Jacqueline O'Donovan Keynote Speaker

Awarded an OBE for services to recycling, safety and industry
Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste for 38 years
President of Ireland Distinguished Service Award recipient

Jacqueline O'Donovan's Biography

Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE is a globally recognised entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and philanthropist known for her transformative contributions to the waste management industry and her commitment to environmental progress. Over her 38 year tenure as Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste, she transformed the family business into a multi-million-pound enterprise, earning a reputation as a leading expert in addressing the environmental challenges of poor waste management and pollution.

In 2023, Jacqueline successfully sold O’Donovan Waste to a Swedish conglomerate, marking a significant milestone in her career. That same year, she was awarded an OBE in King Charles III’s Birthday Honour list for her outstanding services to recycling, safety, and industry. Her innovative leadership and dedication to improving training and education in waste management have proven her to be a trailblazer in driving global efforts to reduce humanity’s environmental footprint.

Jacqueline’s advocacy extends beyond waste management. She has been a vocal proponent of improved health and safety practices, both within the workplace and on the roads, earning notable accolades for her impactful campaigns. Her influence as a safety advocate is widely recognised and celebrated across the construction, logistics, and related sectors.

Most recently, Jacqueline launched ODPR, a PR and marketing agency dedicated to supporting businesses in the construction, construction supply chain, and logistics industries. Through ODPR, she aims to bring innovative strategies and trusted partnerships to these sectors, reinforcing her commitment to responsible business practices and industry excellence.

Jacqueline is rapidly merging into the serial entrepreneurial world, having invested in an employment initiative start-up focusing on over 55s, as well as a female supplement, and soon a first-to-market concept of breast flow monitoring technology.

Jacqueline’s leadership has been recognised by numerous accolades, including being twice named Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors, receiving the PwC Private Businesswoman of the Year award, the Growing Business Awards, Entrepreneur of the Year, and being a National Finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

A resolute philanthropist, Jacqueline’s contributions have been honoured by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award, the highest award achievable in Ireland. Her philanthropic efforts reflect her unwavering commitment to giving back to the community, culture and driving meaningful change.

Through her entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy, Jacqueline O’Donovan continues to inspire a global commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices, and philanthropy, leaving a legacy of environmental and social impact.

Family Business

The power of shared values and strong communication

As the youngest of four and the only female MD in London's waste management sector, l've led a multimillion-pound family business through a construction recession, financial crash, Brexit, and COVID-19-remaining profitable, award-winning, and a leader in health, safety, and sustainability. Built on resilience, I champion the power of communication, shared values, agility, and unwavering belief to scale a family business; not just to survive, but to thrive and prepare for a successful exit when the time is right.

Building a Sustainable Future

Turning waste crisis Into sustainable opportunity

Waste is no longer just an industry issue - it's a global crisis, and the construction and demolition sector is at a tipping point. This isn't just a presentation; it's a wake-up call for business owners to confront the harsh reality of outdated, unsustainable waste practices. Our oceans and ecosystems are interconnected, and by ignoring innovative solutions, we're missing the chance to turn waste into value. Join me as we cut through the noise, challenge the status quo, and lead the shift toward a resilient, sustainable future for our businesses, our planet, and the generations to come.

Leading with Impact

Leadership. Grit. Purpose. Against all odds.

Leadership is not for the faint-hearted, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. It's a relentless pursuit of resilience, authenticity, and the courage to break barriers that were never yours to begin with. Thriving in this space demands self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to embrace both strength and vulnerability while challenging the status quo. Effective communication becomes your superpower, enabling you to inspire, lead with clarity, and welcome all voices into the conversation. True leadership lies in adaptability, empathy, and the strength to stand firm while uplifting others, proving that impact has no gender, only purpose.

She built and led O’Donovan Waste for nearly four decades, transforming the family business into a multi-million-pound leader in sustainable waste management.
She brings practical insight into sustainability, safety and responsible business, shaped by decades at the forefront of the waste and recycling industry.
She shares lessons from successfully selling her company in 2023 and building new ventures across sustainability, communications and emerging technologies.
She challenges organisations to turn environmental responsibility into operational excellence and long-term business value.
Her talks inspire leaders to combine entrepreneurship, sustainability and social impact to drive meaningful change.