Richard McCann

summary

We live in challenging times and Richard McCann knows a thing or two about challenge. He has endured and overcome, what can only be described as insurmountable odds, throughout his almost 40 years.
On a cold and misty morning in October 1975, Richard, aged 5 woke up to discover that his Mother was gone. She was the first victim of the notorious Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe.
His life changed forever. This tragedy was to trigger decades of deprivation, abuse, pain, suicide pacts, drugs, prison and a lost childhood until Richard decided to step up and change his life. The first step was to write ‘Just A Boy’, which knocked Robbie Williams’ biography off the number one spot in 2005, went on to sell almost 400,000 copies and has been translated around the world and amongst other things saw him invited to 10 Downing Street. The BBC made film about his life in 2005 which has also been screened around the globe.

biography

We live in challenging times and Richard McCann knows a thing or two about challenge. He has endured and overcome, what can only be described as insurmountable odds, throughout his almost 40 years.

He puts his success down to his attitude. What he describes as his ‘iCan’ attitude. With an ‘iCan’ attitude, he believes, we can all overcome the challenges, obstacles and setbacks that life has a habit of throwing our way. With an ‘iCan’ attitude we can all achieve, be and do more with our lives than we ever thought possible.

His story is certainly testament to that.

On a cold and misty morning in October 1975, Richard, aged 5 woke up to discover that his Mother was gone. She was the first victim of the notorious Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe.

His life changed forever. This tragedy was to trigger decades of deprivation, abuse, pain, suicide pacts, drugs, prison and a lost childhood until Richard decided to step up and change his life. The first step was to write ‘Just A Boy’, which knocked Robbie Williams’ biography off the number one spot in 2005, went on to sell almost 400,000 copies and has been translated around the world and amongst other things saw him invited to 10 Downing Street. The BBC made film about his life in 2005 which has also been screened around the globe.

Richard is now a sought after inspirational and motivational speaker, focusing on the key strategies that helped him to grow beyond survival to create a better life for himself. Setting goals, finding internal courage, overcoming self limiting beliefs and taking responsibility for change are just some of those strategies which he skilfully weaves into his, surprisingly, humorous and extremely thought provoking presentations.

If you are looking for a motivational, inspirational speaker who can engage, uplift, inspire and truly captivate an audience then look no further than Richard McCann. He is available for all manner of events including corporate, community and educational events.

During the last 12 months he has inspired audiences totalling 22’000.

photos

Testimonials

Richard, Thank you for attending the Leadership Event on the 1st July 2008 as a pre-dinner speaker. I have event managed over a 150 events whilst working for the Improvement Foundation, and until hearing you speak at one of our events I had never seen a standing ovation. Best wishes
Catherine Bentley Events Co-Ordinator. Improvement Foundation

Richard, Your extremely poignant, and inspirational address received a standing ovation at my Divisional Sales Conference Congratulations and many thanks. An all time NEW WEEKLY SALES RECORD last week affirms the motivational impact you made. Having read both your books I would know the author had a story to tell, and while you shared your experiences very humbly, you shared your philosophies, your ideals, your winning principles very positively and effectively: Consequently for the audience very inspirationally. Many thanks, once again Richard, I look forward to welcoming you to future Combined conferences.
Regards.George Munro, Vice President/Divisional Manager Northern UK Division Combined Insurance

Richard McCann has a magical gift that grabs his audience by the collar and has them perched in anticipation on every word. He literally captivates the listeners and has them sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what is coming next. Few speakers have Richard’s unique ability. His stories capture and appeal to all who listen as he takes them on a journey through highs and lows, laughing and crying and a fabulous heart-warming positive finale. As Organiser, Chairman and Managing Director of the Inspire Scotland event, I am delighted to say Richard’s presentation was the epitome of what I was trying to achieve.
Mike Berry Inspire Scotland, Edinburgh

I am struggling to find words to express our appreciation for the immense contribution you have made to Barnardo’s by attending as guest speaker. As someone whose job requires him to regularly speak to audiences about the work of Barnardo’s you can take it from me that your contribution was exceptional. Your personal experience and the honest and disarming way in which, with absolute frankness, you shared your own life’s difficulties was both moving and compelling. I have no hesitation in recommending you to anybody who might be considering an emotive speaker to attend one of their future events.
Andrew Nebel, Uk Director of Marketing & Communications of Barnardo’s.

Richard McCann kept an audience listening intently throughout his entire presentation. He then got the longest applause in 7 years of putting on this event. Our guest from Head Office described his talk as compelling, our post-graduate award winner made a point of saying how much she enjoyed it, others said that it made the hairs on their arms stand on end, and that the more they thought about it, the greater the impact it had on them. We aim to give people a different experience to the usual “business social” event and we like to make them think. You helped us do both. Thank you for helping to make our evening a success.
Peter Hammond, Immediate Past Chair, Tees Valley Branch, CIPD

A truly outstanding speaker, a heartfelt story told from the heart, I hope it doesn’t become too polished as his presentation style is perfect the way it is!
David Powell, JCI Leeds Business Events Director

How would a motivational speaker go down with a group of hard bitten, Pennine Yorkshire business owners? Our committee decided to take a chance. Richard McCann delivered. The audience were silent throughout. The applause at the end was spontaneous and heartfelt. The comments afterwards were, without exception, complimentary. Thank you, Richard. Now go and inspire the rest of British business as you have inspired us. With the determination you have generated, we can’t lose.
Mike Goodman: Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses