Jessica Buchanan Speaking Fee, Schedule, Bio & Contact Details

Jessica Buchanan

Kidnapping Survivor, Rescued by SEAL Team VI, New York Times Bestselling Author, voted one of the 150 Most Fearless Women Who Shake the World

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Travels From

Alexandria, VA

Jessica Buchanan

Biography

On October 25, 2011, while on a routine field mission in Somalia working as the Education Advisor for her non-governmental organization, Jessica was abducted at gunpoint and held for ransom by a group of Somali pirates for 93 days. Forced to live outdoors in deplorable conditions, starved, and terrorized by more than two dozen gangsters, Jessica’s health deteriorated until, by order of President Obama, she was rescued by the elite SEAL Team VI on January 25, 2012.

Jessica’s ordeal is detailed in her New York Times bestselling memoir, Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six. Her story became the most highly viewed 60 Minutes episode to air, and she has been recognized by Newsweek as one of the “150 Women Who Will Shake the World.”

Today, Jessica’s work centers on the transformative message that survival is not the end of the story — it is the beginning. Through her platform, How to Survive Survival, she teaches individuals and organizations how to turn life’s most difficult moments into catalysts for meaning, contribution, and radical personal change. Her TEDx Pearl Street talk, “Change is Your Proof of Life,” continues to serve as the cornerstone of her mission: to help others reclaim agency in the aftermath of crisis.

Jessica is the author of multiple books, including her latest release, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World. She is also the host of the How to Survive Survival podcast, where she explores what it truly means not just to endure, but to rise, rebuild, and reimagine a life after the unthinkable.

When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Jessica was an EXCELLENT guest speaker for our spouses breakfast event at the Broadmoor. I was fortunate to meet with her personally before the event and she shared so much about her life, both before and after such a harrowing experience. She graciously allowed questions from the audience, and everyone I spoke to afterwards was very moved by her story and her ability to relive that nightmare.

Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors' Association

Jessica Buchanan was the very best! Her gripping story kept the ACE Summit audience hanging on every word. Beyond her story is a great person who will provide a rich experience for all who come in contact with her. It was an honor to meet and become friends with Jessica.

Bluegrass Business Media

Jessica Buchanan was truly an awesome guest speaker for our annual fundraising luncheon this year! She touched the hearts of all in attendance and showed through faith and God-inspired determination that you can, in fact, defy Impossible Odds. Our guests are still talking about her presentation and many have graciously given to support the important nonprofit work we do in our community. Thank you, Jessica, for making this year's event so special!

Jubilee Jobs of Lexington

Thank you for participating as a guest speaker at our Navy SEAL Tribute event. I have never seen a room filled with hundreds of people who were so simply put, spellbound. Your dedication and love for each other, your courage to survive given such impossible odds and your strength to share your story with such dignity and grace was inspirational to all who attended.

Kenmark/Half Moon Bay Golf Resort

The presentation was fantastic. Jess (and Erik) were very engaging and their story is nothing short of amazing.

HCC Specialty

We were so impressed by the perseverance and faith you demonstrated in overcoming such a significant ordeal. You have an important message that carries hope and grace from your heart that is an inspiration and needs to be heard across this earth.

Southeast Family Office Forum

The event was a true success! Jessica and Erik are lovely and everyone fell in love with them.

GARDAWORLD

Can I tell you, we absolutely loved Jessica. She was such an amazing speaker who held the entire audience in her hand. Aside from the professional she was, she too was very personable. We all felt such a connection with her and were extremely proud for Lamar State College-Orange to bring in such a dynamic speaker who also is an amazing humanitarian.

Lamar State College

Jessica was a fantastic speaker, I know she touched so many in our audienceyesterday. Many of our guests came up to me after her presentation and raved. Itwas an honor to have Jessica tell her story. I will be forever touched her courageand dignity.

SIGINT Systems

Our audience of 100 senior leaders and their spouses were mesmerized. They could not stop talking about the emotional impact it had on them. Her story gave them pause to reflect on all they have and to cherish it, and not forget the fragility that may lie beneath it

DaVita

Jessica was the very best! Her gripping story kept the ACE Summit audience hanging on every word. Beyond her story is a great person who will provide a rich experience for all who come in contact with her. It was an honor to meet and become friends with Jessica.

Bluegrass Business Media

Jessica's message stands so tall and so much above all the others we have heard. It really did ..Thank you, Jessica, for making it 93 days in a dark place and living to tell the tale. Many that we serve and support could hear her passionate story. Her way of bringing us back to the place, time and moment(s) was so very real and visible in our minds as she spoke.

One America

In a room of about 1,000 people, their focus on every word Jessica shared was palpable. Following the event, the feedback was, "the MOST AMAZING presentation I have ever seen," "I cried my eyes out - but I would watch her again and again," "when she talked about the marine handing her the American Flag, I felt proud to be an American again," "she connected with me, I feel inspired," "Hope! Yes, we all need to focus on hope when we struggle,

Lenape Regional High School District

Jessica Buchanan was fabulous! She was an amazing speaker - very well prepared, conscientious with our time frame, truly engaged the audience, and told her story in a way that was both captivating and very moving. On a personal level she was very kind and easy to talk to. Our entire team enjoyed meeting her and talking to her. Our board members loved her as well. She was truly one of the best speakers we've had in the 13 years we've been hosting this event.

Gingerbread House CAC

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to some of the most common questions about booking Jessica Buchanan for your event.

How do I book Jessica Buchanan for my event?

Booking Jessica Buchanan with Premiere Speakers Bureau is a streamlined 4-step process:

Availability Check: Contact us with your event date and budget to verify if your desired speaker is available.
Hold Date: We place a temporary "hold" on the speaker's calendar while you finalize internal approval.
Contracting: We issue a contract outlining the fee, cancellation policy, and event expectations.
Logistics: Once signed, our event management team handles all travel booking, itinerary, and AV requirements.

Why should I partner with Premiere Speakers Bureau rather than contacting speakers directly?

Partnering with Premiere Speakers Bureau provides a comprehensive safety net for your event that direct booking cannot match. You get the same speaker for the same price, but with a dedicated team with over 30 years of event experience handling contracts, logistics, and are prepared for any emergency. We know what it takes to run an excellent event.

What makes Premiere Speakers Bureau unique compared to other agencies?

Premiere Speakers Bureau distinguishes itself by having over 30 years of experience while partnering with more than 35,000 events. PSB has also built a streamlined, fully online process that makes booking a speaker, handling travel and payments extremely easy for anyone looking to plan a speaker led event.

How does Premiere Speakers Bureau's 'Zero Cost Service' model work?

Premiere Speakers Bureau operates on a 'Zero Cost Service' model for event planners. Our services—including research, booking, and logistics—are always free to the client. The speaker covers our commission from their standard honorarium as payment for our role in marketing and managing their engagements.

How are speaker fees structured, and what is typically included?

A speaker's fee typically covers the keynote presentation, a pre-event planning call, and standard customization. Travel expenses are usually billed separately.

What are the standard policies for speaker travel and expenses?

Travel expenses are negotiated during contracting. We generally recommend a flat travel fee for simplicity, though we also offer line-by-line invoicing when preferred. PSB ensures these expenses adhere to professional standards, and our Event Portal allows for easy tracking and invoicing.

Jessica Buchanan

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