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Award-winning entrepreneur & philanthropist

Jacqueline O'Donovan

Champion environmental excellence, diversity, and health and safety with Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE, multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur and devout philanthropist. Jacqueline helps organisations make strategic moves, think more innovatively, and build resilience so they can leave a lasting impact on their industry. Recipient of a Presidential Distinguished Service Award and twice named Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors.

Trusted by Renatus, ESS Champion

Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE, Speaker | Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate
Jacqueline O'Donovan

Jacqueline O'Donovan

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Jacqueline O'Donovan's biography

At a glance

  • Led and exited a multi-award-winning waste management business
  • Awarded an OBE for outstanding services to Recycling, Safety, and Industry
  • International media personality sharing her expertise on the BBC, ITN, and RTE
Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE is an entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and philanthropist with decades of experience transforming the waste management industry. She built O'Donovan Waste from a family business into a multi-million-pound enterprise before selling it to a Swedish conglomerate in 2023, the same year she was awarded an OBE for outstanding services to recycling, safety, and industry. Jacqueline has been twice named Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors, is a recipient of the PwC Private Businesswoman of the Year award, and a National Finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She has also received a Presidential Distinguished Service Award from the President of Ireland, one of the highest honours achievable in the country. Most recently, Jacqueline launched ODPR, a PR and marketing agency serving the construction, logistics, and supply chain sectors. She is also backing a range of other businesses, having invested in an employment initiative for the over-55s, a women's supplement brand, and a first-to-market concept of breast flow monitoring technology. Drawing on her expertise in operations, health and safety, and environmental responsibility, Jacqueline speaks to the human and commercial cost of poor waste practices and the leadership required to drive meaningful change. Her sessions address sustainability strategy, responsible business, and the challenges facing industries that form the backbone of the built environment. Audiences leave with a sharper understanding of how to embed sustainability and safety into business culture, and the commercial case for doing so. Book Jacqueline to bring hard-won industry expertise and a highly compelling entrepreneurial story to your next event.

Jacqueline's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Jacqueline

Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE shares proven strategies for scaling profitable businesses while driving real environmental and social change, drawing on decades of hands-on leadership in waste management and construction. Book Jacqueline to equip your audience with actionable insights on sustainability, safety, inclusion, and business growth.

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Trusted by Renatus, ESS Champion

Testimonials

Absolutely brilliant, what a force of nature you are.

Renatus

Your expertise and insights were truly brilliant, both engaging and informative.

ESS

I can’t wait to get you back, best podcast I have done, what a laugh!

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Jacqueline O'Donovan for my next event?
Email jacqueline.odonovan@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Jacqueline's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is Jacqueline O'Donovan's speaking style like?
Jacqueline O'Donovan draws on her own entrepreneurial journey — building and exiting a multi-million-pound waste management business — to illustrate the commercial and human cost of poor sustainability and safety practices, framing her sessions around the leadership decisions required to embed responsible business culture.

What topics does Jacqueline O'Donovan specialise in?
Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE speaks on sustainability strategy, responsible business leadership, and health and safety culture within construction, logistics, and waste management. She built O'Donovan Waste into a multi-million-pound enterprise before a 2023 exit, and was awarded an OBE the same year for outstanding services to recycling, safety, and industry.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.