Contact us 1.800.698.2536
Search by Speaker Name or Topic

Deborah Lee James

23rd Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, President at SAIC, Cybersecurity Expert

Deborah Lee James
Travels From Travels From:
Washington, DC, USA
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
Live Event: $20,000 - $30,000
Virtual Event: Please Contact
More Fee Info
Categories Categories:
Categories Categories:
Business Leadership, Corporate Culture, Cybersecurity, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Female Leadership, Human Resources, Influential Women, Inspirational, Leadership, Personal Growth, Political, Security & Defense, Women in Business, Women's Empowerment
REQUEST BOOKING INFORMATION

Deborah Lee James Biography

Deborah Lee James served as the 23rd Secretary of the United States Air Force from December 2013 to January 2017, managing a $139 billion budget and approximately 660,000 personnel. She was instrumental in directing combat operations against ISIS in the Middle East, bolstering European allies against Russia, and enhancing preparedness on the Korean peninsula. Prior to this, James was President of SAIC's Technical and Engineering sector, a $2 billion, 8,700-person enterprise. Her earlier roles in the private sector included significant leadership positions and corporate restructuring at SAIC, reflecting her extensive background in both government and industry. James also served in the legislative branch of government and the Department of Defense.

James is recognized for her expertise in strategic planning, risk management, public policy, and cyber security, focusing on complex challenges at the intersection of politics, policy, and business. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion, sharing insights and strategies from her experiences in government and industry. She is also an accomplished speaker on topics including national security, leadership in dysfunctional environments, and the commercialization of space. Her recent public engagements include appearances on "The Global Politico," discussing the culture of sexual harassment and sexism, and commentary in "Fortune" about leadership roles filled by women in the U.S. Air Force.

In addition to her speaking engagements, James is the author of "Aim High: Chart Your Course and Find Success," and frequently provides insights on MSNBC, CBS, and other national news programs. She continues to influence through her roles on the boards of Textron, Unisys, and Noblis, and as an advisory board member for Lean In and MIT Lincoln Labs. James's leadership and problem-solving expertise continue to make her a valuable voice in discussions on national security, military readiness, and effective leadership.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Deborah Lee James and other top speakers and celebrities.

BOOK Deborah Lee James

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/04/2024.

Deborah Lee James Speaking Topics

  • A Renaissance in Space

    Access to Space is crucial for the way we live, work, and play in the 21st Century. From the 1960's and the Apollo program, to the present day, Space has undergone a transformation of significant proportions. Deborah discusses today's space renaissance from a commercial to a government perspective and offers thoughts about how companies -• both new and existing -• can become more involved with the Space revolution. She also offers commentary on topical issues in national security, including organizational matters, selling to the government, funding for Space programs, and becoming more resilient in a high-threat environment.

  • Changing Cyber Culture

    Everyone says they want to go digital, so why does it still seem as if Business people and IT people do not understand each other's goals and needs? We used to call it a technology gap, but maybe the disconnect is much wider than that. Could it be that Business folks are from Mars and IT folks are from Venus? Deborah explains the importance of changing cyber culture as part of the digital revolution. Most importantly, she knows what you and your organization must do to create that change.

    ?

  • Diversity and Inclusion

    A key part of talent management in today’s business, academic and business environment is improving policies for diversity and inclusion. Why? All organizations are in a war for talent and need to recruit from the widest pool possible of qualified individuals to join their ranks. All organizations also seek innovation, which in large part stems from diversity of thought. Deborah outlines the business case for diversity and inclusion and offers examples and implementation advice from both her industry and government experience. Deborah can also offer personal experiences on how to achieve a successful work/life balance and how a woman can successfully navigate in a male dominated environment.

  • Commentary on Topical National Defense and Foreign Policy Issues

    As Secretary of the Air Force, Deborah was charged with talent management; readiness and training; technology and modernization; and making her organizations as efficient as possible. She also visited more than 40 partner nations during her most recent tenure in government. She offers up-to• the-minute commentary on the Washington budget scene and topical issues in national security and foreign policy. Deborah talks about controversial topics including: the readiness of today’s armed forces; sequestration; cyber security; space; opening combat jobs to women in the military; making the acquisition process more efficient; and countering the threats posed by ISIS and Russia.

  • Thriving in Dysfunction: Lessons Learned from Leadership and Problem Solving

    Deborah will explore how she managed to convert negative experiences from her personal life into positive lessons which enabled her to get along, get strong, grow into achievement and excellence and, ultimately, thrive as a leader in government, business, as a mother, and as a wife at home. Deborah shares both her struggles and their outcomes, and the problem-solving strategies that she developed along the way that she successfully applied to pressures, threats and challenges that at first seemed daunting and impassable. Hear about Deborah’s success in rising up through the ranks of male-dominated industries and institutions so that her life could be lived to its fullest and happiest, and on her own terms. Her problem solving approach – which she outlines with personal stories from business and government – includes: investigate, communicate, activate, and follow up.

Deborah Lee James Books

  • Aim High: Chart Your Course and Find Success
    Aim High: Chart Your Course and Find Success

FAQs on booking Deborah Lee James

  • How do I book Deborah Lee James to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Deborah Lee James for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Deborah Lee James, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Deborah Lee James or any other speaker of your choice.

  • What are the speaker fees for Deborah Lee James

    Speaking fees for Deborah Lee James, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Deborah Lee James are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Deborah Lee James, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

  • What topics does Deborah Lee James speak about?

    Deborah Lee James is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business Leadership, Corporate Culture, Cybersecurity, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Female Leadership, Human Resources, Influential Women, Inspirational, Leadership, Personal Growth, Political, Security & Defense, Women in Business, Women's Empowerment.

  • Where does Deborah Lee James travel from?

    Deborah Lee James generally travels from Washington, DC, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

  • Who is Deborah Lee James’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Deborah Lee James for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Deborah Lee James for your next private or corporate function.

  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Deborah Lee James or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Deborah Lee James is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as A Renaissance in Space, Changing Cyber Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, Commentary on Topical National Defense and Foreign Policy Issues and Thriving in Dysfunction: Lessons Learned from Leadership and Problem Solving. The estimated speaking fee range to book Deborah Lee James for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Deborah Lee James generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Angelica Malin, Leanne Caret, Jodi Bondi Norgaard, Kristie Kennedy and Caryn Seidman Becker. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Deborah Lee James for an upcoming live or virtual event.

BOOK Deborah Lee James

Tell us about your event!

During normal business hours, we respond to most inquiries within 4 hours.

  • Customized Service

    Our agents find the right fit for your event

  • Unparalleled Database

    Full access to all speakers & celebrities

  • One Stop Shopping

    A reliable and unbiased point of contact

  • Logistics Management

    Your personal Logistics Manager who takes care of all event details

Need Quick Answers?

We are happy to help! Call us to speak with a booking agent about your event or specific speaker request.

Sarah Miller
phone   1.800.698.2536
Our celebrity booking agents can:

  • Gauge interest and check availability for speaking engagements, appearances or corporate events

  • Provide you with the speaking fee to book Deborah Lee James or other celebrity appearance fees

  • Give you personal recommendations for the best keynote speakers or celebrities

  • Assist you with any questions you have throughout the talent booking process

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

TOP