Shay McConnon Speaker | New Speakers & Well-being & Teacher CPD & Mental Health & Conference & Happiness & Leadership

Shay McConnon

Create special people who will give you special results

Shay McConnon, founder of People First – am international training organisation - and author of 18 books, transforms workplaces with his ground-breaking approach to culture and leadership issues. Creator of "An Even Better Place to Work," his methods boost productivity and fulfilment, endorsed by global clients which span across business and education. He recently appeared in a BBC documentary demonstrating how his ‘An Even Better Place to Work’ has transformed workplace cultures.

His popular keynote talk ‘Create special people who will give you special results’ brings fresh insights to work and domestic relationships with lots of humour and audience participation. It is a high energy, content-rich keynote that is packed with practical, workable ideas and suitable for everyone.

Themes covered include motivational styles, wellbeing, staff retention, attrition, engagement, self-worth, win-win, and leadership. Shay deals with everyday situations and provides real-life examples of what to say and do to create openness, trust and collaboration and make your place of work an even better place to work. This is not more management information to be digested, rather the emphasis is on practical tools, which transform working relationships.

• Attract high quality people, engage and retain them
• Grow trust
• Improve staff satisfaction levels
• Capitalise on the diversity of styles in the workplace
• Engage your people and promote ownership
• Track and improve the wellbeing of your people
• Embed the What am I going to do? not What is management going to do for me?

His other keynote presentations; are Transformational Leadership and Getting the Best from your People.

A teacher for 25 years specialising in Special Needs (EBD) - wrote the ‘Your Choice’ series of 12 books for PSHE which were published by Macmillan and still on sale today after 25 years. They have formed the basis of many PSHE programmes globally. Renowned for improving young people’s self-esteem and social skills.

Over the years he has spoken in 19 different countries on leadership and culture issues. He is a psychologist, a member of the magic circle and uses magic as metaphors to illustrate key messages with lots of humour, making him a very unique speaker.

Testimonials from Teachers

"Blazing Stars Education had the incredible opportunity to work with Shay. He is a remarkable motivational speaker, whose unique blend of humour kept everyone engaged, making the atmosphere light and enjoyable whilst still being packed with valuable insights.

What stood out the most was his ability to listen to our goals and seamlessly weave them into the session.
By the end of the session, we were not just motivated, we felt a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to roll his approach out across the wider organisation."

– Linda Simmons, Managing Director, Blazing Stars Education

"In my role on the executive committee of SWALSS (Southwest Association of Leaders in Special Schools) I was more than delighted to book Shay to present at several of our annual conferences.

He inspired the audience (who were always renowned for being critical) receiving excellent feedback, not just on the day, but later, saying how putting his ideas into practice improved the leadership of their schools.
He is an engaging and motivational speaker, who not only imparts excellent ideas and strategies, but entertaining as well. He would definitely be welcomed back."

– Paul McGill, Headteacher and exec committee, SWALSS (Southwest Association of Leaders in Special Schools)

"With an extensive knowledge of education and a magical and engaging style, Shay is an entertaining and informative speaker who leaves you with something to think about, something to talk about and fond memories which will last for a long time afterwards".

– David Wheeler, Director of People & Culture, EBOR Academy Trust