Speaking
Keynote speaker on history, diplomacy and geopolitics
A speaker who has lived the subject. Owen combines the depth of an academic historian with the practical experience of a former diplomatic adviser and public servant, speaking across the UK and internationally. Audiences value his ability to make complex issues accessible and connect the lessons of history to the challenges of today.
Topics
Three themes, tailored to your audience
Each can be shaped into a keynote, a lecture, a panel contribution or a workshop.
- 01
History and the Modern World
Drawing on over a decade of research, Owen explores how the past continues to shape contemporary politics, international relations, and global security.
- The rise and fall of alliances
- Lessons from war and upheaval
- Democracy, authoritarianism, and political extremism
- The history of diplomacy and statecraft
- Eastern Europe and the making of modern Europe
- Leadership in times of crisis
- 02
Diplomacy, Negotiation, and International Affairs
Having worked at the heart of NATO and the EU, Owen provides practical insights into how influence is built and decisions are made.
- The art of negotiation
- Building influence and consensus
- International security and defence
- NATO and transatlantic relations
- Geopolitical risk and global trends
- Leading through uncertainty
- 03
Leadership, Governance and Democratic Institutions
Owen has spent much of his career working within, and studying, the institutions that shape modern democratic societies. Combining practical leadership experience with historical scholarship, he explores how effective institutions are built, how leaders navigate uncertainty and complexity, and how democratic systems maintain legitimacy, resilience, and public trust.
- Governance, accountability, and public confidence
- The importance of institutions in democratic societies
- Democracy under pressure in Europe and beyond
- The European Union and the challenges of supranational governance
- The relationship between national sovereignty and international cooperation
- Ethics and leadership in public service
Formats
Ways to work with Owen
- Keynote speeches
- Conference presentations
- Panel discussions
- Corporate events
- Leadership seminars
- University lectures
- Historical and cultural events
- Policy and public affairs forums
- After-dinner speaking engagements
Audiences
Who Owen speaks to
- Corporate audiences
- Public sector leaders
- Universities
- Conferences
- Think tanks
- Community organisations
Fees
Fees and how booking works
Fees vary depending on the nature of the event, audience, location, and preparation required. Dr Owen Grey offers keynote speeches, panel participation, workshops, training sessions, and after-dinner speaking engagements. Please enquire for a tailored quotation.
What a fee includes
- A briefing call before the event
- The talk shaped around your audience and occasion
- Questions from the floor, or a chaired discussion
- Travel arrangements handled by Owen
What affects it
- Format and length, from a panel slot to a full-day workshop
- Preparation, particularly for bespoke or technical material
- Travel and time away, especially internationally
- The type of organisation and the occasion
Fees may be reduced or waived for charitable and civic events where the cause is right. If budget is a constraint, say so in your enquiry rather than assuming the answer.
Booking
Common questions
What does Owen speak about?
Owen speaks across three areas: history and the modern world; diplomacy, negotiation and international affairs; and leadership, governance and democratic institutions. Talks are tailored to the audience, from corporate keynotes to university lectures.
What formats are available?
Keynotes, conference presentations, panel discussions, corporate events, leadership seminars, university lectures, cultural events, policy forums and after-dinner speaking. Owen is equally comfortable delivering a keynote, chairing a panel, or facilitating a workshop.
Where is Owen available to speak?
In the United Kingdom and internationally, both in person and virtually.
How do I check availability and fees?
Send an enquiry through the booking form with your event details. You will receive a prompt reply to discuss availability, the right talk for your audience, and fees. Fees vary depending on the nature of the event, audience, location, and preparation required, so Owen quotes for each engagement individually. Fees may be reduced or waived for charitable and civic events.
What makes Owen different from other speakers?
Owen combines the depth of an academic historian with the practical experience of a former diplomatic adviser and public servant, having served at NATO, the EU, UK Parliament and government. Audiences get scholarship and real-world insight in one voice.
Booking
Bring Owen to your next event
Keynotes, conferences, panels, leadership seminars and lectures, in the UK and internationally. Tell Owen about your event and you will get a prompt, personal reply.