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Keynote SpeakerSebastian Coe

Chairman of CSM Sport and Entertainment, President of World Athletics

Sebastian Coe is the UK’s most prolific world record setter and arguably the greatest runner to compete for the UK. In 1977 he made his first mark as a professional athlete, winning the 800m at the European Indoor Championship. After a string of world records, he won his first Olympic... Read more

Watch Sebastian Coe in action

Popular Talks by Sebastian Coe

  • Change, risk & handling uncertainty
  • Transformational Leadership
  • Peak Performance
  • Project Management
  • Innovation & challenging the status quo
  • Leadership & resilience

Biography

Sebastian Coe is the UK’s most prolific world record setter and arguably the greatest runner to compete for the UK.

In 1977 he made his first mark as a professional athlete, winning the 800m at the European Indoor Championship. After a string of world records, he won his first Olympic medal in 1980 at the Moscow games, taking gold in the 1,500m. His second gold came in 1984 at the Los Angeles Olympics. His famous rivalry with fellow runner Steve Ovett dominated athletics through much of those years, and he quickly became the UK’s best known athlete – setting 12 middle-distance world records.

Sebastian Coe retired from athletics in 1990 and moved into politics. In 1992, he was elected as Conservative Member of Parliament for Falmouth and Camborne, a seat he held for 5 years, when he became Private Secretary to William Hague, the Leader of the Opposition. In 2000 he was appointed a Lord, becoming Lord Coe of Ranmore.

Coe was asked to lead London’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He led London to victory and the city went on to host a phenomenally successful Olympic Games, with Coe at the helm. Following the games, Coe was elected Chairman of the British Olympic Association – a post he held until 2016.

In 2015, Sebastian Coe was elected President of the world governing body for athletics, the IAAF, having been a Vice President since 2007.

Packing his speeches with anecdotes from his time as an Olympic athlete, an MP, his chairmanship of London 2012, his turnaround of the British Olympic Association and his presidency of the IAAF through troubled times, Lord Sebastian Coe demonstrates to audiences his political and strategic expertise in guiding large organisations on the global stage.

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How to book Sebastian Coe as a keynote speaker

How do I book Sebastian Coe for a keynote speech?

You can book Sebastian Coe through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Sebastian's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Sebastian Coe's speaking fees?

Sebastian Coe'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 Sebastian tailored to your event.

What topics does Sebastian Coe speak about?

Sebastian Coe speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Sebastian to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Sebastian Coe available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Sebastian Coe for events worldwide, subject to Sebastian'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 Sebastian Coe 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 Sebastian Coe 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 Sebastian Coe?

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 Sebastian can accommodate.

Can Sebastian Coe tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Sebastian Coe 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 Sebastian can offer.

What languages does Sebastian Coe present in?

Sebastian Coe 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 Sebastian Coe a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Sebastian Coe's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Sebastian'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 Sebastian Coe speak at?

Sebastian Coe can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of Sebastian'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 Sebastian Coe 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 Sebastian Coe is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Sebastian Coe?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Sebastian Coe, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Sebastian's current availability for your dates.