Personally Speaking Bureau (PSB) is a speaker bureau and advisory organisation founded by Frances Keane in 2005 to help organisations connect with keynote speakers, authors, advisors and thought leaders in ways that make an impact.
After more than a decade working internationally in PR, Frances’s first hand experience of the power of human connection had deepened her belief that when people connect, big things can happen.
PSB works with organisations and speakers internationally. Our aim is always to stimulate thinking, spark the imagination and create an event(s) to remember. The bedrock of everything we do is based on great relationships with each other and with our clients, speakers and business partners.
A member of the European Association of Speaker Bureaux, Frances Keane was formerly a co-chair and has built a strong reputation internationally in her field. Today Personally Speaking Bureau has clients and a panel of speakers that stretches from New York to New Delhi.
Our Values
Curious
Eager to learn new things and meet new people, everything sparks our interest, because you never know where the next bit of inspiration will come from. And we find speakers who will spark yours.
Resourceful
Like you, we understand that new ideas can come from even the most unlikely places. We’re always looking to find speakers with a fresh approach or new angle who will make you look good and your event succeed
Savvy
Part bravery, part industry knowledge, part common sense and good judgment, we know what feels right and we go with it. And it pays off, for you and the people who participate in your event.
Caring
Never less than discerning, we care that from the moment we start working together, we invest our years of experience, intuitive approach and specifically chosen speakers to deliver an experience that gets to the truth and heart of the matter and helps you succeed. We care about doing what we can, and helping others to do what you can towards creating a better world for all.
Maverick
Side-stepping the expected industry norms and approach, we will not always conform or go with convention. Let’s shake it up. It may raise some eyebrows but it will also raise expectations for the next time!
Meet Our Team
Frances Keane
Founder
Frances Keane founded Personally Speaking in 2005 after over 10 years working internationally in Tech PR in the UK, US, Australia and Ireland.
Frances believes that people’s stories and experiences can be the strongest tool to stimulate thinking, shift mindset and motivate people. In her own words “While technology plays a crucial role in everything we do today we cannot replace people’s life experiences and learnings and I feel privileged that we are in a position to bring some of these extraordinary people to our clients around the world”.
Frances grew up on a farm in Tipperary before doing a degree in Business in Dublin.
Her first job was in eventing before she moved to London to pursue her career in PR which eventually brought her to Australia and back to Dublin. Her role in the business today is as an advisor to clients and speakers and leading the growth, opportunities and changes within the business. Frances was formerly a co-chair of the European Association of Speaker Bureaus in 2019 and has built a strong reputation internationally in her field.
She has also co-found a company for Home Cooks called Biacook.com which aligns with one of her favourite hobbies, cooking and entertaining.
Joanne Smyth
Head of Sales and Client Relations
Joanne Smyth has been head of sales and client relations at Personally Speaking Bureau since 2017. She started her career in sales at the Golden Pages where she led a dynamic sales team for over a decade, she went on to work in the publishing and events industry before joining Personally Speaking
She loves walking her dog in the local forest or by the sea, and enjoys baking and reading.
Leontien Friel Darrell
Website & Briefings Manager
Leontien Friel Darrell joined the team in 2021. She manages our website and profiles, as well as organising event briefings for speakers and clients.
Leontien grew up between Dublin, Tipperary and Canada, and over the last few years she has worked in several different industries before joining Personally Speaking. She is passionately involved in the climate and environmental activist movements here in Ireland.
She has a love of making beautiful things, and works as a freelance Graphic Designer in her spare time, as well as swimming in the sea (whenever Irish weather allows it)
Louise Donnelly
Operations Manager
Louise Donnelly is our Operations Manager and looks after Personally Speaking’s finance and contracts. For much of her career Louise has worked with designers and arts organisations such as DesignYard, Galloglass Touring Theatre and Gallery of Photography Ireland.
She really enjoys working with creative people. Living in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, she loves hiking, camping, yoga and growing vegetables.
Recent Thoughts from the Team
In recent months we've noticed the growing…
We don’t like to brag, but we’re changing the game
“Personally Speaking replied to emails within minutes even though there was a 7 hour time difference. This was our first time using a speaking agent located outside of the USA, but the whole experience was stress-free.”
Aimee ScanlonGloboforce (now Workhuman)
“Many thanks to you Frances and your team for assisting us in organising this wonderful conference. David McWilliams' speech was fantastic and very well received by the audience.”
Suresh ThyagarajanBank Muscat
“Frances, thanks very much for helping us to organise our dinner with Jon last night. Everyone had a great time and Jon was really superb. I look forward to organising some more events with you.”
Liz LeePublicis London
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