John O’Brien – Helping people maximise their potential for good

What did the world look like to the young John O’Brien as he left school and embarked upon adult life? (1:29)

The startlingly different direction that John took after his first job, and why it was both the natural place to be but also slightly uncomfortable (4:54)

What was the enduring impact that came out of John’s years with the armed forces? (9:20)

Have we, as a society, become soft as a result of our recent success as a society in avoiding major challenges such as wars etc? (11:13)

The circumstances that saw John leaving the military life he loved and getting a job at a local charity (15:48)

John’s move that finally led him to join Business in the Community, and his involvement with programmes arising from the direct interests of the Prince of Wales (20:26)

What were the enduring elements from John’s time with BITC that stayed with him? (25:49)

What perspective does his history with Mosaic give John in relation to some of our national challenges in relation to national identity? (28:51)

John’s creation of the Jubilee Hour, and how it became so hugely successful (31:24)

Was it a one-time opportunity, or was it something that could be replicated in the future? (35:30)

What’s the value of companies adopting a corporate purpose? (37:37)

What’s driving the interest in purpose in those businesses that are responding to the agenda? (40:55)

What is John’s personal purpose? (50:10)

What one practical change would John like to bring about in the world before hanging up his gloves? (50:56)

What advice would John give to his younger self? (52:00)

Impressive change makers John has been influenced by? (52:27)

What mistake did John make that led to some better outcome or personal growth? (54:45)

What one habit would John like to change? (55:41)

What book, or books, has changed John’s attitudes or John’s life? (56:11)

Advice John would give to young change makers (59:24)

Links

John on twitter
One Hundred Agency

Anita Roddick
Sir Tim Smit
Caroline Casey’s TED talk

The Gift, Lewis Hyde
The Social Animal, David Brooks
Bad Blood, John Carreyrou