MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING | MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS | BUSINESS
Sir John Kirwan KZNM MBE
Sir John Kirwan – Mental Health Advocate, Rugby Legend, and Inspirational Speaker
Sir John Kirwan, affectionately known as "JK," is a former All Blacks rugby legend who has transformed into a leading mental health advocate and sought-after inspirational speaker. His openness about personal battles with depression has broken down stigmas and inspired many to seek help and support.
Rugby Career Highlights:
All Blacks Tenure: Played 63 test matches for New Zealand from 1984 to 1994, scoring 35 tries, including a memorable solo effort in the 1987 Rugby World Cup.
Auckland Rugby: Represented Auckland in the 1980s and 1990s, contributing to the team's dominance in New Zealand rugby.
Mental Health Advocacy:
Authorship: Authored several books on mental health, including the best-selling "All Blacks Don’t Cry," sharing his journey and offering insights into mental well-being.
Groov Co-founder: Co-founded Groov (formerly Mentemia), a platform providing mental health support and resources to individuals and organizations.
Recent Activities:
Media Engagements: In August 2024, Sir John discussed the pressures faced by All Blacks players, emphasizing the importance of mental health support in high-performance sports.
Rugby Commentary: In October 2024, he expressed his views on rugby regulations, advocating for the adoption of the 20-minute red card to enhance the spectator experience.
Key Speaking Topics:
Breaking the Silence on Mental Health: Shares his personal story of overcoming depression, offering practical advice on maintaining mental well-being and supporting others.
Leadership Under Pressure: Discusses how to lead effectively in challenging times, fostering resilience and empathy within teams.
Building Resilient Teams: Provides insights on creating a supportive team culture where mental health is prioritized, enabling individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.
Why Book Sir John Kirwan:
Sir John's unique blend of sporting excellence, personal vulnerability, and passionate advocacy for mental health makes him an exceptional speaker. His ability to connect with audiences on both an emotional and intellectual level leaves a lasting impact, inspiring change and promoting well-being across all areas of life.
Book Sir John Kirwan Today:
To bring Sir John's powerful message to your next event, contact Essential Talent today.
