
An Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Ian Hawkins, on air from September 12th
When I was really small, my amazing Granny Peg gave me some recordings of stories and got me hooked on storytelling. I knew that when I grew up, that’s what I would want to do.
So I did! I told stories on the radio and television, as well as to big crowds of people who enjoyed what I had to say.
One day I realised that sometimes the stories people tell themselves make them unhappy. Then I thought that if I understood how to change those stories, people wouldn’t be sad any more.
Now I have the best job in the world: I tell stories about stories, helping people make changes in their lives that help them do the things they want to do and make the world a better place.
The power of story
Stories are the software our brains run on. Whatever we do in business or personal life, our achievements depend on the stories we tell ourselves – and allow others to tell about us.
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Ian Hawkins is an author and business journalist whose work has appeared on CBS, Reuters and BBC World.
Ian has hosted events in Europe, the USA and Australia, and coached Olympians, cabinet ministers and CEOs.
Born with a debilitating heart condition, Ian spent much of his childhood in hospital. On leaving, he declared that he would refuse to live a boring life. This is a promise he has kept.
On leaving university, Ian wrote for BBC comedy shows including The News Quiz and Loose Ends. On the stand up circuit, he honed his presentation skills in front of live audiences in the UK and NYC and co-authored an acclaimed book on public speaking.
Ian’s abilities as a storyteller led to him taking on senior editorial roles in content creation and business journalism, reporting from the ground on subjects as diverse as pharma labs in Gothenburg to water purification in Nicaragua, whilst dodging muggers in Panama City and filming from a helicopter over an active volcano.
In the COVID pandemic, Ian started a business from his hospital bed which kept him busy throughout and beyond convalescence.
In keynotes, workshops and after dinner, Ian explains why stories are the ‘software’ that our brains run on and how a good story can be a catalyst for incredible change. Ian draws on stories from brands, his experience and films suggested by the audience. Audiences will be engaged, moved and motivated – and given powerful tools to create lasting change in their own lives, businesses and relationships. Expect insight, inspiration and interaction – wrapped up in Ian’s trademark humour.
Ian’s career began at the UK’s largest speaker bureau, working with some of the biggest names on the circuit. At the same time, he was a professional stand up, writing for BBC comedy shows including The News Quiz and Loose Ends.
Business journalism has taken Ian from pharma labs in Gothenburg to water purification in Nicaragua, dodging muggers in Panama City and filming from a helicopter over an active volcano.

Get the book from Ian in Linked-in.
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