Robert Guest: GeoPolitical Economist

  • Highlights:
    • Deputy editor of the Economist
    • Speciality Areas:
      Africa, Asia, Business, Europe, Politics, United States
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: London, UK
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

Robert Guest is happy to speak on a variety of topics related to global business or politics.

As the foreign editor of the Economist, he continually travels the globe, researching and speaking on topics such as the rise of China, India, Latin America and Africa, the interplay between politics and business in the USA and Europe, and the way talent and technology are shaping the global economy.

  • Borderless Economics: Chinese Sea Turtles, Indian Fridges and the New Fruits of Global Capitalism
  • The Shackled Continent: Power, Corruption, and African Lives

Robert Guest is Deputy Editor of The Economist, arguably the most influential news magazine in the world. He travels constantly around the world and speaks regularly to CEOs and entrepreneurs in all industries. He is a witty and entertaining speaker, who simplifies complex subjects and spices up his presentations with jokes and first-hand anecdotes.

He is regularly asked to chair conferences or give keynote speeches. Few other speakers can give such a vivid, up-to-date or global perspective on business and politics. Mr Guest has reported from more than 90 countries and lived in six. He has won numerous awards.

As The Economist’s Deputy Editor, Robert helps oversee all the magazine’s coverage of current affairs, from geopolitics to global economics. His previous roles include Foreign Editor, United States Editor and Business Editor.

His previous roles include foreign editor, US editor, business editor, Washington correspondent, Lexington columnist and Africa correspondent. Before joining The Economist, Mr. Guest was the Tokyo correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, and before that he was a freelance writer based in South Korea.

Robert Guest is the author of “The Shackled Continent”, a book that tries to explain how Africa can prosper, and “Borderless Economics: Chinese Sea Turtles, Indian Fridges and the New Fruits of Global Capitalism”, which argues that migration makes the world brainier.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Robert Guest | GeoPolitical Economist

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

  • 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

  • (26)
Nina Sossamon-Pogue

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is a sought-after Motivational Speaker dedicated to researching and sharing how we can all become more resilient and mentally healthy in this era of constant change, being fueled by new technology, massive amounts of new data and machine learning. Nina was a hyper-growth tech executive (2007-2019, Benefitfocus), Emmy-winning television news anchor (1992-2007) and […]

  • Travels from: Charleston, SC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (49)
  • (1)
Brittany Hodak

Brittany Hodak is not just a speaker; she’s a force of nature in the world of business and entrepreneurship. With a remarkable track record of inspiring audiences worldwide, she stands as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. An international keynote speaker and an award-winning business leader, Brittany has left an indelible mark on the […]

  • Travels from: Franklin, TN
  • Customer Experience
  • (145)
Lisa Argen - Image 01 (January 22, 2026)

Lisa Argen is a seasoned meteorologist and news personality, boasting a career spanning two decades in the field of journalism. Throughout her tenure, she has garnered a reputation for her dedication to delivering accurate and insightful meteorological updates to audiences across various platforms. Lisa’s contributions to the field of broadcast meteorology have been widely recognized […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • News Anchors
  • (11)
Sebastian Thrun - Image 02 (January 26, 2026)

Sebastian Thrun is working, through robotics and artificial intelligence, to change the way we understand the world. Formally a fully tenured professor at Stanford, Sebastian Thrun left in 2007 to become a Vice-President and Fellow at Google. He founded Google[x], Google’s hardware innovation shop, to create a factory for moonshots. It generated Google self-driving cars, Google […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (20)
Silvia Garcia

Silvia Garcia, the former International Marketing Director and President of the Happiness Institute at Coca-Cola, is a pioneer in the field of understanding how emotions impact consumer and employee behavior. With her unparalleled expertise, she has inspired millions to revolutionize their approach to sales, customer retention, relationship-building, leadership, and overall success. Silvia Garcia’s insights have […]

  • Travels from: Lille, France
  • Happiness Speakers
  • (37)
  • (6)
Joy Baldridge: Sales Leadership

Joy Baldridge is an unstoppable force in captivating audiences with her dynamic presence and insightful messages. Embarking on her remarkable journey at a tender age, Joy’s audacious spirit and relentless drive have made her a prominent figure in the industry. Her passion for communication and sales has propelled her to the forefront of the speaking […]

  • Travels from: Charlotte, NC
  • Sales Speakers
  • (25)
Chris Hadfield

Colonel Chris Hadfield woke up the world (on Twitter) every day while living aboard the International Space Station for over five months with the words “Good morning, Earth.” Since blasting off from Kazakhstan in December 2012, Hadfield has become a worldwide sensation, harnessing the power of social media to make outer space accessible to millions […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (55)
Will Gill

Look no further than Corporate Event DJ Will Gill. With a unique blend of musical expertise and a knack for reading the room, Will Gill ensures that your conference entertainment leaves a lasting impression. Let’s delve into what makes Will Gill the perfect choice for your next event. DJ Will Gill Will Gill brings a […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • Mobile DJ
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.