When it comes to engaging, inspiring, and equipping educators with practical tools, few keynote speakers bring the experience and credibility of innovation and wellbeing speaker James O’Loghlin.
Best known for his 15 years on ABC Local Radio and as the witty, insightful host of more than 300 episodes of The New Inventors on ABC-TV, James has spent his career exploring how creativity and innovation shape the way we learn, teach, and grow. He is also the author of 12 books, including Innovation is a State of Mind and the bestselling mental health title Minding Your Mind, co-authored with Professor Ian Hickie. Their popular podcast of the same name has reached more than a quarter of a million listeners.
With his unique blend of humour, storytelling, and evidence-based strategies, James resonates with educators at every level—reminding them not only of the power of ideas, but also of the human side of teaching and learning.
Topics Tailored for Educators
Innovation is a State of Mind
Education is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, changing student needs, and shifting expectations. James shows educators how to embrace innovation in the classroom and beyond, sharing practical ways to generate ideas, foster creative problem-solving, and build a culture that encourages continuous improvement.
Takeaways for educators:
- How to spot opportunities for innovation in teaching and learning
- Three simple ways to be more innovative every day
- A process for creating sustainable innovation in schools
- How to foster an environment where students and teachers thrive
Overcoming the Barriers to Innovation
Schools often want to innovate but face barriers—time, resources, and resistance to change. James unpacks the six biggest obstacles to innovation and provides strategies to overcome them, so schools can create meaningful change without adding extra stress to teachers’ plates.
Takeaways for educators:
- Understand what stops innovation in classrooms and staffrooms
- Practical solutions to apply immediately
- How to turn ideas into action, even in resource-limited settings
- Building a collaborative, future-focused school culture
Persuasion and Influence
Whether it’s persuading students to engage, inspiring colleagues to adopt new methods, or securing community support, influence is an essential skill for every educator and leader. James draws on decades of experience to help audiences communicate persuasively and ensure their good ideas don’t get lost along the way.
Takeaways for educators:
- Crafting and delivering compelling pitches for ideas and initiatives
- Engaging decision-makers and stakeholders effectively
- Turning proposals into solutions that resonate with others
- Empowering staff and students by modelling persuasive communication
The Human Side: Mental Health in Education
With Minding Your Mind, James also speaks powerfully about mental health—an issue at the heart of the education sector. Drawing on research and lived experience, he equips educators with strategies to maintain their own well-being while supporting their students’.
Events James O’Loghlin is Perfect For
James’ versatility makes him an ideal choice for a wide range of education events, including:
- School leadership conferences – inspiring principals and department heads with innovation and influence strategies
- Professional development days – giving teachers practical tools they can use immediately in the classroom
- University and TAFE forums – sparking creative thinking and collaboration among higher education staff
- Education awards and celebrations – as an engaging MC who blends humour with professionalism
- Mental health and wellbeing events – sharing evidence-based strategies to build resilience and wellbeing in schools
Why Event Planners Choose James
Event planners in education consistently turn to James O’Loghlin because he delivers a rare combination: practical insights, humour that engages and entertains, and proven strategies educators can apply the next day. With hundreds of successful live events under his belt, he brings the confidence of a seasoned professional while tailoring every session to the unique needs of the education sector.
