- Wrote and directed the award-winning "My Sexual Abuse: The Sitcom"
- Wrote and starred in Channel 4's "Lee and Dean", and the creator of ITV's "Tell Me Everything"
- Host of the podcast "Making Lemonade"
Mark O’Sullivan is a writer, director, and actor best known for his work in television. He co-created, directed, and starred in the Channel 4 comedy Lee and Dean, which aired for two seasons.
His first drama series, Tell Me Everything, produced for ITV and the BFI's Young Audiences Content Fund, addresses mental health and the challenges faced by young people today.
In 2024, Mark presented his first documentary for Channel 4 titled My Sexual Abuse: The Sitcom, which was awarded the prestigious Royal Television Society 2025 Programme Award for Art. The documentary followed Mark on his journey to explore the abuse he suffered as a child, and his attempts to make a live studio sitcom about his experiences. It received rave reviews in the UK press and media. Charities working with survivors of sexual abuse have even reported an increase in people accessing their services following the programme’s first broadcast.
Most recently, Mark launched Making Lemonade, a platform that includes a podcast, talks, workshops, and live events. Drawing from the "lemons" that Mark has experienced in his life, this initiative aims to demonstrate how creativity can transform difficult experiences into positive outcomes, effectively turning lemons into lemonade.
Before starting his career in television, Mark spent almost two decades working as a facilitator, teacher, and trainer—firstly in education, then for organisations in the public, third, and private sectors. He has designed and delivered talks, seminars, and workshops on topics from issues-based programmes like domestic abuse and hate crimes, to harnessing creativity and resilience. Mark now offers a range of talks and workshops that can be delivered 'off the shelf' or tailored to suit your organisation's specific requirements.
Mark's Showreel and Videos
Topics, Sessions and Talks
Making Lemonade: Mark's Story
In this session, Mark O’Sullivan shares his story and advice on how to turn the bad stuff - when it happens - into the energy for success. He’ll teach your team how to build resilience, as individuals, communities and organisations.
How To Harness Your Creativity
In this session, Mark O’Sullivan will guide your team in overcoming their struggles with creativity and demonstrate its vital role in their work. Through engaging discussions and practical exercises, he will help attendees recognise the importance of creative thinking in problem-solving and innovation. By the end of the session, participants will learn how to foster a creative mindset and integrate it into their daily tasks, enhancing both individual and team performance.
My Mental Health (The Stand-Up Routine*)
*which isn’t really a stand-up routine… but could be. Mark O’Sullivan has always tried to approach everything difficult in his life through humour. It’s how he’s survived. And his various and long-running struggles as a man with Mental Health issues are no exception. In this session, Mark shares his story of anxiety, depression, PTSD, therapy, and laughter.
In this session, Mark O’Sullivan discusses how negative experiences can serve as a catalyst for future achievements and successes. He emphasises the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges and transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth. Attendees will learn practical strategies to harness their own experiences, fostering a mindset that embraces adversity and propels them towards their goals.
Great Storytelling: Lessons From The Small Screen
In this session, Mark O'Sullivan draws on his extensive experience in writing and directing television series, along with his award-winning documentary work and stand-up comedy, to enhance storytelling skills. Attendees will learn effective techniques for crafting compelling narratives that engage audiences and convey messages powerfully.
Why We Recommend Booking Mark
Book Mark O’Sullivan to inspire your team with his powerful journey of resilience and creativity. His unique insights on mental health and personal transformation will engage and motivate, fostering a culture of openness and innovation.
That was inspirational! If life serves you lemons, make lemonade. Mark came to talk to our team about his traumatic past and how he turned it into something positive and creative. Mark was inspiring and thought-provoking. Although Mark was speaking to 35 of us, people said afterwards they felt he was talking directly to them.
David Thompson, CIO
CIO, Zurich
