Strategic Voice in a Divided World
Keynotes on Competition, Technology, Alliances, and Leadership in an Age of Disruption
Mark Kennedy addressing civic and business leaders in Mexico City on U.S.–Mexico economic and security cooperation.
“In today’s strategic arena—where influence is contested not only on battlefields, but in boardrooms, classrooms, trade routes, standards bodies, and algorithmic code—leadership demands multidomain fluency and uncommon perspective.”
- The only person to have served as a Fortune 100 executive, a U.S. Congressman shaping global trade and technology policy, and president of two flagship public research universities, Mark Kennedy brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to today’s most pressing challenges. A first-generation college graduate, he now leads the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition, advancing strategies to align open societies against authoritarian threats. His cross-sector, global leadership offers a truly 360° view—unmatched on today’s speaking circuit.
Why Book Mark Kennedy?
- Mark speaks with insight forged at the intersection of:
- Global affairs and economic statecraft
- Technological disruption and democratic resilience
- Institutional leadership and public trust
- Whether addressing policymakers, executives, educators, or civic leaders, he delivers custom-tailored keynotes that combine clarity, urgency, and solutions.
Ten Keynotes Tailored to Today’s Strategic Imperatives
Mark’s ten core keynotes are designed to equip leaders for today’s most urgent strategic challenges—each rooted in real-world experience and forward-looking frameworks.
From Overconfidence to Coherence: Competing Like It Matters
Geoeconomic Statecraft: Power Through Markets, Rules, and Infrastructure
Alliances for the 21st Century: From Security Guarantees to Strategic Integration
Tech Leadership in a Fractured World: Competing Without Losing Our Values
Trusted Technology Alliances: Governing the Future Together
Competitive Resilience: Securing Our Future Without Going It Alone
Infrastructure That Binds: Financing the Free World’s Next-Gen Systems
Democracy-by-Design: Governing in a World of Competing Systems
Shapeholder Strategy: Leading Institutions in an Era of Polarization
Peak Leadership: Strategic Clarity from the Boardroom to Capitol Hill to the Quad
Custom Briefings and Engagements
In addition to his keynote topics, Kennedy has been asked to brief senior policymakers and speak on a range of strategic issues including:
- Preserving maritime security in the face of China’s port and shipping expansion
- Strengthening NATO's strategic posture
- Securing democratic resilience in Ukraine and the broader Black Sea region
Audiences
- Mark has spoken at:
- Corporations: 3M, Siemens, Cargill, Bentley Systems, Starkey, Sandia National Labs
- Associations: U.S. Chamber of Commerce - DC, Beijing, Brussels, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico City and Tokyo, Keidanren (Tokyo), Japan Association of New Economy - JANE (Tokyo), Corporate Relations Institute (Istanbul), Colosio Foundation (Mexico City), Dairy Foods Association
- Government: U.S. State Department - Washington DC, U.S. Embassies in Tokyo and Vienna, U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, U.S. Congress Select Committeee on the CCP, U.S. National Intelligence Council
- Global Forums: AI Action Summit (Paris), WTO Public Forum (Geneva, G1 Global Summmit (Tokyo), Global Security Forum (Qatar), NATO Parliamentary Assembly (Brussels)
- Think Tanks: Wilson Center, CNA, Konrad Adenauer Foundation (Germany), Canon Institute for Global Studies (Tokyo), Boston Global Forum
Formats
- Keynote • Fireside Chat • Panel Moderation • Executive Briefing • Student Engagement
A Strategic, Nonpartisan Perspective
- Since leaving Congress, Mark Kennedy has led in academia and global policy with a principled commitment to nonpartisanship and systemic objectivity.
- While his analysis sometimes addresses political actors or national strategies, his evaluations are anchored in frameworks—not ideology. Whether commenting on U.S. governance or foreign actions, Kennedy assesses leaders based on one consistent standard:
- Does this action bolster or weaken strategic position when measured against the GRIPS and PIVOT criteria?
- His work is trusted across sectors because it is balanced, transparent, and focused on aligning institutions for strength—not scoring political points.
👉 Speech Videos
👉 See Praise for Mark's Speaking
Tailored for Every Audience
- Every keynote is adapted to meet the audience where they are—whether the focus is business innovation, geopolitical alignment, national security, or institutional strategy. Kennedy’s delivery is engaging, informed, and pragmatic.
- While his prepared remarks are compelling, audiences consistently highlight the dynamic value of his interactive Q&A sessions. Kennedy’s Q&A sessions bring the frameworks to life—through candid conversation, sharp analysis, and real-time application.
Speaker Bureaus
Mark Kennedy is represented by leading speaker bureaus. You may book directly or through:
Contact & Booking
- Inquiries:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Based in Washington, DC | Available globally
- Custom topics available upon request