Richard’s inspirational KS4 visit
ON Tuesday 31 January, motivational speaker Richard McCann visited Year 10 and 11 and shared how he overcame significant adversity in his own life. His life story is a prime example of how mindset changes everything and pupils were captivated by his energy and enthusiasm.
It takes a special kind of person to be able to capture and hold the attention of young people in a way that inspires, motivates and provokes mindset change. Richard McCann has a story that keeps even the most unreachable on the edge of their seats, and he is highly skilled in delivering his message. Having lost his mother to the notorious Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, in 1975, Richard was raised in poverty by his often drunk and violent father. He left school with no qualifications and stumbled from one mistake to the other until he eventually found himself with no prospects after a spell in prison.
By learning to accept full responsibility for his life, embracing his authentic self and adopting an iCan attitude, he went from no-hoper to Sunday Times Bestselling Author and internationally renowned award-winning motivational speaker. His first book, Just a Boy, sold almost half a million copies in the UK alone and has been translated into over 10 different languages.
Speaking in schools since 2007, he draws on his own experiences to transform the thinking of everyone he meets. Focusing on the strategies that have helped him to succeed in life, he aims to help young minds to appreciate just how much potential they really have, to believe that they can achieve, and to identify the steps they need to take to succeed in all that they do.
Learning to think positively is a skill that every young person will find invaluable throughout their life. Richard’s story demonstrates what can be achieved with a Growth Mindset and today we truly appreciated his candid inspiring positivity.
“As someone who struggles with own confidence, Richard’s visit inspired me to realise I can do what I want and move out of my comfort zone, even if it’s a little bit at a time? He was very inspirational.”
Georgia Y11
