Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE is a globally recognised entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and philanthropist, best known for her transformative impact on the waste management industry and her long-standing commitment to environmental progress. Over a 38-year tenure as Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste, she grew the family business into a multi-million-pound enterprise, becoming... Read more
Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE is a globally recognised entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and philanthropist, best known for her transformative impact on the waste management industry and her long-standing commitment to environmental progress. Over a 38-year tenure as Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste, she grew the family business into a multi-million-pound enterprise, becoming a leading authority on tackling the environmental challenges associated with poor waste management and pollution.
In 2023, Jacqueline successfully sold O’Donovan Waste to a Swedish conglomerate, marking a major milestone in her career. That same year, she was awarded an OBE in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours List for services to recycling, safety, and industry.
Her leadership has consistently championed innovation, training, and education, positioning her as a trailblazer in global efforts to reduce humanity’s environmental footprint.
Beyond waste management, Jacqueline is a highly respected advocate for improved health and safety standards, both in the workplace and on the roads. Her campaigning has driven meaningful change and earned widespread recognition across the construction, logistics, and related sectors.
Most recently, Jacqueline launched ODPR, a PR and marketing agency supporting businesses across construction, the construction supply chain, and logistics. Through ODPR, she brings trusted partnerships, strategic insight, and innovative communications to industries undergoing rapid transformation.
Jacqueline is also an active investor, backing ventures including an employment initiative focused on over-55s, a female-focused nutrition business, and a first-to-market breast flow monitoring technology.
Her achievements have been recognised through 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 has also been honoured by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award, reflecting her enduring commitment to community, culture, and social impact.
Why safety culture starts at the top and how leaders can drive meaningful improvements across organisations and supply chains. This topic draws on Jacqueline’s widely recognised advocacy in workplace and road safety.
Key takeaways:
-Reframing safety as a leadership and cultural issue
Read more
Insights from leading a family business through rapid growth, industry disruption, and a successful sale. Jacqueline explores leadership resilience, decision making under pressure, and preparing a business for transition.
Key takeaways:
-Leading confidently through uncertainty and change
-Building organisations that are exit ready, even if exit is not the goal
...How to grow a commercially successful organisation while embedding sustainability, safety, and responsibility at its core. Drawing on nearly four decades of leadership, Jacqueline shares how purpose can be a growth driver rather than a constraint.
Key takeaways:
-How to align purpose with profit...
How business leaders can use their platform, influence, and success to create long term social value. Jacqueline reflects on philanthropy, community impact, and responsibility beyond the balance sheet.
Key takeaways:
-Moving from success to significance
-Aligning philanthropy with personal and organisational values
...A practical look at sustainability beyond slogans, focusing on real operational change and measurable impact. This session demystifies what works, what does not, and how to lead environmental progress in complex industries.
Key takeaways:
-Turning sustainability strategy into day to day action
Read more