Available to book
Transform leadership and workplace wellbeing with John Lonergan, speaker on social justice and resilience. John works with organisations to foster compassionate leadership and mental health awareness, drawing from four decades of prison service experience including 22 years governing Mountjoy Prison.
John Lonergan is a former Governor of Dublin's Mountjoy Prison, widely respected for his insights into leadership, mental health, social justice and human resilience. Drawing on over four decades in the Irish Prison Service, John offers a rare and thought-provoking perspective on leading with integrity, fostering wellbeing, and understanding the deeper social issues affecting individuals and communities.
John grew up in Bansha, Co. Tipperary and joined the Irish Prison Service as a young man. Rising through the ranks, he went on to govern Mountjoy Prison, Ireland’s largest prison, for more than twenty-two years, and later served as Governor of the high-security Portlaoise Prison. Throughout his career, John witnessed first-hand the many social and personal factors that lead people into difficulty, shaping his lifelong belief in the power of compassion, education and opportunity to change lives.
Since retiring in 2010, John has continued to contribute to public life through writing, speaking, and community engagement. His autobiography, The Governor, offers a compelling account of his experiences and insights, while his second book, Parenting: Raising Your Child in Ireland Today, focuses on practical, empathetic approaches to raising resilient children. All royalties are donated to Barnardos.
Today, John shares his expertise across a wide range of audiences, from corporate groups to teachers, parents and community organisations. His talks are known for their authenticity, practical wisdom and deep humanity, offering guidance on leadership, mental health, resilience and the vital importance of connection.
Topics, sessions and talks
John Lonergan offers a practical approach to achieving happiness and inner peace. Focusing on daily actions and choices, he discusses the importance of gratitude, self-forgiveness, kindness, meaningful connections and the power of simple habits. With a calm and reflective style, John highlights how personal responsibility and small, consistent decisions can lead to a more fulfilled life.
John Lonergan draws on decades of leadership experience to reveal what truly motivates and inspires people. He explores the importance of authenticity, respect, consultation and consistency, and explains why personal example is the most powerful tool a leader has. John’s thoughtful, relatable approach helps leaders build teams rooted in trust, fairness and shared purpose.
John Lonergan explores the real-life challenges parents face in today's complex world. Drawing on his deep experience, he covers communication, the value of listening, parenting by example and nurturing self-confidence. John shares practical strategies for building open, trusting relationships with children of all ages, helping parents foster resilience, acceptance and emotional wellbeing at home.
Speaking directly to students, John Lonergan offers guidance on building personal resilience and maintaining mental wellbeing. He discusses the value of self-care, gratitude, forgiveness and nurturing positive relationships. With warmth and clarity, John helps young people understand how everyday choices and attitudes can strengthen their ability to face challenges and thrive.
John Lonergan addresses the complex realities of teaching, highlighting the powerful and lasting impact great teachers can have. He examines strategies for managing challenging behaviour, fostering connection over correction, and maintaining personal wellbeing. Through a compassionate lens, John shows why self-care is essential for teachers who want to make a meaningful difference.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
To book John Lonergan, email john.lonergan@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 John's availability and speaking fee. 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 about your audience.
John Lonergan structures his talks around case-based reflection, drawing on over four decades in the Irish Prison Service to ground observations on leadership, wellbeing and human behaviour in direct professional experience. He pairs this with a framework of practical, repeatable actions — such as daily habits, personal example and consistent communication — giving audiences concrete steps rather than abstract principles.
John Lonergan speaks on mental health and happiness, leadership and motivation, and parenting and family resilience. He served as Governor of Mountjoy Prison for over twenty-two years, an experience that underpins his perspective on leadership, social justice and human behaviour, and is the author of the autobiography The Governor.
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Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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