Jack Barsky

Biography

Jack Barsky is an internationally recognized personality and espionage expert. His life was featured on CBS 60 Minutes and on major TV stations in six foreign countries. Jack also appeared on dozens of live national news segments. During his speaking career, Jack had over 100 engagements covering most US states and five foreign countries. His most notable appearance was in the summer of 2021 at the Cambridge Union, the Holy Grail of Free Speech.

Quick Bio:

Born, raised, and educated in East Germany
Recruited by the KGB
Assumed the identity of a US born citizen and spied 10 years in the USA for the USSR
Resigned from the KGB, became a trusted source for the FBI
Had a successful career as an information technology executive
Obtained legal US citizenship in 2014
Jack’s memoir entitled Deep Undercover was released in 2017
A podcast drama, based on Jack’s life – “The Agent” – was released in 2021

Videos

Request Availability

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Testimony (My journey from atheism / communism to Christianity

This speaker tailors this topic for each event. Please let us know if you'd like us to source a topic description.

Undercover Love Story (The role of love in the life of a spy)

This speaker tailors this topic for each event. Please let us know if you'd like us to source a topic description.

Once Upon a Spy (Espionage, KGB, Russia)

This speaker tailors this topic for each event. Please let us know if you'd like us to source a topic description.

Testimonials

Jack’s presentation was riveting from the very start. He unapologetically delights the audience by taking and transporting us to the heartbreaking, humble beginnings of his life in Germany, the curious and secretive world of his Russian espionage days, and the inevitably decisive moment that changed his life forever. His story compels and inspires. The audience gasps and animatedly responds to the remarkable journey. A must-see session and a must-meet gentleman, Jack will have you in laughter and tears, all in just one hour.

– Miri Rodrigues, Storyteller Microsoft

Jack Barsky has a spellbinding story and delivers it with both Intelligence and a disarming candor. It combines the intrigue of international espionage, politics, corporate America, and the intimacy of a real man living his secret life as an executive, husband and a father. I have heard him speak to both college students, university professors and top executives. At each event you could have ‘heard a pin drop’ as everyone was riveted by a story!

– Allen Morris, Chairman & CEO at The Allen Morris Company, Miami FL

Jack recently spoke to a packed house at Microsoft. As part of our speaker series, he was a unique and refreshing speaker - an exceptional message for all levels of our organization, and an engaging dialog that continued long after his presentation. Jack is exceptionally gracious with his time - during his presentation at Microsoft, his candor was refreshing, and his unique perspective created a memorable and lasting impression of history.

– Stuart McKee, Chief Technology Officer, US State and Local Government, Microsoft Corporation

I admit I will never fully understand how anyone could have ever embraced Communism- the God that failed. Jack Barsky, however, does the best job I have ever heard of explaining himself, especially in the context of Soviet history and the Cold War. I'm glad he's now on our side.

– Larry Taylor, retired Major General, USMCR

An intriguing and lively speaker who captivates his audience. They always want more.

– Kristie Macrakis, Professor of History Georgia Tech

Really good presentation the other day - everyone was thrilled you came.

– Jeff Skulsky, CIO Regneron

Jack’s presentation was spectacular. His sense of humor, honesty and candidness about his unique background and how it affected him personally and professionally absolutely captivated our audience. One of our best presentations this year!

– Allen Spokane, VP Programs, SIM NJ

Jack was entertaining and engaging! He used his story to connect with the audience on both a personal and professional level. Jack’s unique background ranges from KGB agent to US counterintelligence to IT exec to author. His presentation was on point, relevant and well received. We thank Jack for supporting our event.

– Don Marsee, President, Middle Tennessee ISSA

Thank You for presenting last night, it was our largest attended event of the year.

– Leo Pellerin, CIO, United Way Connecticut, past president of CT SIM

Fascinating. Absolutely fascinating!

– Aslhey Gunter, Partner, Gunter Group

Thank you again for delivering such a fantastic keynote to our attendees on Thursday evening; we received tremendous feedback

– Nick Peakcocksmith, Millenium Group CIO/CSO workshop

I've seen Jack’s presentation 3 times and they were all interesting and outstanding. They all drew a huge crowd.

– Francis Stein, Lecturer, Senior University and Jewish WW2 Veteran

Booksby Jack Barsky

Deep Under Cover

For Meeting Planners

Photos

Speaker Documents

Request Availability

Blog Posts

Crafting Personalized Health & Self‑Care Practices with Johnny Crowder

Everywhere you turn, someone is talking about health and self‑care rituals. Keynote speaker Johnny Crowder shares why true self‑care is not one‑size‑fits‑all.

Elevate Your Event With These Skills: Insights from Gabriella Robuccio

Think event planning is all about checklists and timetables? Think again. Emmy‑winning strategist Gabriella Robuccio shares more on The Keynote Curators Podcast.

Celebrating Juneteenth with These Transformative Keynotes

Learn how intentional Juneteenth programming paired with transformative keynote speakers can turn commemoration into sustained equity and inclusion.

AI, GEO, & SEO Marketing for Speakers: The 2025 Authority-Building Playbook

How Professional Speakers and Speaker Bureaus Can Leverage AI to Build Unshakeable Authority and Increase Visibility in the New Search Landscape

Rethinking Events: Bite-Sized Surprises and Live Interaction with Seth Godin

Seth Godin shares his strategies and suggestions for unforgettable events—from riff-based teaching to co-creation through communication and creativity.

Aligning Prosperity with Purpose: Money Lessons from Doug Lynam

Marine. Monk. Manager. Behavioral finance expert Doug Lynam helps you heal your relationship with finances, aligning prosperity with a deeper, personal purpose.