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Writer, director & mental health advocate

Mark O'Sullivan

Transform trauma into creative resilience with Mark O'Sullivan, speaker, mental health advocate and award-winning director. Mark works with organisations to harness creativity for positive change, delivering impactful workshops backed by his RTS Programme Award-winning documentary.

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Mark O'Sullivan, Speaker | Writer, Director, Actor
Mark O'Sullivan

Mark O'Sullivan

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

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

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Mark O'Sullivan's biography

At a glance

  • 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.
Building Your Resilience
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.

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Testimonials

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, Zurich

Featured Projects

Mark O'Sullivan - My Sexual Abuse: The Sitcom book cover
Mark O'Sullivan - Making Lemonade book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Mark O'Sullivan for my next event?
Email mark.osullivan@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 Mark'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.

Mark O'Sullivan draws on personal narrative as his primary device, framing lived experiences of mental health, trauma, and adversity as the source material for practical frameworks around resilience and creativity. His sessions combine autobiographical storytelling with facilitated discussion and structured exercises, delivered through a format he has developed under the Making Lemonade platform.

What is Mark O'Sullivan's speaking style like?
Mark O'Sullivan draws on personal narrative as his primary device, framing lived experiences of mental health, trauma, and adversity as the source material for practical frameworks around resilience and creativity. His sessions combine autobiographical storytelling with facilitated discussion and structured exercises, delivered through a format he has developed under the Making Lemonade platform.

Mark O'Sullivan draws on personal narrative as his primary device, framing lived experiences of mental health, trauma, and adversity as the source material for practical frameworks around resilience and creativity. His sessions combine autobiographical storytelling with facilitated discussion and structured exercises, delivered through a format he has developed under the Making Lemonade platform.

What topics does Mark O'Sullivan specialise in?
Mark O'Sullivan's sessions cover resilience and turning adversity into positive outcomes, creative thinking and its role in problem-solving and innovation, and mental health including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the use of humour as a coping mechanism. He co-created, directed, and starred in the Channel 4 comedy Lee and Dean, created ITV's Tell Me Everything, and presented My Sexual Abuse: The Sitcom, which won the Royal Television Society 2025 Programme Award for Art.

Mark O'Sullivan's sessions cover resilience and turning adversity into positive outcomes, creative thinking and its role in problem-solving and innovation, and mental health including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the use of humour as a coping mechanism. He co-created, directed, and starred in the Channel 4 comedy Lee and Dean, created ITV's Tell Me Everything, and presented My Sexual Abuse: The Sitcom, which won the Royal Television Society 2025 Programme Award for Art.

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.

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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.