Share
Keynote Speaker
Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman
Former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, International Consultant to Corporations, Funds and High Net Worth Family Offices
Popular talks
- Seeing Tomorrow: Geopolitics and Pocketbooks
- Swing Hard In Case You Hit
- The Holocaust and the Path Forward
- Politics
- +4
Talks
Popular talks by Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman
-
Seeing Tomorrow: Geopolitics and Pocketbooks
In “Seeing Tomorrow: Geopolitics and Pocketbooks,” Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman initially challenges the audience with a series of puzzling questions and then takes them on a joy ride through the world of American politics, world politics, foreign relations, energy, trade, technology and more, enabling the audience ultimately to answer those…
In “Seeing Tomorrow: Geopolitics and Pocketbooks,” Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman initially challenges the audience with a series of puzzling questions and then takes them on a joy ride through the world of American politics, world politics, foreign relations, energy, trade, technology and more, enabling the audience ultimately to answer those questions for themselves. By so doing, the world perhaps looks a bit upside down but in far sharper focus. And by better understanding yesterday, all more clearly see tomorrow.
Questions perhaps like:
– Who will be President of the United States in 2031? Yes 2031.
– During the Obama era, who was the most important candidate in American electoral politics, though almost no one ever heard of him and why is that vital in 2018?
– Who did better — Donald Trump or Marie LePen and why does it matter?
– When did the 5000 year MidEast Crisis get resolved and why won’t politicians and government officials tell anyone that it is over?
– Why does a McDonalds restaurant at Pushkinskaya Square in Moscow likely hold the future to world peace and maybe even to the Trump presidency. And if not them, then does an Italian restaurant in Georgetown in Washington DC control our future and our prosperity?
– And if world peace does not turn on those hamburgers or the pasta, does it instead turn on the World Handball Championship of 2017 or the World Cup of 2022?
– How did Parma ham and French actors and singers threaten the future economic prosperity of Europe until Donald Trump put Europe First?
– How did the U.S. Justice Department just torpedo the U.S real estate market and how come no one saw it happen?
– Did Scandinavians save New Jersey and is New Jersey . . . or perhaps Massachusetts or Virginia Elon Musk’s Texas?And much more.
-
Swing Hard In Case You Hit
In this instructive and inspiring speech, designed for students at universities, law schools, other graduate schools, young professionals and aspiring anyones, Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman explains how not just to reach your potential, but achieve your dreams. Because dreams are meant not just for dreaming but for living. And because…
In this instructive and inspiring speech, designed for students at universities, law schools, other graduate schools, young professionals and aspiring anyones, Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman explains how not just to reach your potential, but achieve your dreams. Because dreams are meant not just for dreaming but for living. And because you can. Drawing not on platitudes from self-help journals, but insights from real life examples in a life sometimes well-lived and sometimes veering out of control, combined with war stories that will make you laugh or worse, he will help you:
– Understand that there are no limitations and certainly no excuses
– Understand what talent is and the role of talent.
– Understand what luck is and the role of luck
– Understand how failure is just the next step on the road to success (what doesn’t kill you almost kills you . . . but if it doesn’t . . .)
– Shift your perspective – from where you are to where you will be.
– Understand the limitations of city-think (why are Washington DC, Los Angeles. Silicon Valley and New York the four sickest cities and how to cure them); school think (why does law school produce often limit success and how not to let it); group think and the limitations of definitions (no, you are not a Davis Polk lawyer).
– Learn how to relish the daily.
– And change it while you do. A job is not a career and a career is not a life.
– Visit those mistakes. And avoid the next ones.
– And understand why who you are in your heart and how you act does matter. -
The Holocaust and the Path Forward
An Ambassador’s Personal Journey through Horror and Restoration. “In 1943, the Holocaust murdered all but 11 Jews in my father’s Polish town. A year later, in 1944, the Holocaust caused my father to murder his sister (my aunt). Twenty-nine years after that, in 1979, the Holocaust murdered my father. I…
An Ambassador’s Personal Journey through Horror and Restoration.
“In 1943, the Holocaust murdered all but 11 Jews in my father’s Polish town. A year later, in 1944, the Holocaust caused my father to murder his sister (my aunt). Twenty-nine years after that, in 1979, the Holocaust murdered my father. I did not know how to move forward. And 33 years after that, in 2012, I faced those horrors and learned those truths. I like to think that I also restored the dignity of the memory of those who were slaughtered. And I came to peace with the path forward.”
This is in part the story of struggle between law and history, told by a former Harvard Law School grad, former law clerk on both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the United States Supreme Court, former Special Assistant to the Director of the FBI for Counterintelligence and Terrorism, former 27 year top Washington DC lawyer and former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium. It is in part a look at Poland then and now. It is in part an analysis of the way forward 75 years after the Holocaust.
But it is mainly the personal journey of a son.
More talks
- Politics
- American Presidency
- Global and Geopolitics
- European-US relationships
- Middle East Geopolitics
Biography
About Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman
Ambassador Howard Gutman continues to build on an amazing career that has spanned the public and private sectors, both sides of the Atlantic and both sides of the political aisle, from K Street, to Wall Street, to Studio City , to Brussels, the heart of the European Union and NATO, and now globally.
Dubbed by European press as “The Ambassador Who Makes Us Love America Again “ and “the most popular ambassador ever in Belgium,” Ambassador Gutman in 2013 completed four years of service as the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, the third longest serving such ambassador in over 100 years. According to the May 2012 Gallup International Poll, Belgium in this period finished first in the world with the highest increase in its favorability towards U.S. leadership.
Ambassador Gutman has long become one of the most well-known and admired public figures in the heart of Europe, having appeared on European television well over 100 times, ranging from Sunday news shows to late night entertainment programs to awarding the final award for “Song of the Year” on the equivalent of the Belgian Grammy awards. A leading thinker and speaker, Ambassador Gutman speaks often on how the changes in the world and the changes of tomorrow present opportunities and challenges, particularly for our economy today. In 2024, a leading UK advisory organization named Ambassador Gutman as one of the 20 leading experts world-wide that companies, organizations and others should hire to understand and prepare for the second Trump Presidency.
Ambassador Gutman hosts a national weekly radio political commentary show, “As I See It”, co-hosts a live political debate/entertainment series “Politics & Pints,” co-hosts The Washington Commanders Post-Game Gutcheck (a US football post-game show) and is a frequent writer and speaker on the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. And he has long consulted and spoken on how changes in American politics and government affects the European business community (including his previous commentary on “Opportunities to Do Business in the Trump Administration.”) After having listened to one of Ambassador Gutman’s speeches on changes and trends in the energy sector, representatives of 8 of the world’s largest pension funds, the P8 Group, arranged for a private meeting at the EU with then Prince now king Charles of the United Kingdom to discuss our energy future.
Having attended one of Ambassador Gutman’s speeches at an American Battlefield Cemetery, four United States Senators (2 Republicans and 2 Democrats) entered the speech into the Congressional Record of the United States. Ambassador Gutman was also asked by the Turkish Government to assist in mediation with Israel looking towards reconciliation between Turkey and Israel following the “flotilla” dispute.
Ambassador Gutman is currently the Managing Partner of The Gutman Group, through which Ambassador Gutman runs a board, consulting, advisory, project finance, venture capital and speech practice. Clients of The Gutman Group range from giant energy, industrial, logistics, entertainment, chemical, financial and advisory firms to high net worth family offices and start-ups; from Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East; and also include larger advisory or law firms in search of broader reach and greater expertise.
Ambassador Gutman also serves on boards of a variety of public and privately-held companies and concerns.
Ambassador Gutman brought a rich and diverse background to the diplomatic corps.
He previously was a senior partner with the Washington D.C. law firm of Williams & Connolly LLP. Identified as one of “Washington’s Top Lawyers” by Washingtonian magazine (December 2004, December 2007) and selected to numerous “Superlawyers” and similar attorney award lists, Mr. Gutman’s areas of practice spanned the full gamut of litigation, investigation, and counseling matters. Earlier in his career, during the Reagan administration, Ambassador Gutman served as a Special Assistant to F.B.I Director William H. Webster, focusing on counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence; as a law clerk to Justice Potter Stewart (retd.) on the United States Supreme Court; and as a law clerk to Judge Irving L. Goldberg on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Ambassador Gutman has served as an adviser to a variety of candidates, including assisting in races for President, Governor, Senate, and Congress.
He assisted the 2008 Obama campaign on constituency work, media and fundraising and was a Trustee on the Obama Presidential Inauguration Committee. He assisted the Gore campaign in the postelection litigation in 2000.
He has been a contributor to numerous television and radio programs, including frequent appearances on the Fox News Network. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, Mr. Gutman appeared in several episodes of the HBO series “K Street,” playing (not surprisingly) a Washington attorney and has made other movie and media appearances, including playing Tim Robbins’ lawyer in “Noise” and a high school parent in the 2009 release of “Fame.” On the business side, Ambassador Gutman helped found an alternative energy private equity fund in Washington DC and an independent movie studio in L.A. He has sold both scripted and reality television shows to major studios and producers.
Ambassador Gutman is a 1977 graduate of Columbia University and a 1980 graduate from Harvard Law School. He is married to Dr. Michelle Loewinger, a pop artist represented by galleries in Miami, Brussels Belgium and Lugano Switzerland , and has two grown sons.
How to book Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman
Answers on fees, availability and booking process.
How do I book Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman for a keynote speech?
You can book Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Ambassador (Rtd) Howard's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
What are Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman's speaking fees?
Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Ambassador (Rtd) Howard tailored to your event.
What topics does Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman speak about?
Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman speaks on Geopolitics. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Ambassador (Rtd) Howard to align the content with your delegates and goals.
Is Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman available for international events?
London Speaker Bureau can book Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman for events worldwide, subject to Ambassador (Rtd) Howard's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Does Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman deliver virtual or online keynotes?
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
How long is a typical keynote by Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman?
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Ambassador (Rtd) Howard can accommodate.
Can Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?
London Speaker Bureau will brief Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Ambassador (Rtd) Howard can offer.
What languages does Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman present in?
Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
What makes Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman a strong fit as a keynote speaker?
Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman's areas of expertise include Geopolitics. To get a clear sense of Ambassador (Rtd) Howard's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
What kind of events can Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman speak at?
Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Geopolitics is relevant. Details of Ambassador (Rtd) Howard's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Does Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
How far in advance should we book Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman?
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Ambassador (Rtd) Howard's current availability for your dates.
Similar Profiles
Speakers you may also like alongside Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman
-
Anthony Gardner Former US Ambassador to the European Union who worked on the Transatlantic Trade Negotiations -
Peter Westmacott Former British Ambassador to the U.S., France and Turkey -
Christopher Meyer British Ambassador to the United States 1997–2003 -
Walter Lindner German Ambassador to India (2019-2022), Expert and Advisor on Geopolitics -
Patricia Espinosa Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, Ambassador, Climate Advocate, Founding Partner and CEO of onepoint5
