Do you want to understand bipolar, be more inclusive and reduce stigma?
But don’t want technical, textbook, or tedious?
Looking for a presenter who delivers a first-hand account of life with bipolar that’s powerful, vulnerable and eye-opening in equal measure?
Who doesn’t shy away from the hard parts but doesn’t leave you in that yucky space, either?
Who deeply wants to get you to the good part – the part where everyone feels like they can bring their real and best selves to work and life without fear of repercussions or the need to mask.
Looking for a personal account of bipolar not dragged straight from a textbook or delivered in scary or boring-speak?
You’re in the right place.
Meet Katie Rickson
Kia ora!
I’m Katie Rickson. I’ve been delivering talks and appearing on podcasts since 2017, a year after I was officially diagnosed with bipolar.
Why book a lived experience speaker?
Your team are people first and you never know what someone is going through.
It’s important to raise awareness of bipolar and the strategies, techniques and rhythms that are helpful – so you can feel equipped to support yourself and each other.
You might think you can ask your staff to share their story – but they may not feel comfortable with that degree of vulnerability or exposure. Nobody should feel pressured to disclose their diagnosis to their leaders or colleagues.
I have the experience and strategies to share my story in a way that’s safe for me and your team.
Book Katie to deliver a presentation on identifying bipolar, and real insights and strategies to improve mental health and wellbeing – at work and at home.
During a jam-packed 90 minutes, you’ll discover:
- My lived experience story and some sobering stats.
- What bipolar, mania and depression can look and feel like.
- When positivity, consistency and resilience turn toxic including what not to say and what to say.
- How to hold space for each other including asking curious and compassionate questions.
- Self-care, self-compassion and sensory regulation techniques.
- How to support each other and our collective responsibility.
- Ways to reframe bipolar – including neurodiversity and a strengths-based lens.
- Different therapeutic options – there’s a modality for everyone.
- What else can the “A” stand for in MHAW – moving from awareness to action and accommodations at work.
- Important numbers and resources for further reading.
Pricing options
Lite option – Presentation only
What you’ll get:
A 90-minute lunch and learn presentation from a lived experience speaker. An invite to join my Instagram community and newsletter list.
Your investment:
$1,000 plus GST*
Recommended option – Presentation and Workbook
What you’ll get:
A 90-minute lunch and learn presentation from a lived experienced speaker, plus a substantial digital workbook to share with attendees and the larger organisation. An invite to join my Instagram community and newsletter list.
Your investment:
$2,000 plus GST*
Complete and comprehensive option – Presentation, Workbook and Follow-up calls
What you’ll get:
A 90-minute lunch and learn presentation from a lived experience speaker, plus a substantial digital workbook to share with attendees and the larger organisation. Plus 1:1 sessions for 30 minutes for up to 20 staff. More than 20 people will fall outside the scope. An invite to join my Instagram community and newsletter list.
Your investment:
$3,000 plus GST*
Details about my Packages
*These are my standard charges but I’m happy to work with you to tailor the format if you have a particular budget or other requirements.
Where?
I’m based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland but happy to travel.
If your team are spread out across New Zealand (or the world), I’m happy to deliver my presentation remotely.
Booking and Contact Information
Ready to book today?
If you’d like to go ahead, please email me at katie@katierickson.co.nz
Email me
Request a brochure
Please complete the form below to request a brochure with more information.
Book me for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025.
Are you sussing out where to allocate your wellbeing budget for 2025? Why not put a portion aside for a presentation during Mental Health Awareness Week which could change your team’s perception of bipolar and maybe even their lives?
Get in quick to book one of five lunch and learn spots for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025.
Featured here:
Service User Academia Symposium 2017: University of Otago
Guest lecturer at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington (every year from 2018-2024)
The Poetical Lobe
Tax Traders
(winners of 2024 Best Place to Work in Aotearoa)
Logos
Testimonial
Read my reviews
“We were invited to listen to your journey as Tax Traders & Taxi cares deeply about wellbeing and how we can best support ourselves. We also wanted to raise the awareness of bipolar amongst our team. It was powerful to hear your experience first-hand and a real eye-opener into what it’s like to live with bipolar. You captivated the team with your story and we all learnt so much from you sharing. You were very honest, raw and you inspired me. I wouldn’t normally be so open with someone I just met but your presentation gave me that ability to feel safe.
“When you shared your stories, I finally understood what my family member went through. Thank you for giving me the ability to see them in a different way. I appreciated the workbook that was sent through prior to you speaking. The section on “when I want to self-destruct, I create”. was most valuable to me, and the sensory section is great when we need to find our groundings and feel safe. It’s important for workplaces to understand that employees are people first and you never know what someone is battling. It’s also important for us as individuals to know what to look out for or identify when someone is struggling. I could relate to a lot you shared. Being able to share with you made me feel included and accepted and for that I thank you.”
– TAX TRADERS
Stay updated with book updates
Business in the Bath – Katie’s Substack
I write about life, love and work with bipolar. Here I share my poems, essays and musings on bipolar – including diagnosis, recovery, reframing success, pace and self-compassion. I share some previews from my upcoming book, and will share updates including the launch date and when presales will be available.
If you want to support my writing, buy me a few coffees, or help me fund my book, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Thank you!
Subscribe to my Substack
Join me on LinkedIn
Not your typical LinkedIn poster – connect with me if you want to hear about being a professional with bipolar. I share at least one post most weeks.
Find me on LinkedIn