Robbie Glen Biography
Former prison governor, Robbie Glen’s uproarious wit, impeccable timing and ability to read an audience is incredible, he is one of the finest and most gifted after dinner and conference speakers you're ever likely to hear.
Background - Life before Prison
Sired by an Ayrshire man out of a Renfrewshire lady, Robbie was reared in Lanarkshire. He was educated at Hamilton Academy and Strathclyde University. He taught for one year in Blantyre before joining the Prison Service as an Assistant Governor in 1969.
Robbie is married with 2 daughters, the younger of whom is profoundly handicapped. Robbie developed a walking aid for her with his staff and prisoners in 1981 and it is now being used in 41 hospitals and schools in Scotland to teach disabled children how to walk.
In his youth he played junior football professionally but his career was cut short tragically at an early age due to lack of ability. He still holds the Lanarkshire Schoolboy 440 yards record, because it’s now gone metric!
Career - Prison Sentence
Robbie served several prison sentences as Governor of Castle Huntly Young Offenders Institution - Dungavel Prison where he was Deputy and Acting Governor - along with Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow. He had the pleasure of being Governor of Cornton Vale, which is Scotland’s only female establishment. He finally retired from the Scottish Prison Service in 1996. Robbie is such a character and inspirational man that William Mcllvaney based his story, "The Prisoner", in his book of short stories entitled "The Walking Wounded" on Robbie after a visit to Dungavel.
After Dinner Speaker
There is no doubt Robbie Glen's hilarious anecdotes, together with brilliant timing and his charismatic personality, make him a unique and brilliant speaker, and one of the finest (and busiest) professional after dinner speakers on the circuit today. He is a joy to listen to.
Motivational Speaker
He is one of the country’s finest motivational speakers and as he says
“if you have 650 staff and 1200 inmates, none of whom really want to be there – you can manage anything!!”
Robbie has a unique perspective on customer service but will deliver any message required including teambuilding, leadership or managing change, and will ensure that the delegates go home motivated and amused!
Conference Facilitator
A former schoolteacher, Robbie is an outstanding conference host or facilitator, bringing his charisma, warmth and energy to every event.
Speaking Topics
Ex-Governor of Barlinnie Prison, Robbie Glen is one of the best after dinner speakers on the circuit.
- Leadership
- Motivation & Teamwork
- Sales/Customer Service
- Security & Risk
- Prisons
For further information or to book Robbie Glen, call us at Speakers Corner on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Robbie Glen News
A selection of relevant news related to Robbie Glen, After Dinner Speakers and Keynote Speakers, Great Value Speakers, Leadership Speakers and Security & Risk stories. For more information on Robbie Glen or details as to how to book Robbie Glen for your corporate event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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Robbie Glen Reviews
Robbie Glen has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for Robbie Glen for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book Robbie Glen for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
When I think of the evening, my mind overflows with colourful images; the tour de force was the laugh-buster speech given by Governor R .R. H Glenn. unforgettable
Entirely professional, veryflexible, ideal for our needs
Speech good and well balanced humour. After dinner speech also very good. Everyone went away happy - with our bunch that can sometimes be difficult to achieve!
On average Robbie achieved the highest rating appreciation of all our speakers, 4.7 out of 5. An excellent presentation which got the conference off to a great start.
Robbie was very prompt in arricing for the evening and was great company. Feedback about his speech was that he was very funny and entertaining.
Kept audience in his grasp all the time. Perhaps should have related better to the club members by using their names in some of his stories. Can always tell a good comedian/after dinner speaker by final reception - a standing ovation!
Kept the diners entertained. Plenty of laughs. Very nice chap!
Excellent speaker and had the courtesy to make contact before hand to exhange details
Absolutely fantastic! People were literally crying with laughter. Also pitched at exactly the right level for the audience
Robbie read the guests well and everyone has commented on how good he was. His content, facial experssions and emotive speaking was hilarious.
He went down with our guests very well, a few had seen him before however and some of his material was reused from quite a few years ago. I suppose as an organiser we were a bit disappointed that he didn't tailor his speech more towards the mortgage industry. that would have gone down well.
Robbie Glen had them rolling in the aisles. This man should carry a Government health warning he so funny you exceeded all my expectations! I actually cant think of anything more descriptive as outstanding.
you exceeded all my expectations! I actually can't think of anything more descriptive as outstanding?.
Lovely, friendly, approachable man. Easy to get on with, understood the client group and was very well received. Very funny and had the audience in stitches with good old fashioned humour. Nothing blue, just genuinely funny. Lovely speaking voice.
A fascinating well informed speaker, with a dry Scottish wit!
Q & A with Robbie Glen
Robbie Glen answered some probing questions for Speakers Corner. For speaking secrets revealed - read on! To book Robbie Glen for your event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: How did the corporate speaking start?
Robbie Glen: My corporate speaking came about through evolution. As a young assistant prison governor, I was often designated, as were the other assistant governors, to speak to local groups such as Rotary Clubs, Round Tables, W.I.'s etc about the Prison. This was good pr work and often, after I had finished, people said that was funny - We are having an anniversary dinner etc and one function has led on average to another.
Speakers Corner: Can you remember your first speaking engagement?
Robbie Glen: My first professional speaking engagement would be in 1992 when I stood in for Elaine C Smith (Rab C Nesbitt's stage wife) at a business conference dinner.
Speakers Corner: And your last event?
Robbie Glen: My last was Oxford Sporting Club in March.
Speakers Corner: Which event has been your favourite and why?
Robbie Glen: I find it very difficult to identify one particular event. I have had some unbelievable experiences and met some incredibly interesting people.
Speakers Corner: What can a typical corporate audience learn from your experiences?
Robbie Glen: My career was in an unique environment and it pays dividends to involve and consult all your charges, even if you do what they think is best. They appreciate being recognised.
For further information or to book Robbie Glen, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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