Tailored Tonic! Talks that bring fun, hope and laughter back to your organisations!
‘Purple Sheep’ style away days and events packed with inspirational stories to get you and your teams believing for the impossible!
Shane's Story
As a teenager, Shane Dean battled mental health struggles, finding solace in politics studies, earning a degree and Masters in politics, and becoming an expert on Margaret Thatcher.
At 21, he discovered the power of positive thinking and neuroplasticity, transforming his life forever.
He pursued his dream career in journalism, winning two national awards from BT and the Society of Editors. He was set to rise through politics reporting – making key contacts at the BBC, and The Guardian on route to The Washing Post – but fate took an unexpected furn.
He found himself leading hundreds of motivational talks over five years, setting up a community family coffee shop, and meetings in nightclubs. Feeling burnt-out, he returned to journalism, working in tabloid news and investigative reporting, covering the London Riots for The Guardian.
But his true calling came when he launched a global good news movement and Jill Dando News – founded in a school near to where Banksy staged his iconic Dismaland exhibition.
Shane Dean - Experiences Of Motivational Speaking
Shane Dean is an award-winning journalist, political and education correspondent, accidental vicar over a cup of coffee, and founder of a Global Good News Movement.
Shane has had an extraordinary career spanning news, media, journalism, education, politics, business, leadership, faith, charities, PR, and motivational speaking – leaving audiences inspired, empowered, laughing and full of hope.
As a journalist, Shane covered everything from agriculture to politics, uniquely knocking on hundreds of doors to uncover powerful human stories that led an entire police force banning him.
He is The Purple Sheep – a Rebel With a Cause. Even his dad was called James Dean.
The Good News Post
The journey began in 2011, when Shane launched the first ‘Good News Room’ from the headteacher’s office at Priory School. This marked the start of the Good News Revolution and the Good News Post in 2016 – a platform to share children’s positive stories with the world.
In 2017, Jill Dando News was launched in memory of the legendary BBC presenter. Her kindness, positivity, and journalistic brilliance became the model for this global initiative, empowering young people to think positively, share good news, and develop their storytelling skills.
Since then, The Good News Post has grown into a UK-based global good news newspaper. Journalists and editors from the BBC, ITV, Sky News, and CBS Nes have supported the mission since the start, providing tips and trainings.
The Good News Tonic
In a world overwhelmed by burnout, negativity, and stress, Shane delivers an antidote – The Good News Tonic. Through high-energy, thought-provoking keynotes, helps businesses, leaders, and schools rewire their mindset for optimism, resilience, and peak performance.
With alarming stats including:
- 86% of UK employees have experienced burnout in the past two years (LumApps)
- 1/3 suffer from frequent mental and physical exhaustion due to workplace pressures
Shane’s talks provide a science-backed roadmap to overcoming negativity, boosting morale, and creating thriving workplaces and schools.
Shane has observed leadership up close, from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, William Hague, Paddy Ashdown, Iain Duncan Smith, and King Charles III (when he was Prince of Wales).
He has also worked alongside educators, top CEOs, and business leaders to shape a culture of innovation, resilience, and success.
Keynote Topics
The Good News Diet: How to Rewire Your Brain for Positivity
Rewiring Leadership: Leading With Confidence, Resilience, and Purpose
Rebuilding Education: Creating a Culture of Optimism and Success
Mental Resilience in Business: Thriving in the Face of Challenge
The News We Consume Shapes Our Future: How to Take Control
A Story of Resilience and Laughter
Shane’s journey from tabloid journalist to accidental vicar to global good news movement and speaker, makes for an unforgettable after-dinner experience. Blending humour, real-life storytelling, and powerful lessons, this talk entertains and inspires in equal measure.
Laughter Therapy: A Unique Approach
To further supercharge wellbeing, Shane partners with UK laughter yoga expert Alison Orr, introducing laughing therapy into workplaces and events, proven to boos happiness, reduce stress, and enhance performance.
Testimonials & Quotes Of Inspiration
“I have worked with some of the best speakers in the world over the years, but I’ve never met anyone with more authenticity, passion and ability to really inspire people as Shane Dean.
“He never fails to motivate our 100+ staff, including the management and leadership teams; and the content he delivers is ideal for businesses and corporate organisations looking to achieve growth and deliver a morale boost.”
"Shane was a keynote speaker at Coreus’ annual away day and walked into the room full of energy and charisma.
His diligent approach to understanding our organisation enabled him to connect and motivate our team on another level.
Shane's emphasis on maintaining a positive mindset during adversity really resonated with me, and his insight into the interdependent nature of team personalities and attitudes created tangible outtakes that I know will create a positive impact on the team and company"/.
“The Purple Sheep has a track record in journalism and PR consultancy offering them expert industry insight, with deep wells of creativity and integrity.
“Crucially, its founder and leader is a uniquely positive man, whose infectious enthusiasm and warm demeanour equip him with the ability to forge quick and enduring relationships with people from all walks of life.
“In the 25 years I’ve known him since training together as journalists, I’ve yet to see him regard any glass as half-empty.”
Booking A Talk With Shane & Enquiries
Why Book A Talk With Shane?
He is an award-winning political journalist and correspondent, having conduced interviews with UK Prime Ministers and other influential figures.
With over 23 years of experience alongside headteachers and educational CEOs, he has developed a profound understanding of leadership in education.
He has conducted hundreds of motivational talks over the years, breaking tradition in the world of clergy duties to create more authentic, meaningful experiences.
He overcame his own mental health challenges to found The Good News Post – a platform dedicated to positive, uplifting journalism that inspires hope and action.
Feel free to email Shane directly at: [email protected]