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Keynote SpeakerJacqueline O'Donovan OBE

A trailblazing business leader where purpose meets performance, globally recognised entrepreneur in waste management

Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE is a globally recognised entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and philanthropist, best known for her transformative impact on the waste management industry and her long-standing commitment to environmental progress. Over a 38-year tenure as Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste, she grew the family business into a multi-million-pound enterprise, becoming... Read more

Watch Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE in action

Popular Talks by Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE

  • Safety as a Leadership Imperative

    Why safety culture starts at the top and how leaders can drive meaningful improvements across organisations and supply chains. This topic draws on Jacqueline’s widely recognised advocacy in workplace and road safety. Key takeaways: Reframing safety as a leadership and cultural issue Practical ways leaders influence behaviour and accountability Creating…
  • Leadership Through Change, Crisis, and Exit

    Insights from leading a family business through rapid growth, industry disruption, and a successful sale. Jacqueline explores leadership resilience, decision making under pressure, and preparing a business for transition. Key takeaways: Leading confidently through uncertainty and change Building organisations that are exit ready, even if exit is not the goal…
  • Scaling a Purpose Led Business

    How to grow a commercially successful organisation while embedding sustainability, safety, and responsibility at its core. Drawing on nearly four decades of leadership, Jacqueline shares how purpose can be a growth driver rather than a constraint. Key takeaways: How to align purpose with profit without compromising either Embedding values into…
  • Building Legacy Through Philanthropy and Impact

    How business leaders can use their platform, influence, and success to create long term social value. Jacqueline reflects on philanthropy, community impact, and responsibility beyond the balance sheet.

    Key takeaways:

    • Moving from success to significance
    • Aligning philanthropy with personal and organisational values
    • Creating impact that is credible, strategic, and lasting
  • Sustainability That Delivers Results

    A practical look at sustainability beyond slogans, focusing on real operational change and measurable impact. This session demystifies what works, what does not, and how to lead environmental progress in complex industries. Key takeaways: Turning sustainability strategy into day to day action Measuring impact in a way that boards and…

More talks

  • Recycling for a Sustainable Future

Biography

Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE is a globally recognised entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and philanthropist, best known for her transformative impact on the waste management industry and her long-standing commitment to environmental progress. Over a 38-year tenure as Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste, she grew the family business into a multi-million-pound enterprise, becoming a leading authority on tackling the environmental challenges associated with poor waste management and pollution.

In 2023, Jacqueline successfully sold O’Donovan Waste to a Swedish conglomerate, marking a major milestone in her career. That same year, she was awarded an OBE in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours List for services to recycling, safety, and industry.

Her leadership has consistently championed innovation, training, and education, positioning her as a trailblazer in global efforts to reduce humanity’s environmental footprint.

Beyond waste management, Jacqueline is a highly respected advocate for improved health and safety standards, both in the workplace and on the roads. Her campaigning has driven meaningful change and earned widespread recognition across the construction, logistics, and related sectors.

Most recently, Jacqueline launched ODPR, a PR and marketing agency supporting businesses across construction, the construction supply chain, and logistics. Through ODPR, she brings trusted partnerships, strategic insight, and innovative communications to industries undergoing rapid transformation.

Jacqueline is also an active investor, backing ventures including an employment initiative focused on over-55s, a female-focused nutrition business, and a first-to-market breast flow monitoring technology.

Her achievements have been recognised through numerous accolades, including being twice named Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors, receiving the PwC Private Businesswoman of the Year Award, the Growing Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, and being a National Finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

A resolute philanthropist, Jacqueline has also been honoured by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award, reflecting her enduring commitment to community, culture, and social impact.

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How to book Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE as a keynote speaker

How do I book Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE for a keynote speech?

You can book Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Jacqueline's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE's speaking fees?

Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Jacqueline tailored to your event.

What topics does Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE speak about?

Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE speaks on Business & Management, Cities, Cities & Environment, Climate, Entrepreneurs. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Jacqueline to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE for events worldwide, subject to Jacqueline's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Jacqueline can accommodate.

Can Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Jacqueline can offer.

What languages does Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE present in?

Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Cities, Cities & Environment, Climate, Entrepreneurs. To get a clear sense of Jacqueline's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE speak at?

Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Business & Management, Cities, Cities & Environment, Climate, Entrepreneurs is relevant. Details of Jacqueline's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Jacqueline's current availability for your dates.