OWEN O’KANE | BACKGROUND INTO WELLBEING
Owen grew up in Northern Ireland during ‘the troubles’ which he describes as a great training ground for understanding trauma and anxiety. He has a down to earth and humorous approach to his work, with no hesitation in sharing his own challenges and normalising human struggle.
Owen spent the first half of his career working with the dying as a palliative care specialist, which significantly influences how he works today.
His mission is to help people get the best from their lives, especially those who may not ordinarily seek help. He regularly supports and collaborates with charities including Hospice UK, The Princess Trust, and a host of others, to help their campaigns for better mental health.
He is an active voice on LGBTQ+ rights and a former columnist for Attitude Magazine. Owen continues to work clinically with his own private practice in London. He has many celebrity clients who have been quick to endorse his work.
His three books are Ten to Zen, Ten Times Happier, and How to be your Own Therapist.
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OWEN O’KANE – AUTHOR/IN THE MEDIA
Owen is best known for his successful book Ten to Zen which provides a plan to help calm, silence and control your mind. He aims to improve mental clarity and put an end to unhelpful thoughts. The book shot to number three on Amazon’s bestseller list and was published in over a dozen countries including China, Russia and the USA. It was critically acclaimed by a number of influential people including Fearne Cotton, Robert Rinder, Eamonn Holmes, Ashley Banjo, Dame Kelly Holmes, Joe Wicks, Saira Khan and Jack Monroe.
In his second book, Ten Times Happier (2020) Owen reveals how to choose healthier perspectives and ditch harmful thoughts in key areas we all tend to overthink such as the future, other people and our behaviour. Once again, this book was praised by the likes of television presenter Fearne Cotton and newsreader Susanna Reid.
He has been featured on everything from radio to television and magazines to newspapers including BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio London, BBC Radio 5 Live and TalkRadio, the BBC, ITV and Sky, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The Evening Standard, The Times, GQ and The Big Issue. He is also a script advisor for BBC Drama on psychological matters.
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OWEN O’KANE – KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Owen is a seasoned professional who has engaged with more than 30 prominent global corporations, guiding their teams in navigating work-related stress and evading burnout. His comprehensive methodology and extensive background allow him to converse effectively on various subjects and address an array of challenges. However, his distinctive perspective leans towards illuminating the significance of flexible thinking for success, contrasting it with the concept of mere ‘positive thinking.’
His upbringing in Northern Ireland during the period of ‘the troubles’ provided him with valuable insights into comprehending trauma and anxiety. Owen’s pragmatic and light-hearted approach to his work is interwoven with a willingness to openly discuss his own struggles, effectively normalizing the human experience of adversity.
The initial phase of his career saw Owen serving as a palliative care specialist, aiding individuals nearing the end of life. This chapter greatly influences his current methodologies.
Owen’s overarching objective revolves around assisting individuals in achieving the utmost fulfilment in their lives and careers, particularly those who might not typically seek support. He consistently lends his backing and collaborates with charitable organizations such as Hospice UK, The Princess Trust, and others, contributing to their initiatives for improved mental well-being. He also actively advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and once served as a columnist for Attitude Magazine.
Stress and anxiety are one of the biggest issues amongst people, particularly young people, nowadays, but identifying and coming to terms with having a panic or anxiety attack can be hard. You may have had them without realising it.
Owen is very passionate about making his talks understandable and approachable, and therefore he doesn’t use technical jargon or academia, instead, he draws upon his own experiences to highlight the importance of prioritising a happy and healthy mind. Owen is always a popular choice for speaker and is often called upon to answer questions after his speech by delegates eager to gain a more detailed insight into how a healthy mind can improve their daily life. Owen is a versatile speaker and will tailor his talks to the client and their requirements. He is happy to deliver keynote speeches at corporate events, wellbeing festivals and mental health events.
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OWEN O’KANE – SPEAKING TOPICS
- Techniques to reduce stress
- Improving overall mental health
- Creating a calmer, happier you
- Understanding the anxious mind
- Developing routines and workouts for a healthy lifestyle
- What good mental health is and how to achieve it
- How to end negative thoughts
- How to live a happier life
- Adjusting after a crisis
- Rebuilding after the Coronavirus pandemic
Mental illness is a big expense for society and the economy as a whole. Having Owen speak to you about mental health can increase productivity, prevent sick day expenditures and increase creativity, resulting in a more creative, happier and more motivated workforce.
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OWEN O’KANE SPEAKING CLIENTS
Owen has worked for the likes of Virgin, Not On The High Street, Endemol Shine, GSK and Universal and is available for conference and corporate speaking events, keynote speeches, and mental health events.
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To check fees and availability for mental health speaker Owen O’Kane, contact Great Business Speakers on 0044 (0)1753 439289
