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Former Defense Secretary & CIA leader

Robert Gates

Transform leadership and security strategy with Robert Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and geopolitical expert. Robert equips organizations with crisis decision-making frameworks and organizational change strategies, drawing from his cross-partisan leadership experience at the CIA, Pentagon, and Texas A&M University.

Trusted by CIA, Pentagon, Texas A&M University

Robert Gates
Robert Gates

Robert Gates

Seattle, United States

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This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Robert Gates

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Seattle, United States

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Robert Gates's biography

At a glance

  • Former US Secretary of Defense serving two administrations
  • CIA Director with extensive intelligence career
  • Former President of Texas A&M University

Robert M. Gates brings insights into global security and leadership drawn from his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Defense under both Republican and Democratic administrations.


As the former Secretary of Defense (2006-2011), CIA Director, and President of Texas A&M University, Gates has navigated complex international challenges at the highest levels of government and academia. His 26-year intelligence career provides him with rare perspective on global security landscapes and institutional leadership.


Gates offers organizations practical strategies for navigating geopolitical uncertainty and institutional transformation. Drawing from his experience managing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he illuminates how leaders can make consequential decisions amid competing priorities and limited information. His cross-partisan approach demonstrates how to build consensus and implement change in polarized environments.


Audiences gain actionable frameworks for strategic decision-making during crisis situations, practical approaches to leading organizational change across resistant bureaucracies, and insights into global security trends that impact business planning and risk management.


Book Robert Gates for a rare opportunity to learn from someone who has successfully led complex organizations through the most challenging global security environments of our time.

Topics, sessions and talks

Leading Through Change: A Fireside Chat With Robert Gates

Robert Gates discusses Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading through change, and partisan politics. Talks are designed to resonate with diverse audiences, offering insights into current events and policy.

Insights And Pragmatism: Robert M. Gates On National Security

Experience the unique insights and pragmatic approach of Robert M. Gates, former United States Secretary of Defense, in a captivating keynote talk. Gain valuable perspectives on foreign policy, national security, and international relations, as Gates shares his expertise and critiques both political parties. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of America's longest-serving defense secretaries.

Why we recommend booking Robert

Robert Gates, former US Secretary of Defense and CIA Director, delivers unparalleled insights on global security, strategic decision-making, and leading organizational change drawn from his cross-partisan government experience. Book this exceptional leader to equip your team with actionable frameworks for navigating geopolitical uncertainty and implementing transformation in challenging environments.

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Trusted by CIA, Pentagon, Texas A&M University

Testimonials

Robert Gates was a great speaker and a very engaging individual. We certainly recommend him for any occasion. Our audience loved him, and he was a real hit at the VIP dinner.

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Robert Gates for my next event?

To book Robert Gates for your event, email robert.gates@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 ASAP to confirm Robert Gates's availability and speaking fee. 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 about your audience.

What is Robert Gates's speaking style like?

Robert Gates draws on case studies from his tenure managing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to illustrate decision-making under conditions of competing priorities and limited information, framing lessons around cross-partisan consensus-building and institutional change within resistant bureaucracies.

What topics does Robert Gates focus on?

Robert Gates covers session themes of national security and foreign policy, leading through change, and partisan politics and international relations. He served as U.S. Secretary of Defense under both Republican and Democratic administrations, making him one of America's longest-serving holders of that office, and previously directed the CIA across a 26-year intelligence career.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No, PepTalk doesn't charge a booking fee. You pay the speaker's fee plus any travel and expenses, which PepTalk confirms upfront in your quote. The shortlist, contracting and event-day logistics are included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

What happens after I send a brief?

PepTalk sends a shortlist of matched speakers within 24 hours, each with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. The more you share about your date, audience, format, objectives and budget, the closer the match. Once you choose, PepTalk handles the contract, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range on a PepTalk speaker profile is a guide to what that speaker usually costs for an in-person event in their home market, shown in their local currency. The final fee depends on format, location, date and session length. Virtual and shorter sessions usually cost less, and international travel and peak dates cost more. PepTalk confirms the exact fee in your currency once it has your brief.

Have all the speakers on the website worked with PepTalk before?

No. PepTalk represents 15,000+ speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers, some booked directly and others through their agents and agencies worldwide. The process is the same for all of them: PepTalk checks availability, negotiates the fee and manages the contract and logistics.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

Book a speaker three to six months before your event. Allow 12 months for large conferences, peak-season dates or a specific in-demand name. PepTalk also fills last-minute and replacement bookings, often within days, so get in touch as soon as you have a date, even at short notice.