Robert Gates Profile Photo

Robert Gates

WSB Exclusive Speaker

Transformational Leader; Secretary of Defense (2006-2011); Bestselling Author

"Core to leadership is the ability to relate to people – to empathize, understand, inspire, and motivate." – Robert Gates

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Robert Gates Profile Photo

From Pentagon war rooms to corporate board rooms, Robert Gates has brought a depth and breadth of administrative expertise, geopolitical insight, business acumen, and bold vision to his numerous leadership roles.

Recognized as a consummate leader and dedicated patriot, he has served eight U.S. Presidents, influenced decades of U.S. intelligence and defense policies, and helped chart new paths for public and private institutions looking to adapt and transform.

The leader of an organization is the engine of change and reform, and his or her work is never done.

Robert Gates

The key to helping entities resistant to change, Gates believes, is to thoroughly know the organization and strive to bring all stakeholders on board. The leader of an organization is the engine of change and reform,” he says. “And his or her work is never done.”

Gates’s far-reaching outlook, sharp intellect, and consistent, consensus-building leadership have helped him ensure that institutions and organizations adapt to a rapidly changing world.

As the only Secretary of Defense to work for both Republican and Democratic administrations, Gates oversaw a huge shift away from conventional warfare toward anti-terrorist tactics. He also paved the way for the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that discriminated against personnel based on sexual orientation. These policies helped change the tide of the war on terrorism, restore prestige to the armed forces, and increase national security.

While President of Texas A&M University, the fourth largest university in the country, Gates launched a successful campaign to make Texas A&M one of the nation’s top twenty research universities.

Most recently, he brought his global perspective and executive expertise to several boards, including the NCAA Board of Governors, chairing the board’s committee to rewrite the NCAA constitution. Gates also serves as Chancellor of William & Mary, and is the first William & Mary alumnus in the modern era to serve in this role.

Gates was studying for a Master’s degree in history at Indiana University when he was recruited by the CIA. After a two-year stint in the Air Force, he began a 25 year-climb through the agency to become the first career officer to ascend to the top job. During his tenure as CIA Director, he is credited with rebuilding morale after a series of congressional investigations.

A bestselling author, Gates’ latest book, Exercise of Power: American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post-Cold War World, was published in 2020. His 2016 release, A Passion for Leadership, explores his experiences as a change agent at three sprawling organizations: the CIA, Texas A&M, and the Defense Department. His memoir, Duty, details his experiences as a Secretary of Defense at war. From the Shadows tells the behind-the-scenes story of America’s role in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

In 2011, Gates was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, by President Obama. He is also a three-time recipient of the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, one of the CIA’s most prestigious honors.

Named by both U.S. News & World Report and Time as one of the country’s best, most influential leaders, Gates shares with audiences an inspiring presentation on every organization’s need to change and how to successfully implement it. Practical, innovative, and humorous, Gates describes the lessons learned over a lifetime as one of America’s best leaders.

Offering a candid and fresh perspective on the state of current affairs, he imparts a renewed sense of optimism for the future.

Featured Videos

Robert Gates Profile Photo
Robert Gates

Robert Gates at Winsight 2019 – Courage/MRAP

Robert Gates Profile Photo
Robert Gates

Robert Gates at Winsight 2019 – Inclusion

Robert Gates Profile Photo
Robert Gates

Robert Gates on What Not to Put on the Table

Robert Gates Profile Photo
Robert Gates

Robert Gates on how Putin Put Himself in a Box

Robert Gates Profile Photo
Robert Gates

Robert Gates on North Korea And Nuclear Weapons

Robert Gates Profile Photo
Robert Gates

Robert Gates on Growing Partisanship In Our Politics

Robert Gates Profile Photo
Robert Gates

Robert Gates at Winsight 2019 – Changing the Mission

Robert Gates’s Speech Topics

  • Strategic Analysis of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

    Secretary Gates provides a long-term perspective on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He examines Putin’s strategy and rationale for invading, the West’s immediate response, implications for China, and the need for a new US-led security strategy. As Secretary of Defense through Vladimir Putin’s early global aggression, with decades of experience handling Soviet affairs at the CIA, and as a historian of Russia and the Soviet Union, Secretary Gates is uniquely equipped to provide strategic analysis of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and of global security.

  • Leading Through Change

    Robert Gates believes there is no universal solution for effecting change. Instead, he says, leaders must understand their organizations thoroughly to find out how best to tackle their problems. One of the most respected leaders in recent U.S. history, Gates served under eight presidents and successfully led four very different organizations through turbulent change: the Central Intelligence Agency, Texas A&M University, the Department of Defense, and the Boy Scouts of America. In this talk, Gates offers bold and candid advice to help organizations create change and chart a course to success. With insights gleaned from real-life experiences helping large organizations navigate new paths, he shares how businesses can eliminate tunnel vision and prepare for the future – helping them take stock of what they are versus what they could be. Key to any change, says Gates, is to bring everyone on board and build a sense of camaraderie that the change is critical to the organization’s future. Companies have to change all the time to be competitive. How do you recognize and preserve the tradition and culture that made a company great, and determine the barriers preventing movement forward? Assessing the challenges of large institutions, Gates offers innovative and practical advice, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences as most pertinent to your audience.
  • DUTY

    According to former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, we face one of the most complex, dangerous, and uncertain international environments today.


    From rising military tensions with Russia and China, to multiple conflicts in the Middle East and the threat of ISIS, and uncertain trade relations and economic challenges confronting Europe, he foresees a generation of conflict. He also predicts we will continue to face the most challenging international environment since the Cold War, and for some time to come.


    In this presentation, Gates shares his views about the most pressing threats to global stability and America’s security. Drawing on his experiences as defense secretary under Presidents Bush and Obama, recounted vividly in his bestselling memoir, Duty, he reflects on the way America’s government works, and too often does not work. Without political spin or a partisan outlook, he shares with audiences his realistic and optimistic outlook.

  • A Fireside Chat with Robert Gates

    In this intimate speaking experience, audiences will hear from Robert Gates on the many facets of his long and storied career. From global politics and U.S. foreign policy to leadership challenges and conflict resolution, Gates offers his candid, measured perspective, laced with humor. Undergirding all his advice is the tenet that great leaders listen and respond to their teams and embrace the power of compromise. In this wide-ranging, unscripted conversation, listeners will benefit from the insight of one of the country’s most respected, and influential leaders.

What other organizations say about Robert Gates

Robert Gates was a great speaker and a very engaging individual. We certainly recommend him for any occasion. Our audience loved him, and he was a real hit at the VIP dinner.

Food

What other organizations say about Robert Gates

Everything went great with Dr. Gates. He was amazing and his talk was timely and fascinating. A home run! You and the team at WSB are a pleasure to work with…as always! University of California, Santa Barbara

Universities & Colleges

What other organizations say about Robert Gates

Robert Gates’ message about reforming the US immigration system, increasing opportunities for US students to study abroad, and expanding the study of foreign languages resonated deeply with our audience. His participation in our conference was a tremendous treat for all involved.

Education Programs

What other organizations say about Robert Gates

Dr. Gates was wonderful. We received glowing reviews from our attendees about his talk and was one of the highlights of the conference. We’re thankful for all of WSB’s help in arranging his appearance at the event – we really appreciate it!

Financial Services

What other organizations say about Robert Gates

Dr. Robert Gates was such a pleasure to work with! I spent the first half of the evening with him as we moved from the media room until he made it to the ballroom and he was just a delight. Our select guests were thrilled to take photos with him and chat with him briefly and everyone has been RAVING about his remarks. With a packed ballroom of 1800 people you could hear a pin drop while he was speaking. His remarks were charming, funny, poignant and timely.

Non-Profit

What other organizations say about Robert Gates

Dr. Robert Gates was wonderful last night…and who knew he would be funny! He was great during the meet & greets in both pre-receptions and was extremely personable. His remarks were exactly what I had hoped for and so timely considering what’s going on in the world today. On a personal note, it was a pleasure working with you on logistics for our successful event! I look forward to more events with you in the future.

Non-Profit

What other organizations say about Robert Gates

The entire room was riveted by Dr. Gates’ insider perspective on world events which he candidly shared through the lens of his unique vantage point. While sharing his insights and opinions, he was very well received by all attendees – regardless of their political ideology. Dr. Gates was also extremely gracious with his time during the cocktail hour and amenable to answering all questions of our guests during the Q&A portion of the evening.

Non-Profit

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