Dame Stella Rimington: Former Head MI5
- Travels from: London, UK
- **Fee range: On Request
Keynote Topics
Suggested Topics
- MY LIFE AS THE SPYING DAME
- LEADING AS A WOMAN IN A MAN’S WORLD
- Leadership & Change
- Political & Current Affairs
- Counter Espionage & Counter Terrorism
- Women Pursuing Professional Careers
Read Full Bio
Dame Stella Rimington DCB is the former Director General of the Security Service (MI5). She has published several acclaimed novels and a best-selling autobiography, “Open Secret” (Arrow, 2002).
She joined the Security Service in 1969 as a full time employee. An expert on managing risk, she worked in counter subversion, counter espionage and counter terrorism, becoming successively director of all three branches.
Dame Stella Rimington was appointed Director General of MI5 in 1992, the first woman to hold the post and the first Director General to be publicly named. During her time as Director General she pursued a policy of greater openness for MI5, giving the 1994 Dimbleby Lecture on BBC TV and several other public lectures, and publishing a booklet about the Service.
Retiring from MI5 in April 1996, Dame Stella Rimington went on to write novels that blended issues of terrorism, risk, class and gender. “At Risk” (Arrow, 2004) mixes East End gangsters, hierarchy and the role of women in government organisations; “Secret Asset” (Arrow, 2006) plots the task of an MI5 intelligence officer in the search for a terrorist bent on bringing down the British establishment.
Her most recent novels are “Rip Tide” (2012) and “The Geneva Trap” (2013). “Close Call” (the 8th novel about her principal character, Liz Carlyle) will be published in July this year.
Dame Stella is currently an Associate Director of CPS, where she does executive coaching and mentoring. In 2011, she served as Chair of the judging panel for the Booker Prize for Fiction.
During her career at MI5, from 1969-1996, Rimington worked in all the main fields of the Service’s responsibilities – counter-subversion, counter-espionage and counter-terrorism – and became Director of all three Branches. She led the Service’s counter-espionage work in the closing days of the Cold War when the intelligence services of the Soviet Union and her Warsaw pact allies were engaged in a strong assault on Britain’s secrets.
As the Cold War drew to a close, Dame Stella Rimington led a delegation from the Service to establish contact with the former KGB. She was in charge of the Service’s work against international and Irish terrorism at the time of the Lockerbie airline disaster and when the Provisional IRA was actively targeting British military personnel on the continent of Europe.
Former Director General of MI5, Non-Executive Director for Marks & Spencer
First female Director General of MI5
First woman promoted to the rank of Director of a Service
Appointed Dame Commander in 1996
Awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science from Nottingham Trent University
Chair of Judges for the Man Booker Prize 2011
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Dame Stella Rimington | Former Head MI5
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
Overview:
This listing features a highly praised speaker who has made a significant impact on event attendees. Reviewers consistently highlight her humility, engaging personality, and fascinating life experiences, which captivated guests and added great value to their events.
Strengths:
- Charismatic and engaging presence
- Inspiring life story that resonates with audiences
- Positive feedback from all attendees
Weaknesses:
- Some attendees felt inadequate in comparison to her achievements
Overall, she is regarded as a fantastic addition to any event, leaving guests thoroughly impressed and entertained.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (119)
Kemba Smith Pradia went from college student to drug dealer’s girlfriend to domestic violence victim to federal prisoner, and in 1994 she was sentenced to 24. 5 years in federal prison. Kemba’s case drew support from across the nation. Often labeled the “poster child” for reversing a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Motivational Speakers
- (77)
Kumasi Aaron is a dynamic journalist known for her commitment to authenticity and her passion for telling compelling stories. Raised in Florida and named after the city of Kumasi in Ghana, she discovered her love for journalism after a transformative internship experience at ABC News. Kumasi Aaron is currently based in the vibrant Bay Area, […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- News Anchors
- (53)
Joseph Teti is a name synonymous with excellence and resilience in the realm of special operations. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Teti has emerged as a highly decorated combat veteran, renowned for his expertise and unwavering commitment to duty. From the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to other global hotspots, Teti’s journey exemplifies the […]
- Travels from: Charlotte, NC
- Military Speakers
- (5)
Ben Nemtin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? and The Bucket List Journal. Ben is ranked the #2 Motivational Speaker in the World by Global Gurus and starred in The Buried Life, MTV’s highest rated show on iTunes and Amazon. As the co-founder […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (18)
Edgar Perez is one the world’s few business and technology visionaries who can light up a room with insightful and inspiring presentations on the impact of cutting-edge technologies, from 5G to Quantum Computing and from Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity to Web3 and the Metaverse. A published author and energetic keynote speaker, he is also an […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Artificial Intelligence
- (31)
Mary Kelly is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and spent over 20 years on active duty in intelligence and logistics. She retired from the Navy as a commander. She has master’s degrees in history and economics, and a PhD in economics. Mary Kelly has EXPERIENCE, and it’s this experience that helps your […]
- Travels from: Dallas, TX
- Finance Speakers
- (20)
- (3)
Sallie Krawcheck is one of the most influential and respected voices in the financial industry today. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest, a digital-first, mission-driven investment platform for women, she has redefined what it means to empower women financially. Her career spans some of the most significant financial institutions in the world, where she […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Finance Speakers
- (34)
Heather R Younger is the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a prominent figure in the realm of employee engagement and consulting. Renowned as a captivating keynote speaker, Heather brings forth invaluable insights garnered from over 25,000 employee experiences. With a robust background spanning decades in human resources and organizational development, Heather R Younger has […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- Customer Experience
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
