Jehan Casinader


Book Jehan Casinader Now

Jehan Casinader has spent his career telling other people’s stories to millions of viewers and readers. Today, as a speaker, he uses that same storytelling craft to help organisations spark braver conversations, and to strengthen mental health, performance and culture inside their teams.

Jehan’s path into media started remarkably early: at just 13 he talked his way onto a primetime television news programme to film his very first story, launching a rapid rise through the fast-moving world of broadcast journalism on both sides of the Tasman. Over the years that followed he interviewed an extraordinary range of people, from prime ministers to pop stars, from white supremacists to Olympic gold medallists, building the reputation that saw him named Reporter of the Year at just 28.

What his audiences could not see was that Jehan was privately battling depression throughout this period. While reporting on the Christchurch terror attack and later while filming in Hollywood, even his closest colleagues had no idea he was suicidal. In 2020 he chose to tell that story publicly, in his book This Is Not How It Ends: How Rewriting Your Story Can Save Your Life, published by HarperCollins, describing how the act of reframing his own narrative ultimately helped him survive.

Since then, Jehan has delivered keynotes and workshops to hundreds of public and private sector organisations, translating new research on storytelling and mental health into practical tools audiences can apply straight away. He also works widely as an MC and facilitator for high-profile conferences and events, drawing on his broadcasting background and public policy degree to bring out the best in guests and panellists, whether they are government ministers, industry leaders, or first-time speakers stepping onto a conference stage for the very first time. Based in Melbourne, Jehan is available for keynotes, workshops and hosting duties internationally.

Description

Book Jehan Casinader for Your Next International Event

Jehan Casinader built his early career as a high-profile New Zealand broadcaster, working as a TVNZ reporter and presenter who sat across from prime ministers and covered some of the country’s biggest national stories, a run that eventually earned him Reporter of the Year. What audiences did not know at the time was that behind the accolades, Jehan was privately living with depression and had reached the point of being suicidal. His signature keynote turns that experience into the centrepiece of the session, walking audiences through how rewriting his own story became the thing that saved his life, then introducing them to others who have done the same.

A booking with Jehan Casinader delivers far more than a standard mental health address. Drawing directly on his journalism background, he also speaks on the craft of influence through storytelling, how to make sense of media and misinformation without becoming overwhelmed by it, and how the same trust-building techniques he used interviewing strangers on deadline can be applied to bridge generational and cultural divides inside an organisation. His session on Gen Z in the workplace has become particularly popular with corporate clients, giving leaders practical guidance on engaging, retaining and leading a generation that is asking harder questions about purpose, power and loyalty at work.

Across corporate teams, government departments and not-for-profit organisations alike, Jehan’s sessions are consistently described as candid, warm and immediately useful, leaving audiences with tools they can put into practice the moment they leave the room. International event organisers in particular value the way he blends a journalist’s instinct for a good story with a genuine, first-hand understanding of mental health, making him equally suited to a leadership offsite, a large conference stage or an intimate team workshop. Whatever the format, Jehan tailors his material to the audience in front of him rather than delivering a one-size-fits-all talk, ensuring every session feels relevant to the specific challenges his hosts are facing.

Keynote Topics

GENERATION NEXT

Gen Z is here – and they’re asking big questions. What’s the purpose of work? Who should hold the power in the workplace? Does loyalty to an employer count for anything? And will their job really satisfy their wants and desires? This is the first generation in history that refuses to be placated by pay rises and promotions. If you want to secure the future of your workforce, you need to have a much better story to tell. As a self-described “recovering millennial”, Jehan Casinader flips the script on Gen Z – explaining how we can bridge the generational divide. This though-provoking session captures key trends, and will change the way you engage with Gen Z.

THE KEY TO INFLUENCE

Do you want to change how people think or act? Storytelling is the key to influence. But many of us don’t know how to tell great stories – or we’re afraid to open up. As a result, our most important messages are never heard. As an award-winning journalist, Jehan tells stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. His remarkable toolkit will help you to build trust, grow your influence, and show others why your work really matters. Learn how to cut through the noise – and connect deeply with the people who matter to you.

TELL ME THE GOOD NEWS 

We’re drowning in negative information. From breaking news to social media, we’re bombarded with bleak, anxiety-inducing content all day long. How can we stay informed, without being overwhelmed? How can we process information that makes us feel worried about the future? How can we find reasons to be optimistic? Jehan offers a unique “insider’s view” on how the media works. From clickbait to algorithms and everything in between – he explains how you can take back control, and find the good news.

COMMON GROUND

Our world feels more polarised than ever. Left or right. Urban or rural. Old or young. Rich or poor. Right or wrong. In or out. Often, we struggle to bridge these divides in our workplaces, communities – and even our own families. As a journalist, Jehan knows how to quickly build trust and rapport with complete strangers, often in high-pressure situations. He’ll teach you how to form deep connections with people who don’t look, think or behave like you. When we find common ground, we can avoid conflict – and build stronger relationships.

OWN YOUR STORY

From the outside, Jehan had a great life. He was an award-winning young journalist – interviewing Prime Ministers and reporting from Hollywood. But Jehan was hiding a secret: he was depressed and suicidal. In a moving and uplifting keynote, he explains how “rewriting” his story saved his life. He’ll introduce you to inspiring people who have done the same. This is not another cookie-cutter presentation about mental health. Jehan’s unique messages have already changed lives – and saved lives.

Testimonials

“Our 300-strong audience gave Jehan the only standing ovation of our conference. He expertly weaves up-to-the-minute knowledge of science and research about mental health, with powerful stories from his own life. For many attendees, Jehan’s keynote fundamentally reshaped how they approach mental health and wellbeing.” Social Service Providers

“We highly recommend Jehan. His session was exceptionally engaging and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Jehan’s insights on the power of storytelling were perfectly tailored to our audience, and his session sparked ongoing discussions about how we can share more compelling stories.” United Nations Development Fund

“It goes without saying that Jehan is an exceptional communicator, but what struck me was the open, honest way and vulnerable way he shared his journey. He brought real clarity to many mental health and wellbeing issues critical to our sector and facilitated an open discussion free from stigma. The feedback we received was incredibly positive.” Association of Consultants & Engineers

“The feedback has been incredible, with one staff member saying Jehan’s keynote was ‘The most empowering, energetic and meaningful session I have experienced in my 16 years at Southern Cross’. Jehan’s presentations have given our people the power to change their own stories.” Southern Cross