Each of us has a story about who we are.
But where do those stories come from? And how can we use storytelling to improve our mental health, performance and workplace culture?
Jehan Casinader has wrestled with these questions. He’s an award-winning TV journalist — and a survivor of depression and suicidality. As one of New Zealand’s most-booked keynote speakers, Jehan shares practical tools that help people to “rewrite” their stories and build deeper relationships.
Jehan’s presentations and workshops can be tailored to audiences from all sectors and walks of life. He draws on psychology, his 15 years of journalism experience, and his own life story. Jehan offers a fresh, inspiring perspective on the topics that matter — including wellbeing, leadership and diversity.
Popular keynotes and workshops.
- The Power of Stories: You’re the author of your story. Learn how this simple idea can have a dramatic impact on your mental health and relationships.
- Lead With Stories: Most of us can communicate, but not everyone can tell a good story. Learn how to gain influence by engaging hearts and minds.
- Tell Me The Good News: We’re drowning in negative, anxiety-inducing information. Learn how to find hope amidst the doom and gloom.
- Common Ground: Our world feels more polarised and conflict-driven than ever. Learn how to build deep relationships with people who are different to you.
- Find Your Voice: Many of us struggle to speak up at work. Learn how to find your voice — and amplify the diverse voices in your organisation.
What do clients say?
“We had every confidence Jehan would hit the mark, and he certainly did – with some of the most positive feedback we have ever had for an invited speaker. His presentation for all staff was an absolute hit, with many people continuing to talk about it.” — Andrew Caseley, CEO, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority
“Our 300-strong audience gave Jehan the only standing ovation of our conference. He expertly weaves up-to-the-minute knowledge of science and research about mental health, with powerful stories from his own life. For many attendees, Jehan’s keynote fundamentally reshaped how they approach mental health and wellbeing.” — Dr Claire Achmad, CEO, Social Service Providers Aotearoa
“Having seen the effect his story, and the tools he offers to help people reshape their own stories, had on my Senior Leadership Team, I have no hesitation in commending him as a keynote speaker and presenter of rare talent.” — Marty Grenfell, CEO, Tauranga City Council
“I was absolutely blown away by his professionalism, the sincerity of his message and the power behind it. There’s no better endorsement than the fact that one of our delegates told me how personally he was impacted by Jehan’s keynote speech and that his presentation alone was worth the whole conference registration fee.” — Sally-Anne Coates, GM, EVANZ
“The feedback has been incredible, with one staff member saying Jehan’s keynote was ‘The most empowering, energetic and meaningful session I have experienced in my 16 years at Southern Cross’. Jehan’s presentations have given our people the power to change their own stories.” — Phoebe Smith, People Experience Advisor, Southern Cross
“Courageous. Inspiring. Practical. Jehan presented a keynote on mental health to around 400 in-house lawyers at Te Papa. His presence, energy and vulnerability captivated the audience throughout. Real stories of difficult or traumatic situations were communicated with sensitivity and accompanied by deep insights. Lawyers can be a tough crowd, but delegate feedback was off the chart for Jehan’s session. This is a testament to his message and heart.” — Grant Pritchard, President, ILANZ
“Jehan is an incredible speaker — but the profound impact he leaves on people is just second to none. As a region that has been on the receiving end of relentless negativity, Jehan’s kōrero was perfectly on point. He is a gifted storyteller and orator, and we are proud to have him as an extended member of our whānau.” — Vanessa Wallace, Business Events Manager, RotoruaNZ
“The feedback from Jehan’s presentation to our clients has been outstanding. His thought-provoking content encourages us to make our workplaces more inclusive, and help people to find their voice. His storytelling generated many “a-ha moments”, with attendees saying that he shone a light on their own lived experience.” — Hayley Wright, Head of Talent Development, H2R Consulting
“When Jehan came to 2degrees, it was our highest-attended wellbeing session to date, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People described Jehan as authentic, vulnerable, honest and very polished. His the theme of accountability — and being in control of our own stories — was an eye opener for many. Jehan made the whole experience really easy, and was very adaptable to our changing requirements.” — Elysia Ketterer, Manager, 2degrees
Jehan Casinader 