MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS | MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
Jehan Casinader
Award-winning journalist Jehan Casinader is recognised as one of New Zealand’s top storytellers. For more than 20 years, he’s challenged, entertained, and inspired Kiwi audiences with his powerful and authentic approach to storytelling.
Jehan’s remarkable journey began in Lower Hutt at just 13, when he convinced TVNZ’s Holmes programme to give him a camera crew so he could film his first TV story. By 15, he was in the Beehive interviewing Prime Minister Helen Clark. At 17, he’d scored a regular slot on breakfast television, and by 19, he was filing stories from Cairo to New York. His career quickly accelerated, reporting for prime-time shows like Close Up, Seven Sharp and Sunday. At just 28, Jehan was named Reporter of the Year at the New Zealand Television Awards, and later won Best Political Columnist at the Voyager Media Awards.
Jehan became known for telling deeply human stories — often about people overcoming extraordinary adversity. But few knew he was fighting his own battle behind the scenes. Despite reporting from Hollywood red carpets or covering the Christchurch terror attacks, Jehan was secretly struggling with depression — at times suicidal.
In 2020, Jehan shared his story in his acclaimed book This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life. He launched his own business, teaching people and organisations how to harness the power of storytelling — particularly in mental health, leadership, and workplace culture. Today, he’s one of New Zealand’s most in-demand personal development speakers.
As an MC and facilitator, Jehan is known for leading courageous, honest conversations — whether it’s a multi-day conference, an internal staff event, or a glitzy awards night. He’s an expert interviewer, able to draw out the very best from panellists, guests, and speakers — from politicians to Olympians, scientists to film stars, and even convicted criminals.
Jehan holds a degree in public policy and has a passion for tackling the big issues that will shape New Zealand’s future. As a Kiwi-born Sri Lankan, he proudly represents Aotearoa’s growing diversity and is driven to amplify the voices of people we don’t often hear from.
