Jehan Casinader
Roles: Keynote Speaker, Speaker, MC, Panel Host
Themes: Business, Lifestyle & Wellbeing, Motivation, Politics & Advocacy
Jehan Casinader is a top storyteller – and one of New Zealand’s most-booked keynote speakers and MCs. He was named “Reporter of the Year” at the New Zealand Television Awards, and “Best Political Columnist” at the Voyager Media Awards.
In the aftermath of natural disasters, terror attacks, sporting triumphs and everything in between, Jehan has helped hundreds of Kiwis to share their inspiring stories.
Jehan’s remarkable journey began at age 13, when he convinced TVNZ’s “Holmes” show to give him a camera crew and allow him to film his first story. What followed: a rapid rise through the fast-paced world of primetime TV, working on shows like “Breakfast”, “Seven Sharp” and “Sunday”.
But behind the scenes, he had a secret: his own deep struggle with depression. While Jehan was reporting from the Christchurch terror attack or filming in Hollywood, his colleagues – and viewers – had no idea that he was suicidal.
In 2020, Jehan opened up about his mental health journey in a book called “This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life” (HarperCollins). As a speaker, he has helped thousands of Kiwis to understand the power of storytelling.
Jehan’s challenging, inspiring keynotes offer a fresh perspective on topics like wellbeing, leadership and workplace culture. As an MC, he uses his repertoire of real-life stories – and his well-honed interviewing and presenting skills – to deliver magic on stage.
Jehan has a degree in public policy, and loves to explore the big issues that will shape the future of our world. As a Kiwi-born Sri Lankan, he represents the changing face of Aotearoa.
-
Optimism
Mindset
Motivation
Wellbeing
ChangeTalent
Future workplace
Culture
CommunicationRelationships
Inclusion
Conflict
TeamsCommunication
Trust
Leadership
ChangeWellbeing
Resilience
Courage
Mindset
Performance -
Tell Me the Good News
In a world flooded with negative news and constant information, many people feel overwhelmed and anxious about the future.
Drawing on his experience as a journalist, Jehan Casinader offers an insider’s perspective on how the media works and how audiences can take back control of their attention.
This keynote explores practical ways to manage information overload, develop a more hopeful mindset and focus on the stories that truly matter.
Audience takeaways:
How to manage information overload
Tools for developing a more hopeful mindset
How to take control of your attention
A fresh perspective on the stories shaping our world
Generation Next
Gen Z is reshaping expectations around work, leadership and purpose.
In this thought-provoking session, Jehan explores the key drivers behind the next generation’s attitudes to work and what organisations need to understand to engage them effectively.
This keynote helps leaders bridge generational divides and create cultures that resonate with the workforce of the future.
Audience takeaways:
Insights into Gen Z’s values and motivations
How expectations of work are changing
Strategies for engaging younger employees
Tools for building stronger intergenerational communication
Common Ground
Our world often feels more divided than ever — in workplaces, communities and society.
Drawing on his experience interviewing people from all walks of life, Jehan shares practical tools for building trust, understanding different perspectives and navigating challenging conversations.
This keynote focuses on finding common ground and building stronger relationships in complex environments.
Audience takeaways:
How to build trust quickly
Tools for navigating difficult conversations
Techniques for understanding different perspectives
Strategies for strengthening relationships and teams
The Key to Influence
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for influence, yet many people struggle to communicate their ideas in ways that truly connect.
In this practical keynote, Jehan shares how powerful storytelling can help individuals and organisations communicate more effectively, inspire action and build trust.
Audience takeaways:
How to turn ideas into powerful stories
Communicating authentically in a fast-moving world
Using storytelling to influence behaviour
Building credibility and personal influence
Own Your Story
The stories we tell ourselves shape our mindset, resilience and wellbeing.
In this powerful keynote, Jehan shares his personal journey and explores how narrative psychology influences the way we see ourselves and our challenges.
Through practical insights and powerful storytelling, audiences learn how to reshape their own narratives and support others through difficult moments.
Audience takeaways:
Understanding how personal narratives shape behaviour
Recognising unhelpful stories we tell ourselves
Tools for building resilience and perspective
Helping others navigate adversity
-
Tell Me the Good News workshop (2 hours)
A practical workshop exploring how people consume information and how it affects mindset and wellbeing.
Participants learn tools to manage information overload, develop a healthier relationship with news and build a more optimistic outlook.
Generation Next workshop (2 hours)
An interactive session helping leaders understand Gen Z’s expectations of work and leadership.
Participants explore communication approaches and workplace cultures that better engage the next generation.
Common Ground workshop (2 hours)
A practical workshop focused on building trust, navigating difficult conversations and finding common ground across differences.
The Key to Influence workshop
Formats available:
2-hour workshop
Half-day workshop
Participants learn practical storytelling tools to communicate ideas more clearly, build influence and connect with audiences.
Own Your Story workshop (2 hours)
A reflective workshop exploring narrative psychology and how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives, resilience and wellbeing.
Participants learn practical tools to reshape their personal narratives and support others through challenges.
