Captain of Emmanuel College on BBC’s ‘University Challenge‘, Co-Founded OxFizz, Former Director of the Oxford Scholastica Academy & Bestselling Author of ‘The Life Changing Magic of Numbers’
Bobby Seagull’s Biography:
Bobby Seagull is a mathematician, broadcaster and author best known for captaining the Emmanuel College team on BBC’s ‘University Challenge‘, where his intelligence, humour and approachable personality made him a standout figure with audiences across the UK. Since then, Bobby has become one of Britain’s most recognisable advocates for numeracy, education and lifelong learning, using television, radio, podcasts and live events to make complex subjects accessible and entertaining. His ability to combine intellectual credibility with warmth and wit has made him a highly sought-after keynote speaker for corporate events, conferences, schools and leadership programmes.
Bobby studied mathematics at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, before beginning a career in finance and business. He worked as an investment banking trader for Lehman Brothers and later became an equities trader for Nomura International. Alongside his financial career, he co-founded OxFizz, an educational consultancy helping students prepare for university applications. Bobby later qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, giving him a rare blend of academic, commercial and entrepreneurial experience. His commitment to education continued through leadership roles, including Director of the Oxford Scholastica Academy and later Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth at the University of East London.
Bobby’s profile expanded significantly through broadcasting and public engagement. He became a national ambassador for National Numeracy and regularly appeared across television and radio discussing maths, education and popular culture. He co-hosted BBC series including ‘Monkman and Seagull’s Genius Guide to Britain’ and ‘Monkman and Seagull’s Genius Adventures’, programmes which combined travel, history and problem solving with humour and curiosity. Bobby also launched the ‘Maths Appeal’ podcast, helping listeners explore the importance of numbers in everyday life, and appeared as a contestant on Channel 4’s ‘Hunted’ in support of Stand Up To Cancer. His achievements were further recognised when he was awarded an MBE for his contributions to public libraries.
Why Hire Bobby Seagull?
Alongside his broadcasting work, Bobby is an accomplished writer and commentator. He co-authored ‘The Monkman and Seagull Quiz Book’, published the bestselling ‘The Life Changing Magic of Numbers’, and became a financial columnist for the Financial Times. He has also served as a trustee of the youth leadership organisation UpRising, reinforcing his commitment to social mobility and education. Bobby is hired as a keynote speaker because he brings together academic excellence, financial expertise, media experience and genuine charisma. Whether discussing resilience, communication, data, leadership or the importance of curiosity, Bobby delivers insightful presentations with intelligence, humour and authenticity that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Bobby Seagull’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Bobby Seagull’s remarkable career:
- 2026 – Appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s New Year Honours list for his contributions to public libraries
- 2024 – Appointed Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth at the University of East London
- 2023 – Appeared as a television contestant on Channel 4’s ‘Hunted’ for Stand Up To Cancer and featured on BBC Two’s Pilgrimage
- 2020 – Co-hosted the BBC Two educational travel series Monkman and Seagull’s Genius Adventures
- 2018 – Published his second book, ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers’
- 2018 – Launched the Maths Appeal podcast
- 2018 – Co-hosted his debut BBC Two science television series ‘Monkman and Seagull’s Genius Guide to Britain’
- 2018 – Appointed as a regular financial columnist for the Financial Times
- 2017 – Co-authored ‘The Monkman and Seagull Quiz Book’
- 2017 – Captain of the Emmanuel College team on BBC’s ‘University Challenge’
Videos
Bobby Seagull’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Just to feedback on the talk yesterday delivered by Bobby Seagull, he was brilliant!! So enthusiastic and engaging, I have had great feedback from colleagues, thank you for the connection!! I have messaged Bobby on LinkedIn to pass on my thanks but do feel free to pass on my comments too.” – Ellie, Marketing & Communications Officer, Swansea University
“The event was great! Bobby was amazing, it was a pleasure to work with him. The students loved it, especially the rap. I don’t think anyone was expecting it or the reaction, it was brilliant to see. You could sense the excitement in the theatre as they went off for the rest of their day. One of our year 13 students said ‘He was incredibly engaging, and surprisingly managed to keep the whole audience hooked with maths… The way he presented his story was very inspiring, and I’m sure many mathematicians in the audience felt a wave of motivation. It was great to have him, and I think he should definitely pursue a career in rap after his performance at the end of the talk’.” – Lucy, Marketing & Events Assistant, Christs Hospital
“Bobby was a fantastic addition to the national final of the Senior Teams Maths Challenge where he was entertaining and inspirational in equal measure. Both Bobby’s speech about his own experiences and his maths rap (which was great!) lifted the students after a long day of competing. We look forward to working with Bobby in the future” – UKMT
Speaking Topics
Bobby Seagull’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Numeracy and Financial Literacy
- Education and Social Mobility
- Leadership and Communication
- Data, Decision Making and Problem Solving
- Curiosity, Learning and Personal Development
How Much Does Bobby Seagull Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Bobby Seagull?
Bobby Seagull’s speaking fees vary depending on the event format, location, duration and level of preparation required. For an accurate quote, please share your event date, location and brief with an official booking agent.