Penguin Speakers Bureau

Speaking Topics — John Perkins

Transforming Turmoil into a New Economy
For the first time in history, human beings across the planet face the same crises, including climate change, diminishing resources, and economic turmoil. The Internet and cell phones have created an instantaneous and global community; we all know that the old approaches have failed. It is time, Perkins says, to develop a model that takes us out of war-based, exploitative economies into ones committed to creating a world that future generations will want to inherit. Every major crisis can be traced to corporate goals of maximizing profits regardless of the social and environmental costs. By recognizing that the marketplace is a democratic voting booth, we the people have the power to promote new goals, ones focused on generating a sustainable, just, and peaceful world. Perkins emphasizes that corporate executives are in ideal positions to take advantage of this changing economic climate and to help their companies assume leadership roles in opening up new markets and opportunities for growth.

Economic Crisis: The Hit Men Strike Home
What Next and How to Deal with It
The current crisis is a classic hit by economic hit men (EHM)—except this time the victims are us. Drawing on personal experiences described in his two blockbuster books, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man and The Secret History of the American Empire, John Perkins explains how tools honed in developing countries over the past four decades are enabling the extremely rich to purchase businesses and real estate at fire-sale prices; defend abolition of health care, education, and other social programs; and justify privatization of the public sector. However, crises offer opportunities. Perkins presents a plan for transforming the economy and describes ways in which each of us can employ our individual passions and skills to not only prosper but also create a world we will be proud to pass on to future generations.

The Secret History of the American Empire
What Next and How to Change It
Drawing on experiences described in his two blockbuster books, John Perkins explains the post-WWII era as one that created history’s first truly global empire—mostly through economics rather than the military. Now we find ourselves catapulted toward a future that appears catastrophic to many people; however, in Perkins’ view it offers great opportunities. Identifying corporations as “the most influential institutions on the planet,” he challenges us to transform ourselves and the companies that so deeply impact our lives. He presents a plan for creating a world “that will make our children proud of us.”

Geo-Politics, the Future, and You: A Call to Action
John Perkins will discuss his experiences as an economic hit man, the empire that resulted, and the plan presented in his book The Secret History of the American Empire for creating a stable, sustainable, and peaceful world. He will discuss the epiphany that initiated his personal change and the reasons he is optimistic that we can create human societies our children will be proud to inherit.