Jonathan Shaw, CB, CBE, is a retired British Army officer and a cybersecurity expert. He was commissioned into the Parachute Regiment in 1981 and was a platoon commander during the Falklands War. His military career advanced after attending the Staff College, Camberley, from 1989 to 1990. He became the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment in 1997 and completed the Higher Command and Staff Course at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in 2000. He was awarded a CBE in 2006, the US Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) in 2009, and was appointed a Companion of the Bath (CB) on his retirement from the Army.
Jonathan held various command roles, including commander of the 12th (Mechanized) Brigade in 2002 and the Multi-National Brigade (Centre) in Kosovo. He was appointed Director of Special Forces in 2003 and General Officer Commanding Multi-National Division (South-East) in Iraq in January 2007. Jonathan later served as Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for International Security Policy and Global Issues, focusing on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Policy, Arms Control, Counterproliferation, and Cyber.
In 2011, Jonathan became the first Head of the Defence Cyber Security Programme at the Ministry of Defence, where he led a £90 million cyber initiative over three years, marking a pivotal shift in his career towards cyber security.
After retiring in 2012, Jonathan became a speaker and advisor, sharing his expertise in cybersecurity and geopolitics at international conferences. He has written several books, including "Britain in a Perilous World: The Strategic Defence and Security Review We Need," and discusses the importance of ethical AI in cybersecurity. Jonathan is recognised for his extensive experience in military operations and strategic development, significantly influencing the UK's approach to cyber threats.
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What topics does Jonathan Shaw specialise in?
Jonathan Shaw specialises in talking about cyber security, military operations, strategic development and more.
What is Jonathan Shaw's speaking style like?
Jonathan engages audiences with thoughtful insights and powerful presentations, inspiring them to think critically and act purposefully. His ability to connect with attendees leaves a lasting impression and adds real value to events. AI summary based on real event feedback.
Does Jonathan Shaw offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Jonathan Shaw offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
Jonathan Shaw, CB, CBE, examines the shifting dynamics of global power in the face of technological change, climate pressures, population shifts and political instability. Drawing on his background in military strategy and international security, he explores how traditional approaches are struggling to keep pace with today’s challenges. He offers a framework for thinking more clearly about global risks, and what kind of strategic mindset is needed to respond effectively in an increasingly unpredictable landscape.
Jonathan Shaw, CB, CBE, unpacks the shifting landscape of cybersecurity through the lens of strategy, resilience, and cultural change. Drawing on his experience as the UK’s first Head of the Defence Cyber Security Programme, he highlights how cyber threats exploit visibility, trust, and supply chain weaknesses. With his signature clarity and strategic insight, Jonathan reveals how organisations can reframe cybersecurity from a technical problem into a leadership priority - arming teams not with fear, but with foresight and practical resilience.
What makes people follow a leader into chaos? Jonathan Shaw, CB, CBE, distils leadership lessons from the frontlines - where trust, humility, and mission clarity mean the difference between success and failure. Drawing from his 32-year military career across elite units and strategic command roles, he challenges traditional top-down models and advocates for adaptive, decentralised leadership. With candour and dry humour, Jonathan shows how the principles of trust, autonomy and example-setting apply just as powerfully in the boardroom as on the battlefield.
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