Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE is an internationally recognised business leader, innovator, and motivational speaker with a remarkable track record in sustainability, leadership, and the built environment. A dynamic trailblazer, Jacqueline has become a powerful voice in traditionally male-dominated industries such as construction, logistics, transport, and waste management. With a reputation for inspiring transformation, she blends personal resilience with professional excellence, making her an ideal motivational speaker. Her journey – from taking the reins of her family business at just 19 to becoming a global advocate for safety and sustainability as she founded ODPR– is both compelling and deeply inspiring. Jacqueline is regularly sought after to address audiences on family business, authentic leadership, and creating impact in challenging industries.
Jacqueline’s career began under extraordinary circumstances. At just 17, following the sudden passing of her father, she and her siblings relaunched the family business, O'Donovan Waste, originally founded in 1959. By 19, she was Managing Director, a role she held for 36 years. With limitless determination, she transformed the company into one of the UK’s most sustainable and innovative waste management firms. She continuously invested in technology, training, and safety, playing a pivotal role in industry initiatives like CLOCS to improve HGV safety and cyclist protection. Her academic achievements – including a master’s degree in Demolition Management and sustainability training at Cambridge – reflect her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
In recent years, Jacqueline’s influence has reached new heights. She received the OBE in 2023 for her services to recycling and industry and was named Business Leader of the Year at the Global Irish Diaspora Awards. She has earned numerous accolades, such as EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, PwC Private Businesswoman of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement honours. After successfully leading and exiting O'Donovan Waste in 2022, she has expanded into consultancy, philanthropy, investment, and public speaking. She is now the CEO of ODPR, a PR and marketing firm specialising in the sectors she helped to shape, and champions innovation in health, diversity, and sustainability-focused startups, which she founded.
Jacqueline is hired as a motivational speaker not only for her achievements but for her authenticity, impact, and insight. Jacqueline has delivered keynotes at international conferences, industry panels, and leadership summits, with appearances for major platforms including the BBC, ITN, and RTÉ. Audiences consistently praise her energy, practical wisdom, and ability to connect. She speaks from lived experience, offering inspiration and clarity on leadership, resilience, and legacy – making her a compelling and trusted voice in any room.
