Speaking

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

How does civility relate to marketing your business?

Velociraptors versus Meerkats: Corporate Culture Clash

How does rudeness effect motivation?

Click Here to Download my Speaker One Sheet

Flagship programs on stress management are noted below and are individualized based on the needs of the organization.

Rudeness Rehab:
Reclaiming Civility in the Workplace

Define incivility and recognize common rude behaviors.

Understand how rudeness increases workplace stress levels.

Explore why incivility harms morale and productivity.

Learn practical skills to respond to rudeness with civility

Build resilience to stay calm under pressure.

Managing Disruptive Behaviors in the Workplace

Define disruptive behaviors and distinguish them from everyday conflict

Identify the most common disruptive patterns and their impact on team performance

Recognize their own conflict management style and how it helps or hinders resolution

Apply practical, research-based strategies to address disruptive behaviors directly and effectively

Additional areas of expertise include:

Incivility in the workplace

Mindfulness: Practical applications

Emotional intelligence

Change management

WHAT SATISFIED CLIENTS ARE SAYING:

I was amazed at the amount of subject matter that John was able to cover in only one hour. I received very positive feedback on his presentation style, the topics covered, and the tools provided for real life implementation. Success! As one plans these events, the hope is that you will have a “true closer” to send your employees away energized, I found that with John!

 

Kathy Buxton, HR Manager Lucas Tree.

We found Dr. John O’Brien. He was a joy to work with, fast to respond and his expertise in the areas of corporate military diversity and inclusion, with a special focus on PTSD was on point. I would highly recommend him for your speaking event.

 

Joel S. Chair, Veteran Employee Resource Group

John is responsive, witty, and personable—the perfect partner for your training, education, and coaching needs.

 

Mary Gagnon, Health Affiliates Maine

John is an engaging, dynamic speaker who clearly articulates his views about incivility and rudeness that occur in everyday life. But, more importantly, he gave us practical techniques to cope with these events when they confront us and even demonstrated them. John is a gifted lecturer, and his message sticks with the audience. I can testify that I haven’t forgotten his lessons and will impart them to others.

 

MSR, Resident from Brooksby Village

Your event attendees can expect…

Everyone participates, not just the loudest voices

Live polling on their own phones lets attendees weigh in anonymously and in the moment. That means you get honest answers on topics people rarely say out loud, and no one sits through a lecture.

Stronger, more respectful teams because rudeness is one of the fastest ways to lose good people.

Every program helps people bring their best selves to work, which makes colleagues more supportive and teams more productive. For teams that want to go deeper, I offer sessions designed specifically for how your team works together.

Research-based skills they can use the next day

Attendees leave with practical tools they can use in their very next difficult conversation, at work or at home. Everything is grounded in research, so it isn’t just a motivational talk that fades by Monday.

With over three decades of experience, John O’Brien is a seasoned expert in guiding individuals through significant life transitions by offering practical and actionable strategies to navigate change with ease. His expertise with both individuals and groups extends across a variety of professions, including business, healthcare, law, and financial services.

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 and reduce workplace stress. 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. A downloadable speaker one-sheet with topics, bio, and booking details is available on the site.

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, stress management, burnout prevention, emotional intelligence, and change management. His keynotes and workshops are customized for corporate, healthcare, legal, and financial audiences.

Q: Is John O’Brien a TEDx speaker?

A: Yes. John O’Brien delivered a TEDx talk on workplace civility and stress.

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.