Contact Us

Laura Ling

Award-Winning American Journalist, Co-Author of Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home

Over almost two decades, award-winning journalist and web and TV host Laura Ling has been dedicated to exposing the world to critical global issues, including slave labor in the Amazon, the drug war in Mexico, Internet censorship in China, and women’s rights in Turkey.

In March 2009, Ling captured the world’s attention from a different standpoint, when she was arrested and held captive in North Korea for 140 days after attempting to report on the trafficking of North Korean women. Granted a special pardon, she returned to the U.S. and documented her experience in her 2010 memoir, Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home, penned with her sister, Lisa.

Check Availability

Travels From: California | Fee Range: $10,000 - $15,000

Speech Topics

Ling recounts her time in captivity, from moments when she feared she might never see her family again, to glimmers of humanity and compassion directed towards her by her captors, to the ways in which she fought to win back her freedom. She talks about what sustained her throughout that terrifying period of isolation and how she was able to maintain hope. Her story provides a rare and unique window into the so-called “Hermit Nation,” and what happens when people from “enemy” nations get a chance to interact and communicate face-to-face.

Biography

Laura is an award-winning journalist and author. She most recently hosted the Discovery mini-documentary series, The Power of Kindness which looks at the scientific roots and benefits of being kind. She also hosts Everyday Bravery, a podcast about overcoming life’s biggest challenges. As an international correspondent, she has reported on issues ranging from the global health threat of avian flu, to women’s rights in the Middle East, to how 3D printing is being used to combat poaching in Africa.

Laura has more than two decades of experience programming across multiple platforms. She is a featured speaker at universities and conferences, addressing topics including journalism, human rights, women’s issues, discerning truth in the media, digital media, and leadership. She is the co-author of the New York Times Bestselling memoir: Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home. Ling was named one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year in 2009. She is a Service Ambassador for Points of Light, the nonpartisan organization dedicated to solving social problems through voluntary service.

"

I hope to work again and again with Worldwide Speakers Group on the selection of our keynote and endnote speakers for our annual conference and other events. Our representative and her associate were terrific from my first communication to them until our speaking-event concluded... It is easy to see why many of the top speakers in the country work with Worldwide Speakers Group.

The National Recreation and Park Association

"

The WWSG team are super responsive and flexible. I will definitely work with them again to find speakers for my next event.

Ernst & Young LLP

"

We always enjoy working with WWSG, and we thank you and your team for your diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism. Planning is already underway for next year's event (no rest for the weary). We hope to have every opportunity to work with you again in the near future.

Texas American Resources Company

"

The team at WWSG is certainly at the top of the scale. Building a long-term relationship with the client has really set WWSG apart and we clearly saw that with our partnership. WWSG found creative ways to build the partnership which results in a win-win for all.

Erik Qualman, Top Technology and Motivational Speaker, #1 Bestselling Author & Futurist

"

They provide us well-prepared and informed speakers who understand our expectations and unique format. With WWSG, we know that the speaker fees are fair and trust that the event will be a success.

The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California

"

“After 20 years in the lecture series business, WWSG has become a valued partner. We produce over 24 speaking events a year and have worked with dozens of agencies. We appreciate WWSG’s unparalleled professionalism, integrity, and creativity in suggesting speakers that are unique to the speaker circuit."

The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California

"

Thanks again for all your help. Your entire team there is truly stellar.

American Property Casualty Insurance Association

"

All timing and logistics were seamless, and the client was super engaged and thankful. I’m happy to report that we have another WIN for WWSG! Let’s build on the momentum together!

Josh Linkner, Tech Entrepreneur, Hyper-Growth CEO, NYT Best-Selling Author, Venture Capitalist, and Keynote Speaker

"

The consistent professionalism and quality for the way Worldwide Speakers Group handles events shows that they think of each detail and every contingency beforehand.

Newt Gingrich, Distinguished Leader, Visionary, & Political Vanguard; 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1995-1999); Best-Selling Author

"

Everything was buttoned up, from the initial outreach to the event execution and post follow-up. I have a great team of representatives from WWSG to work with, first class experience.

American Century Investments

Check Availability

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Subscribe to the WWSG newsletter.

Check Availability

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

0
Speaker List
Share My List