Ruairí McKiernan is an internationally award-winning social innovator, a Fulbright scholar, bestselling author, keynote speaker, charity founder, campaigner, consultant, and podcast host. He is also a mental health advocate and practitioner with 20 years' experience across a range of areas including civic leadership, health promotion, counselling, coaching, mentoring, men's development, meditation, and mindfulness. Ruairí is a recipient of numerous awards including a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Award and an American Book Fest Award. He is currently working between Australia, Ireland and the UK.
Ruairí's work has featured in media outlets including
TESTIMONIALS
“...an unrivalled and respected social entrepreneur who has built a lasting legacy of impact in Ireland and internationally.”
Colleen Dube, CEO of National Adult Literacy Agency, former Executive Director of Fulbright Ireland-USA
“...a uniquely talented and gifted individual who makes a major impact on people he meets or works with. He is a visionary with a broad vision and approaches his work with a blend of seriousness, animation and determination.”
Joe Murray, Director of of Afri
“Ruairí touches lives and hearts like few others, and I know that the individuals he encounters are left yearning for more authentic learning experiences and a thirst to make change in their communities.”
Lee Keylock, Director of Global Programs, Narrative 4
“Some people stand out in their leadership, innovation and dedication to a better world, a better universe. Ruairí is one of them. Ruairí is an original thinker and excellent communicator who brings people together to stimulate conversation and thinking.”
Noeline Blackwell, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, former CEO of FLAC – Free Legal Aid Advice Centres
Ruairí McKiernan is a multi-award-winning social impact and wellbeing leader with over two decades of internationally recognised experience in social innovation start-ups and strategy, mental health and wellbeing, advocacy, campaigning, community development, communications, and facilitation. He is a Fulbright Scholar with a range of qualifications including a BA degree in management, and a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy, among others. Ruairí's experience covers the roles of founder and co-founder, CEO, board member, consultant, campaigner, advocate, bestselling author, public speaker and podcast host. Ruairí was previously the founder and former CEO of SpunOut, one of Europe’s leading youth organisations. He founded and co-founded numerous other youth, health and community organisations and initiatives, and served on the founding boards of the Soar Foundation (Ireland's equivalent to the Reach Foundation) and Uplift (Ireland’s equivalent of GetUp!). Ruairí also previously served on the board of We The Citizens, and as a Minister of Education appointee to the board of Gaisce - The President's Award.
In 2011, Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, appointed Ruairí to the Council of State, the President’s constitutional advisory body. He served a 7-year term alongside the President, former Presidents, the Prime Minister (Taoiseach) and other major figures such as the Chief Justice and Attorney General. His public advocacy and campaigning advances causes such as refugee and migrant rights, mental health, gender equality, peace and conflict, and gambling reform and encompasses campaign strategy and implementation, media, mentoring, events, and talks. Ruairí was named by global social entrepreneurs organisation Ashoka as one of the top changemakers in Ireland. He is a recipient of numerous international awards, accolades, and fellowships. He is currently working on several writing and campaigning projects while leading a social impact and wellbeing consultancy with clients across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in Ireland, the UK, US, and Australia.
Keynote talks: covering topics that include themes such as leadership, social innovation, social entrepreneurship and social impact, mental health and wellbeing, mindfulness and meditation, workplace culture and wellness, suicide prevention, gender-based violence and gender equality, men's health, youth development, spirituality, social connection, politics and democracy, social inclusion, activism, volunteerism, active citizenship, campaigning, civic engagement, and community development. Related roles: conference chair, MC, panellist and facilitator roles sometimes considered.
Awards, accolades etc.: Australian government Global Talent program 2022, American Book Fest Best Book Award 2022, Writing residency Cill Rialaig Arts Centre 2021, Dept. of Culture: Culture Ireland funding award 2021, Dept. of Foreign Affairs: Simon Cumbers Media Bursary, 2020, Creative Ireland bursary for Creative Souls of Clare 2020, Named by Ashoka as a “Top 10 Changemaker” 2018, Fulbright Fellowship, Berkeley, California 2014, CFI Ray Murphy Leadership Scholarships 2010/2014, Korea Foundation Next Generation Leaders (Korea) 2013, Peace Leaders Scholarship, Colorado 2012, Boston College/U.S. State Dept. scholarship 2010, Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award 2008, Digital Media Award, 2009, GK3 Malaysia Global Social Entrepreneur 2007, Eircom Golden Spider Award, 2007, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Award, 2006, Health Service Innovation Award 2006.
Memberships: International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL), the International Association for Community Development (IACD), Social Value International, the European Association for Digital Humanities, the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance, (GSSWA), the International Association for Counselling (IAC), the Fulbright Association, the Ireland United States, Alumni Association, the Irish Global Health Network and the National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy (NAPCP).
In 2011, Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, appointed Ruairí to the Council of State, the President’s constitutional advisory body. He served a 7-year term alongside the President, former Presidents, the Prime Minister (Taoiseach) and other major figures such as the Chief Justice and Attorney General. His public advocacy and campaigning advances causes such as refugee and migrant rights, mental health, gender equality, peace and conflict, and gambling reform and encompasses campaign strategy and implementation, media, mentoring, events, and talks. Ruairí was named by global social entrepreneurs organisation Ashoka as one of the top changemakers in Ireland. He is a recipient of numerous international awards, accolades, and fellowships. He is currently working on several writing and campaigning projects while leading a social impact and wellbeing consultancy with clients across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in Ireland, the UK, US, and Australia.
Keynote talks: covering topics that include themes such as leadership, social innovation, social entrepreneurship and social impact, mental health and wellbeing, mindfulness and meditation, workplace culture and wellness, suicide prevention, gender-based violence and gender equality, men's health, youth development, spirituality, social connection, politics and democracy, social inclusion, activism, volunteerism, active citizenship, campaigning, civic engagement, and community development. Related roles: conference chair, MC, panellist and facilitator roles sometimes considered.
Awards, accolades etc.: Australian government Global Talent program 2022, American Book Fest Best Book Award 2022, Writing residency Cill Rialaig Arts Centre 2021, Dept. of Culture: Culture Ireland funding award 2021, Dept. of Foreign Affairs: Simon Cumbers Media Bursary, 2020, Creative Ireland bursary for Creative Souls of Clare 2020, Named by Ashoka as a “Top 10 Changemaker” 2018, Fulbright Fellowship, Berkeley, California 2014, CFI Ray Murphy Leadership Scholarships 2010/2014, Korea Foundation Next Generation Leaders (Korea) 2013, Peace Leaders Scholarship, Colorado 2012, Boston College/U.S. State Dept. scholarship 2010, Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award 2008, Digital Media Award, 2009, GK3 Malaysia Global Social Entrepreneur 2007, Eircom Golden Spider Award, 2007, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Award, 2006, Health Service Innovation Award 2006.
Memberships: International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL), the International Association for Community Development (IACD), Social Value International, the European Association for Digital Humanities, the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance, (GSSWA), the International Association for Counselling (IAC), the Fulbright Association, the Ireland United States, Alumni Association, the Irish Global Health Network and the National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy (NAPCP).
“This book by Ruairí McKiernan is in the fine tradition of a search for what is most valuable in the different spaces of Ireland and how they might help us craft a new way forward together. Empathic in approach, well written, and crucially, it offers hope.”
Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland
Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland
Named as a top 10 changemaker
by the Ashoka global foundation
by the Ashoka global foundation
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Consultancy | Coaching | Counselling | Speaking
Providing strategic, leadership and program implementation support for social impact, cultural, and wellbeing-orientated community, government, corporate, and individual clients. Also keynote talks, MC, facilitation, mentoring, coaching and counselling. Areas and topics include vision and strategy support, leadership development, program design, civic engagement, mental health and wellbeing, digital and media communications, training, workshops, events. Clients include Ombudsman for Children’s Office, the Health Service Executive, Google, Facebook, Bank of Ireland, Law Society, Vodafone, and RTÉ. Enquire here. |
Podcasts
Host of the chart-topping Love and Courage podcast featuring inspirational global voices for change. It reaches thousands of listeners each month in more than 50 countries. ListenNotes.com lists it as one of the world’s leading podcasts and has been named as one of the top international social change podcasts by Last.fm. Often incorporating live festivals and events and regular media coverage. Previous guests include Christy Moore, Tim Costello, Marianne Williamson, Johann Hari, Lynn Ruane, the late Vicky Phelan, and lot more. Listen via Apple, Spotify and all main podcast platforms. Link. Also host of special project podcast Creative Souls of Clare, supported by Creative Ireland. Link |
Book
Author of Irish Times No.1 Bestselling Book Hitching for Hope. Published Internationally by U.S. Publisher Chelsea Green. Hitching for Hope is a Nielsen BookScan number 1 non-fiction bestseller. It received a Best Book Award by the American Book Fest, a UNESCO City of Literature recommendation, and a Book of the Month by IrishCentral.com. Described as “a modern travel tale—part personal pilgrimage, part political quest—that captures the power of human resilience,” it has received acclaim from readers, reviewers, and leading respected global figures. Available on paperback, ebook, audiobook including author-direct signed copies. Find out more here. |
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Hitching for Hope
An Irish Times No.1 Bestseller ‘Ruairí takes note of what many of us sometimes fail to see.’ — Christy Moore
‘..an easy and uplifting read.’ —Peggy Seeger ‘An authentic and utterly compelling narrative.” —Brian O’Connell ‘This is a tale that will resonate all over the world.’ —Bill McKibben |
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Some of the organisations and companies Ruairí has worked with
