Former chief executive to put spotlight on mental health at Blackpool business event

A leading figure in UK business will take centre stage in Blackpool this month as he shines a light on the realities of mental health in leadership.

John Ainsworth, the former divisional chief executive of a publicly listed global technology business, will be the keynote speaker at an upcoming Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network event, where he will speak candidly about his remarkable professional ascent – and the profound toll executive pressure ultimately took on his mental health.

John said: “I became the CEO of an organisation in difficulty, and as the landscape changed, I found myself isolated – no longer part of the solution, but seen as part of the problem.

“It was as if every day I was running on empty, trying to keep the plates spinning, but inside I felt like I was falling apart.”

The breaking point came not in the boardroom, but on a sunbed during a holiday in 2024.

“I lay there, surrounded by sunshine and laughter, and just burst into tears,” John said. “I was embarrassed and confused, and I realised I didn’t want to go home – not because of the place, but because of the job. My body and mind were screaming at me to stop.

“It was a moment of absolute clarity, but also deep fear. I knew something had to change, but I didn’t know who I was any more.”

John,who spent seven years as a member of the Blackpool Pride of Place Board, will tell delegates at the event on the 25 February at Blackpool Football Club that his journey through the depths of mental health crisis, and his path to recovery, now sits at the heart of his mission to educate and inform others.

He has since co-authored Beyond OK: A CEO’s Journey Through Burnout to Mental Wellness with his therapist, Christine. The book is a practical guide for leaders navigating mental health challenges.

Described by mental health advocate Frank Bruno as “a car maintenance book for the brain”, it offers tools and insights for anyone – from CEOs to sole traders – struggling with the pressures of business life.

At the Blackpool event, John will share his story with candour, aiming to challenge the stigma that still surrounds mental health in the workplace.

“No one is always OK,” he said. “We need to move beyond the façade of ‘I’m fine’ and create cultures where it’s safe to say, ‘I’m not OK’ – and to ask for help. The real strength is in admitting you need support, and in giving yourself permission to heal.”

The message John seeks to convey is clear: acknowledging vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but a catalyst for transformation.

Since stepping away from corporate life, he has rebuilt his world around his values, prioritising family, wellbeing and meaningful work.

“I’m present with my children now. I play pickleball, I travel, and I enjoy life in a way I never could before. The smile on my face is real,” he said.

John now speaks internationally, advocating for authentic leadership and mental wellness.

Michelle Walker, project manager of the Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network said: “John’s honesty is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about having the courage to be human.

“His story will spark conversations that our business community urgently needs to have. Whatever your level of seniority or position in an organisation, John’s story will resonate, and we’re proud to provide a platform for it.”

The event will take place 8.30am – 10.30am on the 25 February 2026 in the Stanley Matthews Suite at Blackpool Football Club.

To reserve your spot, please register via https://www.tickettailor.com/events/businessinthecommunity/1994548