John O'Brien

Policy and Strategy Adviser | Independent Consultant @ John O’Brien | Creative Industries

Greater Dublin

About

Strategy, Policy and Organisational Development: Getting better results by Design I’ve been working with clients in local government, national agencies, production companies, festivals and arts and culture organisations for the last ten years, co-designing and facilitating policies, strategies and business models that unlock creative potential, drive innovation, and deliver a real change in organisational culture. The approach is built on twenty-five years as a theatre director, producer and acting coach. The principles of design and relational thinking are built into the DNA of theatre practice, allowing us to hear the organisational stories you tell yourself, to see clearly the characters and personas in your world, and to understand the culture you have built. And at the end of the day – culture is strategy! I also bring expertise through multiple qualifications including Design Thinking, People Centred Policy Design, Arts Management, and Business, and a commitment to knowledge sharing as an adjunct lecturer and blogger. Connect with me today and let's discuss how I can help you achieve better outcomes by design.

Experience

  • Advisor: Arts Centres at The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon
    Jul 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

  • Independent Consultant at John O'Brien
    Oct 2016 - Present · 9 yrs 9 mos

  • Adjunct Lecturer at University College Dublin
    Sep 2015 - Present · 10 yrs 10 mos

    Lecturing in Management at the Quinn School of Business and in Culture Policy and Arts Management at the School of Art History and Culture Policy.

  • Adjunct Lecturer at CDCFE
    Sep 2015 - Jun 2024 · 8 yrs 10 mos

    BA Drama (University of Wolverhampton) Lecturing in Applied Drama, Contemporary Contexts and Professional Producer

  • Industry Specialist/Adjunct Lecturer at Queen's University Belfast
    Sep 2020 - Dec 2020 · 4 mos