Speaking and Media

Richard Jackson

Talks on mental health, vulnerability and the human cost of high-pressure work from someone who learned the hard way

For more than a decade I worked at the heart of UK national security. I ran the intelligence cell supporting COBR and briefed the Prime Minister and the Joint Intelligence Committee.

In 2008 I left classified documents on a train. In the public fallout I lost my career, my confidence and, for a long time, myself, to severe depression. I made my recovery slower by doing what most men do: hiding away and telling everyone I was fine.

I did recover. I went on to lead corporate global analyst teams, set up a company-wide wellbeing network, and found NewDay Coaching. Now I talk about what I learned, because nothing does more to remove the stigma around mental illness than talking about it freely and unashamedly.

As heard on

• BBC Radio 2 - The Jeremy Vine Show

• The Times: Article by Larisa Brown, Defence Editor

• BBC Radio 4 - Life Changing with Dr Sian Williams

Talks

Fine. Not Fine.
Why people hide their struggles, what silence costs us, and how the right conversations can transform lives.
Ideal for Time to Talk Day, Mental Health Awareness Week, Movember and all-staff events.

The Cost of Knowing
How exposure to traumatic material affects judgement, performance and wellbeing, and what organisations can do to support the people carrying that burden.
Ideal for newsrooms, trust and safety teams, intelligence, police and humanitarian organisations.

Coming Back
Practical lessons for employees and managers navigating a return to work after mental ill health.
Ideal for managers, HR and wellbeing leads.

Every talk is tailored to your audience. I combine my personal story with practical tools people can use the next day.

Formats

Keynote · fireside conversation · panel · interactive workshop
In person across the UK, or online. [Typical length, 20–60 minutes plus Q&A. Workshops 60 - 120 minutes]

“Richard’s presentation at The Brain Tumour Charity’s Wellness Day on the subject of mental illness and stress at work was exceedingly well received by everyone who heard it. He struck just the right balance between his own personal experience and providing tips and techniques. He spoke about a difficult subject with a great mix of humour and gravitas. We’ll definitely be welcoming him back regularly. I highly recommend him.”

Sarah Lindsell - CEO of the Brain Tumour Charity

About

EMCC Accredited Coach · Mental Health First Aider · Founder, NewDay Coaching

“Nothing does more to remove the stigma that still surrounds mental illness than talking freely and unashamedly about it.”

I started out my interest in mental health in the workplace when I stood up in front of my own team and talked about my own experiences and followed up with some tips and advice on dealing with workplace stress and anxiety. I don’t think I have ever had such a positive response either at the time and subsequently. Of course that may say more about the other things I have stood up and talked about, but let’s assume I was on to something.

I’ve been a regular presenter throughout my career and its actually one of the most enjoyable things I do. I think that enjoyment and comfort in front of the audience pays off with a relaxed and engaging style no matter what the subject matter.

Nothing does more to remove the stigma that still surrounds mental illness than talking freely and unashamedly about it. So if you have an event coming up and a need for someone to talk openly and engagingly about mental health, drawing upon my own experiences of both suffering and recovering, of what people, groups and organisations can do to provide the most supportive environment, then please get in touch.