UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / March 13, 2025 / An inspirational speaker who lost his mother to a serial killer, his sister to suicide and his liberty to a spell in prison is celebrating 20 years as a coach; helping others to succeed with winning storytelling.

Richard McCann, whose mother was the first victim of infamous killer Peter Sutcliffe, runs the iCan Academy which helps individuals, businesses and other organisations deliver effective presentations and pitches.

Over the last two decades, Richard has delivered almost 3500 keynote speeches across the world, coached 7000 presenters and assisted numerous businesses - ranging from SMEs to global corporations - with their goals.

To mark this milestone, Richard is running a special two-day residential iCan Influence Masterclass on May 14 and 15. It is aimed at professionals, trainers and leaders who want to add depth and storytelling to their presentation skills.

Richard knows the fear that presenting to an audience can create. He cites research that found some people would rather die than face that fear. He was one of those people once and claims that conquering his fear turned his life around.

Richard also makes the claim, backed by clients, that authentic storytelling is a compelling way to engage, win business and boost turnover. At a time when AI is in the headlines, Richard argues that while it is a useful aid, it cannot replace the human element that comes from a real, genuine encounter.

“AI clearly has a place in business but cannot take YOUR place. Lived experience and the uniquely human ability to connect with others are what give presentations life and add authenticity to your pitch”. 

Richard can certainly connect through his own experience of a life turned upside down by brutal murders and the consequent public attention. He believes this allowed him to connect deeply with people’s emotions; understand their vulnerability and find their strengths.   

“I am grateful for the second chance I had after a troubled childhood and the early mistakes I made, and I’m indebted to the people who helped me take responsibility for my life, especially the inspirational speaker who led me to this career. I am proud to help others employ that introspection and use their authentic selves to improve their prospects.”

Richard’s iCan Academy has an impressive list of clients including Dyson, Barclays, the NHS and Specsavers. Oliver North, Founder and MD of North Fire, says that turnover in his business increased by 242% after working with Richard. “Much of the business secured was won by myself influenced by the extra confidence I gained and Richard’s ability to bring out the best in my performance as a presenter,” he said.

For more information on Richard as an inspirational speaker or to book a place on his iCan Influence Masterclass visit: www.richardmccann.co.uk

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information or to request an interview with Richard, please contact:

Karen Morledge

Morledge & Co.

karen@morledgeandco.com / 07717 756644

About Richard McCann

In October 1975, Richard McCann woke to discover his mother was missing. He was just five years old. She was the first victim of the notorious serial killer, Peter Sutcliffe.

Having lost his mother to one of Britain’s most notorious serial killers, Richard was raised in poverty by his often drunk and violent father on a tough council estate in Leeds, England, and was on the at-risk register before he could even walk and talk. What followed was foster parents and time in a care home, and he left school with no qualifications, stumbling from one mistake to the other until he eventually found himself with no prospects after a spell in prison. The same prison as his mother’s killer! When he was released, he had few prospects and entered a suicide pact with one of his sisters. He had reached his rock bottom.

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 more than 10 different languages. Other books followed along with a speaking career that has seen him deliver almost 3500 keynotes across the globe since he became a professional speaker in February 2005. 

About the iCan Academy

Founded in 2005, the iCan Academy based in Leeds, West Yorkshire delivers Richard McCann’s range of services from keynote presentations to workshops by inspiring audiences on overcoming adversity and demonstrating the power of an ‘iCan’ approach. Through lived experience and igniting a positive mindset in others, thousands of iCan Academy alumni across business, corporate, community and education sectors have been helped to change the way that they think, and act for the better – the iCan philosophy.

www.richardmccann.co.uk 

Images:-

Image 1: Richard McCann, Founder of the iCan Academy outside Oulton Hall, the venue for his forthcoming Influence Masterclass. © iCan Academy

Image 2: Richard McCann at HMP Leeds, a category B men’s prison where he and Peter Sutcliffe, the killer of his mother were both sentenced to imprisonment. © iCan Academy

Image 3: Richard McCann, presenting at Oulton Hall, Leeds. © iCan Academy

Video of the iCan Academy Influence Storytelling Retreat (You Tube 2:10 mins)