Working with organizations to eliminate everyday rudeness before it eliminates their best people and destroys their culture.

 

John M. O’Brien, Ph.D. — psychologist, TEDxTufts speaker, and author of Rudeness Rehab, helping organizations build cultures of civility and respect that keep their best people.

Working with organizations to eliminate everyday rudeness before it eliminates their best people and destroys their culture.

John M. O’Brien, Ph.D. — psychologist, TEDxTufts speaker, and author of Rudeness Rehab, helping organizations build cultures of civility and respect that keep their best people.

Book John to Speak
Watch the TEDx Talk

Small Slights, Big Consequences: The Power of Everyday Incivility

In his TEDxTufts Talk, John O’Brien explores the hidden impact of everyday incivility starting with a personal experience of rudeness. He talks about his professional journey dealing with incivil colleagues and environments that made him doubt his ability as a professor. Not only does incivility impact people on a personal level, but it also hurts companies, monetarily and society as a whole which John explores through various statistics…

Speaking Testimonials

John delivers keynotes and workshops that help organizations recognize and eliminate everyday rudeness before it costs them their best people — backed by 30 years as a psychologist and a TEDx talk on the topic.

John has spoken for organizations including

InstacartRhode Island League of Cities and TownsMaine Municipal AssociationEvergreen Behavioral Health AssociationHealth Affiliates MaineLucas TreeNALAPsychology Specialists of MaineNimble Group

It was one of the best-attended workshops in our 11-year history, which is likely a reflection of the topic’s timeliness and relevance. Attendees rated the presentation very highly, particularly the quality of instruction, the usefulness of the content, and Dr. O’Brien’s warm, engaging speaking style.

 

Nelson Binggeli, PhD, Vice President, Evergreen Behavioral Health Association

John has an incredible talent for helping audiences explore human behavior through a lens of humor, empathy, and practical insight. During his ‘Rudeness Rehab’ presentation, he tackled the universal challenge of dealing with ‘those people’ in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. His engaging presence, storytelling ability, and approachable expertise kept attendees laughing while reflecting on their own interactions and assumptions. John leaves audiences with valuable takeaways and a renewed perspective on how to navigate difficult relationships with greater understanding and effectiveness.

 

Katie Jones, CEO Nimble Group

John is one of those rare presenters who immediately captures a room. From the moment he began, I was struck by his energy, warmth, and ability to connect with the audience. He masterfully blends humor, storytelling, and psychological science in a way that makes even complex topics engaging and memorable. Beyond being an outstanding speaker, John is incredibly knowledgeable, personable, and authentic. Our therapists left feeling energized, inspired, and with practical insights they could immediately apply. If you’re looking for a speaker who educates, entertains, and genuinely connects with people, I couldn’t recommend John more highly.

 

Julie Quimby, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO, Psychology Specialists of Maine

Dr. O’Brien’s keynote session offered a clear, research‑informed look at how everyday rude or dismissive behaviors can quietly affect morale, productivity, and retention. The concepts were explained in a straightforward, practical way, making the session both informative and easy to apply in real workplace situations. Several attendees shared that this was one of the most relevant and impactful events they’ve attended in years!

 

Maine Municipal Association Educational Services

A superb storyteller, John’s deep expertise in stress resilience and conflict resolution, coupled with his engaging delivery, makes him an outstanding speaker. John has a unique ability to connect with his audience, fostering a collaborative and enlightening environment. I highly recommend John for any speaking engagements—his impact is profound and lasting.

 

Colt Briner, Scrappy AF Marketing

John is an exceptional speaker, well-versed in his craft, and is an excellent thought partner for individuals and companies alike. If you need an engaging, interesting. emotionally intelligent speaker for an upcoming event or team meeting – John is your man. He will not disappoint!

 

Cindy Skalicky, OnPoint Communications

Check Out My Civility Matters Podcast

Civility Matters is a podcast about workplace civility, incivility, rudeness and the human side of leadership. Hosted by psychologist and speaker John O’Brien, the show features guests from business, healthcare, education, and public life who explore why rudeness happens, how it affects people and organizations, and what we can do to build more respectful workplaces and communities.

Each episode offers research-based insight and practical steps for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone working to reduce toxic behavior and strengthen trust. The show provides a regular reminder that how we treat each other at work isn’t a soft skill, but rather it is a strategic advantage.

Listen to Civility Matters

RUDENESS REHAB

JOHN M. O’BRIEN, PH.D.

Rudeness and incivility are on the rise, at work and at home. In Rudeness Rehab: Reclaiming Civility in the Workplace and Your Home Space, John explains why everyday rudeness happens, what it costs people and organizations, and the practical tools anyone can use to respond with civility instead.

Get the book on Amazon

Booking John for an event? Bulk copies are available for attendees.

John M. O’Brien, Ph.D.

Welcome. I’m a Ph.D.-level trained Counseling Psychologist, TEDxTufts speaker and author of Rudeness Rehab. I work with organizations to eliminate everyday rudeness before it eliminates their best people. For 30 years I’ve helped leaders and teams through stress, burnout and conflict, and today I bring that experience to keynotes, workshops and coaching on workplace civility.

My Story

Practical Mindfulness Strategies for Workplace Wellbeing and Resilience

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is John O’Brien?

A: John M. O’Brien, Ph.D. is a counseling psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author who works with organizations to eliminate everyday rudeness before it eliminates their best people. He has 30 years of experience and hosts the Civility Matters podcast.

Q: How do I book John O’Brien for a keynote or workshop?

A: Contact John through the Speaking page at activatesuccess.org/speaking or the Contact page. You can also download John’s speaker one-sheet with topics, bio, and booking details.

Q: What is workplace incivility and why does it matter?

A: Workplace incivility refers to low-intensity rude or disrespectful behavior at work. Research links it to lower engagement, higher turnover, and reduced productivity — making it a measurable business risk, not just a culture issue.

Q: What does John O’Brien speak about?

A: John speaks on workplace civility and incivility, managing disruptive behavior, and civility for clinicians, along with leadership and wellbeing topics such as motivation, behavior change, and resilience. His keynotes and workshops are customized for corporate, healthcare, legal, financial services, and association audiences. See all speaking topics (PDF).

Q: Is John O’Brien a TEDx speaker?

A: Yes. John spoke at TEDxTufts on “Small Slights, Big Consequences: The Power of Everyday Incivility.” Watch the talk.

Q: What organizations has John O’Brien worked with?

A: John has spoken for corporate clients, healthcare systems, law firms, financial services organizations, veteran employee resource groups, and professional associations across the country.

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