High Performance Teams

About Sir John

Sir John Kirwan thought speaking out about his mental health would ruin his career. But when the All Blacks legend shared his journey with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ruminations, he sparked one of the most influential mental health campaigns of his generation.

It was August, 1991, when Sir John Kirwan (JK to most) wanted to jump out of a 10-story hotel window in Argentina. He was on tour with the All Blacks and arguably at the height of his rugby career. On paper, he had it all. On the inside, he was in turmoil. He felt like an imposter in his own life, and he wanted out.

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Today, JK talks openly about that night in Argentina and the years that followed. He's an incredibly uplifting and inspiring storyteller the type that can get a room full of suits up and dancing like no-one is watching. He speaks with conviction, empathy, feel-good energy, and a sprinkling of good-natured humour (which he always weaves in at just the right moments; he's masterful at reading a room).

Of course, talking about mental health hasn't always been easy for JK. He began sharing his story at a time when it wasn't ˜the done thing' especially not for an elite sportsman. The 1987 World Cup Winner and top try scorer could have kept quiet, but he was driven by a purpose bigger than himself: he wanted to help others feel less alone.

Fast forward several years and JK is now widely recognised as one of ˜the faces' of depression and anxiety in New Zealand. In 2012, he was knighted for his services to mental health, an honour he strives to live up to every day. He's the founder of several mental wellbeing organisations including the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, Mitey, and most recently, Groov, a workplace mental wellbeing platform. He's also the author of All Blacks Don't Cry: A Story of Hope and Stand By Me: Helping Your Teen Through Tough Times.

JK is a captivating and endearing speaker that strives to leave people feeling a little better than when he found them. He's also a huge advocate for action-based learning and loves to give people practical steps to test out in their daily lives. He's exceptional at encouraging people to think differently about mental health and makes a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to hear him speak.