I’m a public speaker and writer based in London. Before retiring in 2021 I was British Ambassador to Austria, and from 2008-2012 British Ambassador to Ukraine. I specialise in lively, illustrated talks that explain what diplomats do, and what we all can learn from them, with lively Q&A sessions. My talks include:

– How to survive a crisis

– How to learn from diplomatic tradecraft

– How to handle politicians

– How to be an ambassador

– How to drink wine and know things

Feel free to contact me for a full list.

Ever wanted to know what diplomats really do, but afraid to ask? Now’s your chance. 

Born in 1958, I grew up in Nigeria, Exeter and Lesotho before eduction in Swaziland, Manchester and Cambridge. After hitch-hiking around 27 of the United States in 1979, I had a 42-year diplomatic career. During four years of parental leave from 2002-2006 I was lucky enough to become a stringer for the Financial Times, and wrote my first published novel.

Since retiring, I’ve been a full-time inspirational speaker and writer. My best-seller so far is “Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties”, described by Jane Goodall as “An insightful and powerful book”. I’ve also written three thrillers, including “Blood Summit”, set in Berlin, and “Palladium”, set in Istanbul; and comedies, including “Seven Hotel Stories” and “Seven More Hotel Stories”.

I’ve has spoken at educational establishments including Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the LSE, UCL, Kings College London, the Universities of York, Loughborough, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Vienna and Graz, Strathclyde University, the Free University Amsterdam, the Danube University Krems and Manchester Grammar School. I also enjoy speaking to business audiences and have been regularly interviewed on TV and radio about Russia/Ukraine and other diplomatic issues. 

I teach an annual creative writing course at the Sigri Arts Retreat in Lesbos, Greece.

Based in London and Amsterdam, I’m delighted to travel within the UK or to Europe and beyond.