Bernard Jackman is a former rugby player and coach turned sought-after speaker specialising in high-performance management and leadership. Specialising in guiding senior IT professionals through their digitisation journeys, he leverages the skills he gained during his time leading junior Leinster teams, FC Grenoble, Wales’s Dragons, and Bective Rangers to make a tangible impact. Through his talks, Bernard delivers advice in a way that’s both workable and engaging, making him a beloved speaker. Commentator for RTÉ, Rugby Columnist for Sunday Independent, and host of the RTÉ Rugby Podcast, Bernard is a man who has championed the art of captivating presentation.
Before entering the world of event speaking, Bernard was a seasoned rugby player who’d made waves across the scene. From his performances with Connacht, Sale Sharks, and Leinster to his international-level involvement with Ireland’s 2008 Six Nations Championship, he was constantly impressing players from junior and senior divisions alike. However, following an unfortunate head injury in 2010, Bernard had no choice but to hang up his boots and channel his passion elsewhere. This is what led to the development of his coaching and pundit career. Soon, his influence was showing through all sorts of channels – from guiding Newbridge to victory at the Lalor Cup to becoming an ambassador for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.
Meanwhile, Bernard had his sights set even higher. Having originally studied business studies and Japanese at Dublin City University, he realised that he had even more to offer the world. So, he split his attention between his two passions – rugby and business development. In doing so, he was able to onboard the position of Head of Performance for Horse Sport Ireland, while also becoming a keynote speaker focusing on high-performance development. Empowered by his coaching experience, Bernard quickly became an essential addition to any business event.
Bernard Jackman is a man known for his ability to inspire and encourage any audience. His time spent as a Rugby Columnist for Sunday Independent, his work as an Account Executive at Gartner, and his natural charisma come together to create a compelling speaking capability that shines through every event Bernard attends. If you’re wanting to learn how to effectively scale your performance from the author of “Blueblood”, former club-level rugby coach, and accomplished businessman, hire Bernard Jackman for your event today!
How to hire Bernard Jackman
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Bernard Jackman for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Bernard Jackman's official speaking topics are listed below:
- High-Performance Development
- Leadership
- Digital Growth
- Rugby Coaching & Commentating
Official Feedback from In-Person & Online Events
Official Feedback from In-Person Events
"Bernard has huge experience in many different areas which makes him a very interesting and inspiring person. Not many people I know that you can listen to for hours like Bernard. His thoughts and words were inspirational and make you think in the right direction. Appreciate every session and would always recommend him." - Dimitrije, Head of Training Ops, Superbet
"Bernard was the keynote speaker for the launch of our People Strategy, he was just excellent. He had everyone entertained with his stories and enthralled by his insights into high performance cultures. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him." - Elizabeth, Director of HR & Development, Health Products Regulatory Authority
"Highly recommend Bernard as a keynote speaker. Hugely experienced in high performance environments in both the sporting and corporate worlds. He brings this experience to life in a very engaging and insightful way through relatable stories, while providing lots of practical takeaways. His core messages really resonate from both a personal and organisational developmental perspective. " - Dave, Head of Career Development Centre, Technological University Dublin
- 2023 – Appointed Acting Head of High Performance Sport at Horse Sport Ireland in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games.
- 2021 – Began helping Senior IT professionals with IT strategies using Gartner research and advisory services.
- 2019 - Became a Keynote Speaker
- 2019 – Appointed Head of Coaching at Bective Rangers FC.
- 2018 – Became a regular rugby analyst and co-commentator for RTÉ Sport, eir Sport, Premier Sports, and other media outlets.
- 2017 – Became Head Coach of Dragons Rugby in Wales.
- 2016 – Promoted to Head Coach of FC Grenoble after initially working as Defence and Breakdown Coach.
- 2011 – Appointed Skills and Forwards Coach at FC Grenoble.
- 2010 – Retired from professional rugby due to concussion injuries.
- 2008 – Featured in all five matches of Ireland’s Six Nations Championship campaign.
- 2008 – Won the Heineken Cup with Leinster.
- 2007 – Won the Celtic League with Leinster.
- 2005 – Signed for Leinster Rugby and earned a recall to the senior Ireland squad.
- 2002 – Won the European Challenge Cup with Sale Sharks.
- 1998 – Included in the Ireland squad for the tour of South Africa.
- 1998 – Began playing professional rugby with Connacht after being persuaded by Warren Gatland.
