Mr Christopher O'Shaughnessy
Christopher O’Shaughnessy is a passionate and versatile speaker, comedian, and author who uses a unique blend of story-telling, humor, and provocative insight to engage a wide array of people on topics ranging from Third Culture Kids and the effects of globalization to building community and increasing empathy. Chris’ book, Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures In-Between, has received high praise from students, teachers, and other experts in the TCK and international community as a resource that is both enjoyable to read at a student level, and able to instill truths, insights and skills essential to navigating life successfully as a TCK. It has also been used in teaching cross-cultural skills and instilling global awareness in a variety of disciplines at the college level and for businesses.
Chris received a BA (Hons) in Youth Community Work & Applied Theology from
Oxford Brookes University in 2003 and became a Certified Practitioner in Intercultural Intelligence through KnowledgeWorkx ICI certification in 2021.
Chris has delivered keynote speeches and spotlight presentations for organizations including: NAFSA Association of International Educators, Relocate Global’s International Education & Schools Fair, Families in Global Transition Conference, Michigan Association of International Educators, Canadian Armed Forces UK Forum, and the Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine. Chris has also delivered presentations and workshops for universities, schools, conferences and other events across the globe including: ACS Hillingdon International School (London, UK), American School of Dubai (UAE), Chadwick International School (Seoul, South Korea), Dubai Knowledge & Human Development Authority (UAE), Dulwich College (Singapore), European Commission, International School of Amsterdam, Le Rosey (Switzerland), Michigan State University, University of Groningen (Netherlands), and the US Air Force.
Using change management, story frameworks, and identity focus to build resilience based on the increasing relevance of the Third Culture Kid (TCK) experience.
Many experts believe that Third Culture Kids (young people who spend a significant portion of their developmental years with multiple diverse cultural influences amidst a heightened degree of transience – an overwhelmingly common experience in the GCC region) are prototype citizens of the future. The adaptability they develop as a result of this upbringing is best expressed when TCKs are taught the language and frameworks necessary to process their experiences, often through a focus on change management skills, identity formation, and personal narrative. These skills can be useful for wider society, striving to hone resilience capabilities as the world moves closer and closer to the TCK experience.
