Jacqueline O'Donovan is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur who shares her passion for building a sustainable future. She is an influential trailblazer and successful leader who works to inspire with impact. Jacqueline is renowned as the CEO and founder of ODPR, where she uses her knowledge to help thousands grow their brand and reputation through bespoke communication strategies. Jacqueline is a prominent keynote speaker who shares her insight on diversity, health and safety, inclusion and building a sustainable future.
Jacqueline attained a master’s degree in Demolition Management, being the first female CEO to earn this qualification, at Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership. At the young age of 19, she became the Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste, a company founded by her late father. She utilised her skills to grow the business exponentially from a family firm to a multi-million-pound company. In 2015, Jacqueline collaborated on redesigning HGV cabs to improve their safety, which was later implemented into the business. After 36 years of successfully growing the award-winning business, O’Donovan Waste, she resigned as Managing Director to continue redefining environmental standards, construction, waste, and safety.
Jacqueline founded O’Donovan Public Relations, where she shared her insight to help businesses grow and tell their stories. As a current fellow of the Chartered Institute and a member of the Board of Trustees of BITA (British Irish Trading Alliance), she is a dedicated philanthropist and inspirational keynote speaker. She is a successful investor in initiatives such as female supplements and employment startups for over-55s.
Jacqueline’s advocacy in sustainability, health and safety, logistics, leadership and more has earned her widespread recognition across the globe. Jacqueline has shared her insight in speaking engagements such as the Network Ireland National Conference and the Real Deals Value Creation Summit 2023. In 2023, she was appointed OBE in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours, for Services to Recycling, Safety and Industry. Additionally, she has won Businesswoman of the Year from various organisations, including the SME National Business Awards and PwC National Private Business Awards. Her contributions have been honoured by the President of Ireland with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award, reflecting her unwavering commitment.
Jacqueline is a passionate innovator who pioneers the way to building a sustainable future. As a world-renowned keynote speaker and multi-award winner, she is a trailblazer in driving the world’s efforts to create a safe environment and reduce humanity’s digital footprint. She has been a guest on various podcasts such as Empowering Women in Business. She has even featured in radio and TV interviews, including Radio Times and the BBC. Her impactful campaigns have influenced change across industries.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“Thank you for sharing your experience and ultimately jumping in the deep end, managing and growing your family business as you didn’t have a choice. You’re an amazing entrepreneur and business figure with phenomenal leadership.” - Youth Business UK
"You are a breath of fresh air Jacqueline, saying it how it is. The Irish roots run deep" - Jennifer, Co Founder & CEO, Elemental Software
"This is the kind of clarity and confidence that serious founders need to hear. Love the distinction you made. Mentoring isn’t a casual chat; it’s a strategic investment, and when the right people show up with purpose, real transformation follows. “Make room for growth and results” isn’t just a line; it’s a mindset. You’re setting a powerful standard for what meaningful guidance should look like." - Dr Agata K, Founder & CEO at SERI
- 2023 – Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours
- 2023 – She was awarded Business Leader of the Year, Global Irish Diaspora Awards
- 2020 – Jacqueline was a National Finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2019 – She won Forward Ladies Awards – Mentor of the Year (London & Southeast)
- 2019 – She won Entrepreneur of the Year, Growing Business Awards
- 2018 – She was awarded Businesswoman of the Year from SME National Business Awards
- 2018 – Building Magazine Female Leadership Award
- 2018 – UK Private Businesswoman of the Year - PwC National Private
- 2017 – Women in Logistics Leader of the Year
- 2017 – FTA Everywoman in Transport & Logistics from the Industry Champion
- 2016 – She was awarded Outstanding Woman in Construction (Women in Construction Awards, Manchester)
- 2016 – She was the Achiever of the Year in Constructing Excellence
- 2016 – Outstanding Commitment to Innovation – British Irish Trading Alliance
- 2016 – Jacqueline achieved Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year
- 2016 – Most Inspiring Businesswoman from the Best Women Awards
How to hire Jacqueline O'Donovan
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Jacqueline O'Donovan 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.
