More About Alan O’Neill

Alan O’Neill began his career in the retail industry, where he developed a deep understanding of customer service, leadership and organisational behaviour. Over time, his focus broadened to encompass culture change and strategic transformation, building a consultancy that has served major clients across the globe.

His unique ability to align people and processes with strategy has earned him a reputation as “the Change Agent”.

Alan O’Neill | Culture Transformation at Selfridges

At Selfridges, Alan led a seven-year culture change initiative that resulted in the retailer being voted “Best Department Store in the World” three times in a row.

He played a central role in one of retail’s most significant transformations in recent history. As the lead consultant on culture change, he guided the organisation through a comprehensive programme aimed at revitalising its internal culture and aligning it with a bold customer-centric vision. Working closely with senior leadership, Alan helped to embed new values, develop leadership capability, and empower front-line teams to deliver exceptional service.

Alan’s work at Selfridges is frequently cited as a benchmark in successful large-scale culture change, blending strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Alan O’Neill | Career Highlights

– Successfully led Selfridges through a cultural and service transformation, resulting in global recognition.

– Authored Premium is the New Black: Put the Customer at the Heart of Your Decision-Making.

– Speaker at high-profile events including the Retail Summit, World Retail Congress and HR conferences worldwide.

– Trusted advisor to global brands in over 25 countries.

– Regular expert commentator on business and leadership issues in the media.

Alan O’Neill | Published Work

Alan is the author of Premium is the New Black: Put the Customer at the Heart of Your Decision-Making, a practical guide for business leaders who want to drive growth by building a customer-centric culture. Drawing on real-world case studies and decades of consultancy experience, the book offers clear, actionable insights into aligning people, processes and purpose to deliver lasting competitive advantage.

In his second book Culture Matters: The Four ‘Must-have’ Values to Supercharge Your Business Alan O’Neill makes an overwhelming case for organisational culture and health eclipsing all other matters. He has created an easy-to-absorb modern business fable, showing how to achieve sustainable growth. Its far-reaching impact extends to all types of organisations, business schools, and career-minded individuals.

In addition to his books, Alan regularly contributes articles and thought leadership to business publications and is a familiar voice in the media on topics such as leadership, change, and customer experience.

Alan O’Neill | Speaker

Alan brings energy and purpose to your company conference, turning it into a memorable and uplifting experience – one your team will look forward to and continue talking about long after the event has ended.

With a focus on your organisation’s strategic goals, he delivers key messages in a compelling, respectful and engaging way. His sessions spark motivation, encourage fresh thinking, and unlock a spirit of collaboration – helping your people reimagine everyday challenges with renewed perspective.

In the lead-up to the event, Alan takes a consultative approach. He invests time to understand your business, your culture and your people. By speaking directly with members of your audience in advance, he ensures every element of the presentation, from tone to structure to delivery, is thoughtfully aligned with your objectives. Drawing on powerful brand stories and proven frameworks, he crafts a session that is both inspiring and precisely tailored to your brief.

Alan O’Neill | Speaking Topics

The 7-Steps to Profit

Why are famous global organisations so powerful and successful? How did they get people talking and create such a brand buzz? Alan’s 7-Steps to Profit programme shows how.

Change Management

In our evolving world, change is never far away. But only a small number of change programmes succeed. Get your people to enable it, not obstruct it.

Corporate Culture

Everyone knows that culture eats strategy for breakfast. So if you get your culture right, you can take on the world. While others can copy your strategy, no one can copy the company heartbeat.

Customer Experience

As globalisation enables transparent comparisons and technology enables fast copying, how do you differentiate from your competition? Customer experience is the new battleground.

Retail

From food to fashion, luxury to mass, big box to multiple sites and travel retail to the high street, Alan has consulted with countless retailers for over 30 years.

Navigating a Post-Covid Economy

In our post-Covid world, Alan supports organisations in person and online, to get a clear head and develop recovery plans to ensure a speedy return to our new normal. He can offer physical, virtual or hybrid meetings – tailoring his approach to suit your business challenges.

Alan O’Neill | Past Clients

Alan has worked with an impressive range of clients across diverse sectors and geographies. His portfolio includes iconic names such as Selfridges, Toyota, Getty Images, Harrods, Emirates Post, Vodafone, Intel, Dubai Duty Free, EDF Energy, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Getty Images, Selfridges,  the United Nations, and Deloitte.

From retail and hospitality to technology, logistics and public sector organisations, Alan brings a tailored, approach to each engagement. His international experience spans more than 25 countries, giving him a unique global perspective on organisational challenges and opportunities.

Alan O’Neill | Making a Difference to Event Organisers

Alan O’Neill prides himself in tuning into event organisers requirements. Here are his tips as to how he can make a difference at your event.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book FTSE 100 corporate culture and engagement speaker Alan O’Neill for your next in-person or virtual event.  Contact us.