James Glassman

James Glassman

Keynote Speaker: CEO of Glassman Enterprises, Former U.S. Under Secretary of State, Media Executive

James Glassman Biography

James K. Glassman is Chairman and CEO of Glassman Enterprises, LLC, a strategy advisory firm, and a Visiting Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he specializes in economic issues and has been affiliated with the Center for Internet, Communications, and Technology Policy.

In 2008 and 2009, Ambassador Glassman served as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, the intergovernmental lead for strategic communications abroad. In 2007 and 2008, he was Chairman of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors, overseeing the operations of Voice of America and other government-sponsored broadcasting. He was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate for both positions.

From 2009 to 2013, he served as Founding Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute, the policy innovation arm of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. He has also been involved in global health initiatives, including efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and was named chairman of the International Commission to Re-Ignite the Fight to End Smoking in 2020.

Ambassador Glassman has held prominent roles in media, including 11 years as the principal financial columnist for the Washington Post and the International Herald Tribune. He formerly served as president of the Atlantic Monthly magazine, publisher of the New Republic magazine, and executive vice president of U.S. News & World Report. He was editor and co-owner of Roll Call, and has moderated three weekly public affairs series: “TechnoPolitics” and “Ideas in Action” on PBS, and “Capital Gang Sunday” on CNN.

He has authored three books on finance: Dow 36,000: The New Strategy for Profiting From the Coming Rise in the Stock Market (1999), The Secret Code of the Superior Investor: How to Be a Long-Term Winner in a Short-Term World (2001), and Safety Net: The Strategy for De-Risking Your Investments in a Time of Turbulence (2011).

Ambassador Glassman is a graduate of Harvard University, where he was managing editor of the Harvard Crimson. He has served on several government boards, including the Investor Advisory Board of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and has been a senior advisor to corporations such as AT&T and SAP America. Additionally, he is a member of the board of trustees of the Shakespeare Theatre Company and a director of the Making Every Vote Count Foundation.

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

James Glassman Speaking Topics

Persuasion: How to Change Minds

Persuasion is the business ALL of us are in. We are always selling, convincing, trying to get others to do what we want them to do. Glassman draws on his time as the top communications official at the State Department, his years as a newspaper and magazine editor and writer and his experience as host of three public affairs shows on television in this presentation to refute the widespread notion that the best rational arguments prevail. Instead, he shows that people make their decisions mainly on the basis of intuition—an initial, automatic, unthinking response sharing with audiences how to get those responses to work for you. His presentation is very engaging, fun and full of real-life experiences beginning with his opening line “Once upon a time in Paris…”—audiences will leave with practical lessons that they can apply to their business and personal lives.

How to Change Minds.

Drawing on his time as the top communications official at the State Department, his years as a newspaper and magazine editor and writer, and his experience as host of three public affairs shows on television, Jim Glassman shares insights on persuasion and influence. Persuasion is the business ALL of us are in. We are always selling, convincing, and trying to get others to do what we want. In a dynamic and fun keynote, Glassman refutes the widespread notion that the best rational arguments prevail. Instead, he shows that people make their decisions mainly on the basis of intuition – an initial, automatic, and unthinking response – and looks at how to get those responses to work for his audience. He shares stories, movie clips, and quotes that leave audiences learning something new that they can apply to their business and personal lives.

Unfinished Business: The Intersection of Politics, Policy, and the Economy.

James Glassman discusses how Congress’ “kicking the can down the road” strategy (in terms of dealing with potential budget cuts, reduced spending, and tax increases) will ultimately affect the American economy. With the self-evident viewpoint that this strategy is not sustainable, he explains how and when this business will have to come to a head and what the protraction means for the American public now and in the future. He also details his ideas for fixing both the economy and this political process of avoidance.

What's Ahead for the Economy?

As current events show us, there is no topic more urgent today than the fate of the global economy. With experience in business, media, and government, there is no expert more knowledgeable to explain what it all means than James Glassman. Glassman makes a sober, realistic assessment of the current economic situation, but his outlook is generally upbeat. While his experience in government tells him that governmental intervention has a more limited positive affect than most expect, his faith in American entrepreneurship encourages a belief that a recovery may come sooner than the pundits are predicting. Glassman partakes in an engaging question and answer session and answers your questions on:

  • How government action like the stimulus package, tax cuts or increases and measures to shore up financial institutions can help turn the economy around

  • What are the best business and investment strategies to weather the storm

James Glassman Videos

Safety Net: An Interview with James Glassman - YouTube

How do I book James Glassman to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like James Glassman for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for James Glassman, 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 James Glassman or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book James Glassman for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for James Glassman, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $10,000 - $20,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire James Glassman, click the Check Schedule 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 James Glassman speak about?

James Glassman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Journalist, Futurism, Business Growth, Professors, Author, Finance, Economy, Government, Business Consulting and Political.

Where does James Glassman travel from?

James Glassman generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for James Glassman?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like James Glassman 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 Schedule 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 James Glassman 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 James Glassman 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 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.


James Glassman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Journalist and Futurism. The estimated speaking fee range to book James Glassman for live events is $10,000 - $20,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. James Glassman 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 Jason Schenker, Daniel Altman and Adam Nash. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling James Glassman for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 29/05/2025.

James Glassman Speaking Topics

  • Persuasion: How to Change Minds

    Persuasion is the business ALL of us are in. We are always selling, convincing, trying to get others to do what we want them to do. Glassman draws on his time as the top communications official at the State Department, his years as a newspaper and magazine editor and writer and his experience as host of three public affairs shows on television in this presentation to refute the widespread notion that the best rational arguments prevail. Instead, he shows that people make their decisions mainly on the basis of intuition—an initial, automatic, unthinking response sharing with audiences how to get those responses to work for you. His presentation is very engaging, fun and full of real-life experiences beginning with his opening line “Once upon a time in Paris…”—audiences will leave with practical lessons that they can apply to their business and personal lives.

  • How to Change Minds.

    Drawing on his time as the top communications official at the State Department, his years as a newspaper and magazine editor and writer, and his experience as host of three public affairs shows on television, Jim Glassman shares insights on persuasion and influence. Persuasion is the business ALL of us are in. We are always selling, convincing, and trying to get others to do what we want. In a dynamic and fun keynote, Glassman refutes the widespread notion that the best rational arguments prevail. Instead, he shows that people make their decisions mainly on the basis of intuition – an initial, automatic, and unthinking response – and looks at how to get those responses to work for his audience. He shares stories, movie clips, and quotes that leave audiences learning something new that they can apply to their business and personal lives.

  • Unfinished Business: The Intersection of Politics, Policy, and the Economy.

    James Glassman discusses how Congress’ “kicking the can down the road” strategy (in terms of dealing with potential budget cuts, reduced spending, and tax increases) will ultimately affect the American economy. With the self-evident viewpoint that this strategy is not sustainable, he explains how and when this business will have to come to a head and what the protraction means for the American public now and in the future. He also details his ideas for fixing both the economy and this political process of avoidance.

  • What's Ahead for the Economy?

    As current events show us, there is no topic more urgent today than the fate of the global economy. With experience in business, media, and government, there is no expert more knowledgeable to explain what it all means than James Glassman. Glassman makes a sober, realistic assessment of the current economic situation, but his outlook is generally upbeat. While his experience in government tells him that governmental intervention has a more limited positive affect than most expect, his faith in American entrepreneurship encourages a belief that a recovery may come sooner than the pundits are predicting. Glassman partakes in an engaging question and answer session and answers your questions on:

    • How government action like the stimulus package, tax cuts or increases and measures to shore up financial institutions can help turn the economy around

    • What are the best business and investment strategies to weather the storm

James Glassman Videos

Safety Net: An Interview with James Glassman - YouTube

James Glassman News

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

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like James Glassman for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for James Glassman, 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 James Glassman or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book James Glassman for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for James Glassman, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $10,000 - $20,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire James Glassman, click the Check Schedule 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 James Glassman speak about?

    James Glassman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Journalist, Futurism, Business Growth, Professors, Author, Finance, Economy, Government, Business Consulting and Political.
  • Where does James Glassman travel from?

    James Glassman generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for James Glassman?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like James Glassman 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 Schedule 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 James Glassman 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 James Glassman 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 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.
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