David Rogers
World's Leading Expert on Digital Transformation | Faculty, Columbia Business School | Bestselling Author of 5 Books
Pete Buttigieg
19th U.S. Secretary of Transportation | 2020 Presidential Candidate | Former Mayor of South Bend | Navy Veteran, Author & Leading Communicator
Pete Buttigieg is one of the most prominent communicators in American public life, a former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, 2020 presidential candidate, two-term mayor, and Navy veteran. Respected across the political spectrum for his clarity and composure, he speaks on leadership, public service, communication, and America's future, offering the perspective of a leader who has governed a city, run a national campaign, and led a federal department.
Want to book Pete Buttigieg as a speaker for your event? Please provide the info below and we’ll get in touch within 24h:
Pete Buttigieg biography
Pete Buttigieg is one of the most prominent and effective communicators in American public life, a former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, presidential candidate, mayor, and military veteran whose rise from a Midwestern city hall to the national stage has been one of the defining political stories of his generation. Widely respected across the political spectrum for his clarity, composure, and command of complex issues, he has become a sought-after voice on leadership, public service, and the challenges shaping America’s future.
Political speaker Pete Buttigieg served as the 19th United States Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025, where he oversaw a federal department of more than 55,000 employees and helped implement one of the largest infrastructure investments in American history. Before that, he served two terms as mayor of his hometown of South Bend, Indiana, elected at just 29, and in 2020 he ran for president, drawing national attention when he became the first openly gay candidate to win delegates in a major party’s presidential nominating contest. He made history again as the first openly gay person confirmed by the U.S. Senate to a Cabinet post.
From South Bend to the National Stage
A graduate of Harvard and a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, Buttigieg began his career as a consultant at McKinsey & Company before entering public service, and served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, deploying to Afghanistan in 2014 and earning the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He is the author of the memoir Shortest Way Home and the book Trust: America’s Best Chance. Known for engaging audiences of every political persuasion, from national town halls to interviews across the media landscape, he has built a reputation as a rare figure who can explain hard problems in plain, honest terms, and remains one of the most closely watched leaders in American politics.
As a speaker, Pete Buttigieg brings sharp intelligence, calm authority, and a genuine gift for connecting with any audience. He speaks on leadership and public service in a divided era, effective communication and building trust, the future of infrastructure, technology, and innovation, and the values and generational change shaping America’s path forward. Audiences gain the perspective of a leader who has governed a city, run a national campaign, and led a major federal department, delivered with candor, nuance, and optimism.
Pete Buttigieg Speaking Videos
Pete Speaks Live in Tulsa, Oklahoma
"We Cannot Give Up," Pete Speaks Live in Selma
Pete Buttigieg Keynote Topics
Buttigieg reflects on what effective, principled leadership looks like at a time of deep division, drawing on his experience as a mayor, a presidential candidate, and a Cabinet secretary. He explores how leaders can govern pragmatically, bridge differences, and keep public trust, offering audiences a thoughtful, hopeful perspective on service and leadership in challenging times.
Widely regarded as one of the most effective communicators in politics, known for engaging audiences well outside his own base, Buttigieg shares what he has learned about clear, honest communication. He explores how leaders and organizations can explain complex ideas simply, engage with people who disagree, and earn trust through candor and consistency.
Having led the U.S. Department of Transportation through a historic period of investment, Buttigieg offers an insider's perspective on the systems that underpin modern economies, from roads, transit, and aviation to the intersection of infrastructure with technology, safety, and innovation. He examines what it takes to modernize and build for the future.
As a leader who reached the national stage at a young age, Buttigieg speaks to the generational shifts reshaping politics, work, and society. He shares an optimistic but clear-eyed view of the values, challenges, and opportunities defining the years ahead, and what it will take to build a more capable and inclusive future.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Pete Buttigieg
Why Pete Buttigieg?
Booking Pete Buttigieg brings audiences one of the most recognizable and respected voices in American public life. A former Cabinet secretary, presidential candidate, mayor, and military veteran, he offers a rare breadth of leadership experience, paired with a widely praised gift for communicating clearly and connecting with people across the political spectrum. Whether the subject is leadership, public service, communication, or the future of infrastructure and innovation, he delivers substance with composure, nuance, and optimism. Thoughtful, articulate, and genuinely engaging, he is an ideal speaker for conferences, leadership events, and organizations seeking insight on the forces shaping America's future. To bring Pete Buttigieg to your next event, contact Aurum Speakers Bureau.
Who is Pete Buttigieg?
Pete Buttigieg is an American politician, author, and former U.S. Navy Reserve officer who served as the 19th United States Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. Before that, he was the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020, and a candidate for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first openly gay candidate to win delegates in a major party's presidential primaries. A Harvard graduate and Rhodes Scholar who deployed to Afghanistan as a naval intelligence officer, he is the author of Shortest Way Home and Trust: America's Best Chance, and is widely regarded as one of his party's most effective communicators.
What did Pete Buttigieg do as Secretary of Transportation?
As the 19th U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021–2025), Pete Buttigieg led the federal department responsible for the nation's roads, bridges, aviation, railways, transit, and transportation safety, overseeing a workforce of more than 55,000. During his tenure he played a central role in implementing a historic, bipartisan infrastructure law, one of the largest infrastructure investments in U.S. history, directing funding toward rebuilding roads and bridges, modernizing transit and airports, improving safety, and advancing new transportation technology. He was the first openly gay official confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve in a presidential Cabinet.
What topics does political speaker Pete Buttigieg cover?
Pete Buttigieg speaks on leadership and public service in a divided era, effective communication and building trust, the future of infrastructure, technology, and innovation, and generational change and America's path forward. His keynotes suit conferences, leadership summits, and events seeking insight on public affairs and the future. To book Pete Buttigieg as a speaker, contact Aurum Speakers Bureau.
How to book Pete Buttigieg as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Pete Buttigieg as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Pete Buttigieg's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Pete Buttigieg or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Pete Buttigieg speaking fee?
Pete Buttigieg speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Pete Buttigieg to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Pete Buttigieg.
How can I contact Pete Buttigieg?
We only work with Pete Buttigieg on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Pete Buttigieg and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Pete Buttigieg speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Pete Buttigieg for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Pete Buttigieg for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Pete Buttigieg is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Pete Buttigieg for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
