Mike King
Mental health advocate, bestselling author and social change leader transforming the conversation around wellbeing
Overview
Mike King is one of New Zealand's most influential mental health advocates, keynote speakers and social entrepreneurs. Through his honesty, humour and deeply personal storytelling, Mike has helped change the national conversation around mental health, inspiring individuals, schools, workplaces and communities to speak openly about wellbeing and seek support when they need it most. His powerful message of hope, resilience and connection has touched hundreds of thousands of people across New Zealand and beyond.
Who is Mike King?
Mike King is a former comedian, broadcaster and award-winning mental health advocate whose life's work has become dedicated to improving the wellbeing of young people and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness. After publicly sharing his own experiences with depression, addiction and recovery, Mike became one of the most recognised voices in mental health advocacy across Australasia.
Determined to create meaningful change, Mike founded the Key to Life Charitable Trust and later helped establish I Am Hope, initiatives focused on providing education, raising awareness and improving access to mental health support for young people and communities. His grassroots approach, authenticity and ability to connect with audiences of all ages have made him one of the most respected and impactful speakers in the region.
Today, Mike continues to travel extensively, speaking to schools, corporate organisations, community groups and leadership audiences about mental health, resilience, vulnerability and the importance of human connection.
Career Highlights
• Founder of the Key to Life Charitable Trust
• Founder of I Am Hope, one of New Zealand's leading mental health initiatives
• Recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to mental health awareness and suicide prevention
• Former award-winning comedian, broadcaster and television personality
• Recognised nationally for transforming conversations around mental health and wellbeing
• Delivered presentations to hundreds of thousands of young people, educators, leaders and communities
• Leading advocate for youth mental health and suicide prevention
• Widely respected voice on resilience, hope and emotional wellbeing
Key Speaking Themes
• Mental health awareness and wellbeing
• Resilience and overcoming adversity
• Suicide prevention and early intervention
• Creating psychologically safe environments
• The power of vulnerability and connection
• Youth wellbeing and emotional health
• Breaking down stigma and encouraging help-seeking
• Hope, purpose and personal growth
What Your Audience Will Gain
Mike provides audiences with a powerful and deeply human perspective on mental health, resilience and connection. Audiences leave with a greater understanding of how to support themselves and others, practical insights into recognising when people may be struggling and renewed confidence to have meaningful conversations about wellbeing. His humour, honesty and authenticity create an experience that is both emotionally impactful and genuinely uplifting.
Ideal For
• Mental health and wellbeing conferences
• Schools and youth leadership programmes
• Corporate wellbeing initiatives
• Healthcare and community events
• Leadership and resilience conferences
• Government, education and social impact forums
Frequently Asked Questions...
What does Mike King speak about?
Mike speaks about mental health, resilience, suicide prevention, wellbeing, vulnerability, hope and the importance of human connection.
Who is Mike King?
Mike King is a mental health advocate, keynote speaker, social entrepreneur, former comedian and founder of the Key to Life Charitable Trust and I Am Hope.
What is Mike King best known for?
Mike is best known for his work transforming mental health awareness in New Zealand and helping reduce stigma surrounding depression, anxiety and suicide.
What is I Am Hope?
I Am Hope is a mental health initiative founded by Mike King that focuses on improving youth mental health awareness and access to support services.
Why is Mike King such a sought-after speaker?
Mike combines humour, vulnerability and lived experience to deliver powerful presentations that create genuine connection and inspire positive change.
What audiences does Mike King work with?
Mike regularly speaks to schools, universities, corporate organisations, government agencies, healthcare providers and community groups.
What makes Mike King's presentations unique?
His authentic storytelling, lived experience and ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level create presentations that are memorable, impactful and transformative.
Is Mike King available for keynote presentations and conferences?
Yes. Mike King is available for keynote speaking engagements, leadership events, wellbeing conferences, school programmes and community events.