Speaker – Jessie Barr

Jessie Barr is an Olympian and one of Ireland’s leading performance psychologists, specialising in mental resilience, wellbeing, and high-performance mindset. A former international 400m hurdler who represented Ireland at major championships around the world, she brings a rare dual perspective to her work the lived experience of an elite athlete combined with deep psychological expertise.

As a Performance Psychologist at the Sport Ireland Institute, Jessie supports some of the nation’s most successful sporting talents, including Olympic gymnastics champion Rhys McClenaghan, as they prepare for the highest-pressure moments of their careers. Her work has taken her behind the scenes at Olympic Games, European Games, and World Championships, helping athletes manage stress, maintain focus, and consistently perform at their peak.

Jessie’s academic background includes extensive research into mental health stigma in elite sport, and the role exercise plays in psychological wellbeing. This research fuels her passion for shifting culture promoting environments where performance and wellbeing can exist side by side.

As a speaker, Jessie is insightful, relatable, and highly engaging. She translates cutting-edge performance science into clear, achievable strategies for corporate teams, leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals. Her sessions explore how to thrive under pressure, build resilience, lead with empathy, and sustain motivation through challenges and change.

Jessie empowers audiences to cultivate a champion mindset one grounded in confidence, clarity, and connection so they can show up as their best when it matters most.