The 10 Best Risk Speakers to Hire in the UK in 2024 - Official Listings

Risk management is a strategic process of identifying, assessing, and addressing risks to protect financial health. It combines risk assessment and mitigation by pinpointing potential threats, evaluating their impact, and creating strategies to reduce losses.

Source: Forbes 

Why is Risk Management Important for a Business?

Risk management is extremely valuable to an organisation because of the following reasons:

• It Protects Organisational Stability: Shields against financial loss, disruptions, and potential closure.
• It Optimises Decision-Making: Allocates resources to mitigate risks and seize opportunities effectively.
• It Boosts Resilience: Builds adaptability and competitive advantage in uncertain environments.

Source: IBM 

What are Some Steps Businesses Can Take to Safeguard Themselves Against Risk?

Businesses should consider the following before launching new projects & policies:

• Conducting a "premortem" to identify potential risks before starting the change.
• Quantifying risks and set clear thresholds to prioritise response.
• Developing contingency plans and monitor risk consistently.
• Appointing a "risk watcher" to maintain proactive risk assessment and response.

Source: Harvard University 

Who are the Top 10 Risk Keynote Speakers?

The following speakers have been regarded as the highest rated risk management experts based on vetted surveys conducted by Roxanna Farthings from The Motivational Speakers Agency, across 145 events across 2022 and 2024:

• Major General Jonathan Shaw
• Molly Bloom
• Andrew Parker
• Caspar Berry
• Brett Bruen
• Hagai M. Segal
• Jessica Barker
• Andrew Amery
• Olivia Troye
• Chris Voss

1. Major General Jonathan Shaw

Official Rating: 8.9/10

Major General Jonathan Shaw, a former British Army officer, is a renowned cybersecurity expert and the British Army's first Head of Cybersecurity. Commissioned into the Parachute Regiment in 1981, he served in global conflicts like the Falklands, Kosovo, and Iraq. Rising through ranks, Shaw led divisions and became Director of Special Forces. Now a leading keynote speaker, he demystifies cybersecurity, sharing insights from his military and Ministry of Defence experience to help organisations navigate cyber threats effectively.

Official Testimonial for Jonathan Shaw:

Jonathan provided a really interesting round-up at the end of the day. The attendees seemed engaged and interested in his presentation.” – BSI

2. Molly Bloom

Official Rating: 9.1/10

Molly Bloom is a seasoned risk management expert who turned her early adversity into lessons on resilience and calculated decision-making. Transitioning from a promising athletic career sidelined by injury, she ultimately thrived in managing high-stakes poker games with millions on the line and celebrity players. After facing challenges, Molly used her experiences to build a career in public speaking and risk advisory, sharing insights on navigating financial, legal, and reputational risks in high-pressure environments.

Official Testimonial for Molly Bloom:

"Molly hit every note. She held the attention of the entire room for the whole hour as our players were in complete silence and full attention." – Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club

3. Andrew Parker

Official Rating: 8.9/10

Lord Andrew Parker, an authority in risk management, draws from an illustrious career in national security and royal service. As MI5’s Director General, he managed responses to critical terror threats like the 7/7 London Bombings, mastering crisis leadership and risk mitigation. Later, as Lord Chamberlain of the Household, he skillfully oversaw royal events, including Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral. His insights combine real-world expertise with leadership excellence, making him a sought-after keynote speaker on risk and crisis management.

Official Speaking Topics for Andrew Parker:

• Risk
• Crisis Management
• Change Management

4. Caspar Berry

Official Rating: 9.2/10

Caspar Berry is an influential risk management speaker, drawing from his unique background as a former professional poker player and actor. Known for his roles in Byker Grove alongside Ant and Dec, Caspar later turned his skills toward poker, becoming a Las Vegas pro and consultant on Casino Royale. Now, he captivates audiences with insights into risk-taking and decision-making, blending his experiences in business and entertainment to inspire organisations like Google, Barclays, and PayPal.

Official Testimonial for Caspar Berry:

"A really fun and relevant afternoon which looks at business in a very different way. Caspar, your session was fantastic and the highlight of the day. Well done. The PayPal team is still talking about it." - Geoff, CEO, PayPal

5. Brett Bruen

Official Rating: 9.5/10

Brett Bruen is a leading risk management keynote speaker with vast expertise in crisis management and global engagement. With over a decade as a U.S. diplomat and experience as the Director of Global Engagement at the White House, Brett has pioneered influential programs in crisis communication and public diplomacy. His innovative approaches, including counter-crisis management theory, make him a sought-after authority on navigating complex geopolitical risks, providing audiences with actionable insights into global challenges and strategic solutions.

Official Testimonial for Brett Bruen:

"You did an amazing job with your presentation! I really appreciated your perspective and the actionable takeaways you provided."- Virginia International Business Council

6. Hagai M. Segal

Official Rating: 9.7/10

Hagai M. Segal is a distinguished expert in risk management, blending deep knowledge in economics, security, and geopolitics. As a consultant for major institutions like the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Metropolitan Police, he advises on complex global risks, including terrorism and energy markets. Segal’s expertise is valued by corporations and media outlets worldwide, making him a highly sought-after speaker who empowers organisations to navigate international security and economic challenges with confidence.

Official Speaking Topics for Hagai M. Segal:

• Global Geopolitics
• Cyber Terrorism & its Risks
• Crisis Management

7. Jessica Barker

Official Rating: 9/10

Jessica Barker is a renowned risk management and cybersecurity expert, co-founder of Cygenta, and a prominent speaker specializing in the human aspects of cybersecurity. With a background in sociology and civic design, she bridges technical and behavioural insights, making cybersecurity accessible to diverse audiences. As Chair of ClubCISO and advisor to notable cybersecurity summits, she has been recognized among the UK's most influential women in cybersecurity. Barker's work empowers organizations to strengthen cybersecurity through human-centric risk management.

Official Testimonial for Jessica Barker:

"Event went really well and Jessica is a star, a true pleasure working with her!" – IDG AB

8. Andrew Amery

Official Rating: 9.2/10

Andrew Amery is a prominent UK security expert, recognised for leading security operations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With a background in Royal close protection, he managed security for high-profile events, including the Queen Mother's funeral and the Golden Jubilee. At the Olympics, Andrew coordinated with international and domestic agencies, handling diverse threats from cyberattacks to terrorism. Known for his strategic risk management and planning, he has become a respected voice in security and public safety.

Official Speaking Topics for Andrew Amery:

• Security
• Sports & the Olympics
• Leadership

9. Olivia Troye

Official Rating: 9.6/10

Olivia Troye is a renowned expert in national security, risk management, and ethical leadership. Formerly a Special Advisor to Vice President Mike Pence on Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, she became a key figure on the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Known for her principled stance prioritising public welfare, Troye is now a sought-after speaker, offering insights on politics, strategy, and crisis management. Her unique perspective inspires audiences to uphold ethics in complex geopolitical landscapes.

Official Speaking Topics for Olivia Troye:

• Risk Management in the Public & Private Sector
• Political Outlook
• The Future of the Republican Party

10. Chris Voss

Official Rating: 9.4/10

Chris Voss is a renowned risk management expert with a 24-year career as an FBI hostage negotiator, managing high-stakes cases worldwide. His expertise spans global crises, such as negotiations in Iraq and the Philippines, as well as critical domestic incidents, including the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing investigation. Now, Chris shares his negotiation insights with business leaders, teaching effective communication and problem-solving skills through his book “Never Split the Difference” and as founder of The Black Swan Group, benefiting organisations globally.

Official Speaking Topics for Chris Voss:

• Never Split the Difference
• Negotiating Secrets from an FBI Hostage Negotiator
• Two Words that Immediate Transform Any Negotiation

Hire a Top Risk Keynote Speaker Today!

Every business must prepare to safeguard itself from unforeseen circumstances as a rule of thumb. Hiring a risk management or business expert speaker is an excellent way to learn ways in which you can protect your business.

If you wish to hire any of these featured speakers, get in touch with The Motivational Speakers Agency. Simply contact us on 0207 0787 876 or fill out our online contact form.