IrishmanSpeaks - Conor Cunneen
Chicago based Irish keynote speaker Conor Cunneen has had two bouts with cancer. "I had thyroid cancer some years ago when living in Ireland. They whipped the thyroid out. Then, when I got prostate cancer, they whipped that out also. Now, I tell my audiences that having had a prostatectomy and a thyroidectomy, I have a unique Irish condition called ‘there’s not much left-o-me.’
Cancer is not funny, but Cunneen has developed an inspirational, fun packed keynote speech about his prostate cancer experience. Indeed, any man who can enter hospital for cancer surgery with a newly purchased pair of Monty Python pajamas bearing the legend "It's just a flesh wound" has to be admired.
When Cunneen was diagnosed with prostate cancer he did his research. “There are a number of treatment options available ranging from radiation to prostatectomy, in other words the removal of the prostate,” he said in his light lyrical brogue. Prostate cancer develops slowly so the former Marketing VP had time to consider his options.
“I did a lot of research on the topic, spoke to a lot of people and ultimately opted for the prostatectomy. My information systems, i.e. my wife advised I had to purchase new pajamas for the hospital, so that is why I entered Northwestern Memorial Hospital with pajamas bearing the Monty Python legend ‘It’s Just a Flesh Wound.’ I’ve been blessed with a great attitude and I believe every cloud does have a silver lining. As a result, I created a keynote of the same title. It is perfect for all conferences and events where an uplifting feel-good message is appropriate, which is basically everywhere.”
The National Cancer Institute estimates up to 186,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. While prostate cancer does not have to be life-threatening, almost 30,000 men die from the disease each year.
This ebullient Irishman’s communication style has been likened to "Mark Twain with a brogue” and “James Joyce meets Tom Peters.” His keynotes combine business experienced garnered in Ireland, UK and USA with a truly impish sense of humor. “As a keynote speaker and business humorist, I endeavor to provide Substance with Humor. I often develop purely humorous business material which I can then weave into serious business messages. That is when it becomes a real win-win.”
He has the pedigree to back it up. A native of County Cork, his proudest moment was when he won the coveted Chicago Toastmasters Humorous Speaker of the Year award for a speech on customer service in San Quentin jail. “That was a blast and a great career catalyst also. Since then I have spoken internationally in places as diverse as Helsinki, Madrid, London, Malaga and Glasgow.”
