aftermath of 9/11 and the 7/7 bombings, and subsequently as Chair of the Wellcome Trust from 2015 to 2021, where she oversaw the charity's response to the Covid-19 pandemic and helped establish the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
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.
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.
Get the right person
Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.
