Why You Need to Read The Bulletproof Banker

Success comes at a cost—but is it a price worth paying? In The Bulletproof Banker, Brian Kennedy takes readers on a gripping journey through the highs and lows of a high-flying career in finance, revealing the hidden toll of relentless ambition. If you’ve ever felt trapped in the grind, struggling to balance success with mental well-being, this book is for you.

A Story of Strength, Survival, and Transformation

Brian Kennedy’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From surviving seven armed robberies to enduring an 84-hour workweek, his story exposes the brutal realities of corporate life and the mental exhaustion that follows. But instead of glorifying toxic resilience, The Bulletproof Banker offers something far more valuable—practical lessons on redefining success, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental health.

This book challenges the outdated belief that men must suffer in silence. With 75% of global suicides being men, Kennedy’s story is a wake-up call to rethink how we handle stress, vulnerability, and personal well-being.

Real Reviews from Real Readers

Readers across the world have been deeply moved by Kennedy’s honesty and insights. Here’s what they’re saying:

• “A compelling story of resilience in the corporate world... The Bulletproof Banker will strike a chord with many of us - showing us what's important and what we would do differently. Inspiring stuff.” – UK Review

• “Brilliant read... Brilliant true story with amazing takeaways. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.” – UK Review

• “This book reminds us that we should and can embrace change in order to live life to the fullest.” – Australia

• “Just arrived! I'm already intrigued by the story behind this captivating autobiography. A must-read!” – Germany Review

• This book is excellent. Brian charts the ups and downs of his journey, and has put together a very interesting read based on his own lived experience to help people who struggle with boundaries, stress, asking for help and more.
  It's a motivating read, and I highly recommend it.-Ireland Review

• The most inspiring story of overcoming real life adversity and viewing life in a more positive light.- Ireland Review
  A must read for anyone who wants to be inspired, achieve a peaceful mindset and view life in a more positive light.- Ireland Review

More Than a Book—A Blueprint for Change

Beyond the personal anecdotes, The Bulletproof Banker provides actionable strategies to help men reclaim control over their lives. It highlights the importance of financial planning, work-life balance, and embracing vulnerability as strengths rather than weaknesses.

Studies show that individuals with a financial plan report better mental health, reinforcing Kennedy’s message that true success isn’t just about wealth—it’s about freedom, happiness, and personal fulfilment.

Take the First Step

If you’re ready to break free from the stress, uncertainty, and burnout that come with high-pressure careers, The Bulletproof Banker is your guide. This book isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, learning from the past, and shaping a future on your terms.

Don’t wait until burnout forces you to make a change. Order The Bulletproof Banker today and take control of your success, your mental health, and your life.

Bringing This Message to Your Workplace

In addition to the book, Brian Kennedy brings his powerful message directly to organizations through engaging, thought-provoking talks that inspire action. With firsthand experience of the pressures professionals face, he delivers practical insights on mental resilience, stress management, and sustainable success. Companies that invest in employee well-being see improved productivity, stronger engagement, and reduced burnout. Book Brian Kennedy to speak to your team and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in both their careers and personal lives.

Redefining Masculinity in Leadership

For most of my career, leadership was defined by toughness, dominance, and never showing weakness.

We Men were told:
 “Be strong.”
 “Don’t show emotions.”
 “Winning is all that matters.”

But the truth is: That version of masculinity is outdated. And in today’s male leadership that version should be seen as a weakness—not a strength.

Today Great leaders lead by:
Showing emotional intelligence, not just authority.
Leading with empathy, not just efficiency.
Building trust through authenticity, not fear.

In The Bulletproof Banker, I talk about my own wake-up call—realizing that success wasn’t about grinding myself down to proving my worth. It was about leading in a way that uplifted others.

I want all men in leadership to know it isn’t about hiding emotions. It’s about having the strength to:
Ask for help when needed.
Stand by your values, even under pressure.
Support others, not just command over them.

I believe that the best leaders whether male or female don’t fear vulnerability—they use it to build real connections and grow their people and themselves.

I sincerely hope those who read this today agree with me. What do you think defines a great leader in today’s workplace? Pop your thoughts the comments.

If you would like me to speak to your organisation on managing stress and building resilience DM me here or contact me through bjkennomotivation.com

#RedefiningMasculinity #LeadershipMindset #MensMentalHealth #AuthenticLeadership #TheBulletproofBanker

The Cost of Silence

Men often don’t talk about stress, anxiety, or burnout—not because we don’t feel it, but because we think we shouldn’t feel it. Society has taught us to keep quiet, to “handle it.” But the cost of silence? It’s high.

Stress doesn’t disappear just because we don’t talk about it. It builds up—impacting our health, relationships, and work. The truth is, speaking up isn’t weakness; it’s prevention. Just like hitting the gym to stay physically strong, checking in with ourselves and others keeps us mentally strong.

Let’s break the cycle. If you believe men’s mental health matters, hit ❤️ and share this with someone who should see it. What small steps do you take to manage stress? Let’s build each other up in the comments.

The Strength of Male Friendships: Why Having Good Mates Matters

The Strength of Male Friendships: Why Having Good Mates Matters

There’s something powerful about a mate who checks in on you, isn’t there? Someone who asks, “How are you, really?” and sticks around for the answer.

As men, we do better in teams—on the football pitch, in the gym class, at work. We motivate each other to lift more, run faster, and sometimes even to keep going when things get tough. But when it comes to our mental health, too many of us try to go it alone. We convince ourselves that struggling in silence is what “real men” do. That’s where we get it wrong.

The truth? We need each other in this mental health area just as much as anywhere else.

Why Friendship Matters for Mental Health

🔹 It Keeps Us Accountable
Just like having a training partner who gets you out running or to the gym class, having mates who check in on you keeps you mentally fit. When someone asks, “How’s life treating you?” and genuinely listens to your answer, it stops stress from piling up unnoticed.

🔹 It Reminds Us We’re Not Alone
Ever felt like you’re the only one going through something? The reality is, most of us men experience stress, anxiety, self-doubt, or burnout at some point. Talking to others reminds us that we’re not broken—we’re just human.

🔹 It Gives Us Strength When We Need It
Sometimes, we can’t see the way forward, but a good mate can. A few words—“I get it, I’ve been there, you’ll get through this”—can be the help we need to keep going.

Breaking the Silence: Let’s Lead the Change

Men don’t have to deal with things alone. We can rewrite the story, but in 2025 it starts with us.

✅ Check in on your mates. A simple, “How’s life?” might mean more than you think.
✅ Be open.  Admitting, “Yeah, I’ve had a rough week” could help a pal feel safe to share, too.
✅ Support each other. Its not about fixing—just a listening ear and a being a solid friend.

If you believe in the power of male friendship, drop a 👊 in the comments. Or contact a pal you appreciate and let them know you’ve got their back. Let’s make talking about mental health just as normal as talking about football, gym sessions, or weekend plans.

If you would like to know more about my corporate journey to mental exhaustion working 84 hours a week and my recovery read my book The Bulletproof Banker available on Amazon.

What do you think—how can men support each other better? Let’s hear your thoughts below.

The Hidden Cost of Success in Corporate Life

The Hidden Cost of Success in Corporate Life

Success comes with a price. Are you paying too much?

In the corporate world, success is often measured by long hours, promotions, and financial gain. But what about the costs no one talks about?

• Health: Stress, sleepless nights, and skipped workouts. The price is paid with your body.

• Family: Missed milestones, strained relationships, and emotional distance from the people who matter most.

• Friendships: The “I’ll call them later” excuse becomes permanent.

• Mental Health: The relentless pressure to succeed—driven by outdated norms that men shouldn't show vulnerability or must have all the answers—leads to burnout, anxiety, or even breakdowns.

This isn’t just my opinion. Research supports it:

• Mental health in men is suffering. The Movember Foundation reports that men account for 75% of global suicides, often linked to societal expectations and untreated mental health issues.

• Chronic stress is a killer. Studies show prolonged stress contributes to high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.

Real-Life Example:

My story told in my book The Bulletproof Banker working 80+ hours a week in pursuit of corporate success. I believed vulnerability was a weakness, so I buried my feelings. The result? A breakdown “Mental Exhaustion” that forced me to reassess everything—my career, relationships, and health.

The lesson? Success without balance is hollow.

What Can Be Done?

1. Embrace vulnerability: Sharing struggles doesn’t make you weak—it makes you stronger.

2. Prioritize relationships: Success means little if you lose the people who support you.

3. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to protect your mental and physical health.

4. Seek help: Whether it’s a coach, therapist, or mentor, asking for guidance isn’t a failure—it's a sign of strength.

In my book, The Bulletproof Banker, I share how I overcame the toxic drive for success, worked through 7 armed robberies, mental exhaustion and found a healthier way to manage stress.

Let’s challenge the outdated norms that keep men trapped in cycles of stress and isolation. It’s time to redefine success—one that doesn’t sacrifice health, family, or mental well-being.

Tag a friend or colleague who needs to hear this today. Let’s start the conversation.

What AI has to say about my book The Bulletproof Banker

Recently a person who became aware of my book " The Bulletproof Banker " through my posts on LinkedIn and who was thinking of making a purchase decided to ask Chat GPT about my book, below is what they were told by AI and they purchased the book and have messaged me to say they have really enjoyed it .

"The Bulletproof Banker is a powerful, personal account of resilience in the high-stakes world of banking, told through the lens of the author’s extraordinary experiences. It highlights the physical, emotional, and mental toll of striving for corporate success while facing unimaginable challenges.

The book centers on:

Surviving Seven Armed Robberies: The trauma of these life-threatening events serves as a metaphor for the broader pressures faced in high-stress careers.

Burnout from Overwork: The relentless drive for success—working 84-hour weeks—eventually led to physical and mental exhaustion, a wake-up call to re-evaluate priorities.

Toxic Resilience: The narrative explores how pushing through adversity without proper support or reflection leads to unsustainable coping mechanisms.

Breaking Free from Outdated Norms: The author challenges the traditional view of men in corporate life as invulnerable, emotionless, and all-knowing, advocating for vulnerability and balance instead.

Through raw honesty, humour, and practical advice, the book reveals how to:

Manage stress effectively without sacrificing mental and physical health.

Set boundaries to protect personal well-being.

Stand up for one’s values and live authentically.

Build resilience in a sustainable, healthy way.

The Bulletproof Banker is not just a story of survival but a guide to thriving in a demanding world, offering hope to anyone who feels trapped in cycles of stress and unrelenting expectations. It’s a call to embrace vulnerability, prioritize well-being, and redefine success on your terms."

I am delighted with the success of my book and the requests I have received to speak on national radio and be interviewed for the biggest selling news paper in the Republic of Ireland not to mention the invitations from wellbeing committees to speak in organisations.

I'm looking forward to 2025 and supporting Men's mental health on this platform.

If you are interested in buying my book on Amazon the link is in the comments. If you wish to book me as a speaker check out Speaker Solutions website or my own website bjkennomotivation.com

Worrying About Tomorrow? Don't Miss Today.

Worrying About Tomorrow? Don’t Miss Today.

Worry, we convince ourselves that by ruminating and turning things over and over in our minds, we convince ourselves we are being productive with our time and we believe we are taking time to solving potential issues. But the real truth is, worry is just a misuse of our view into the future or indeed our imagination.

Mark Twain famously said, “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” How often do we men waste mental energy on scenarios that never come true?

Our human minds are wired for survival, not happiness. The brain’s “default mode” is designed to scan for threats, and sometimes it doesn’t know when to stop. It can pull us out of the present moment, trapping us in “what ifs” about the future or regrets about the past, things we have no control over.

But in today’s modern world, where our threats are no longer tigers but emails and deadlines to be answered and met, this survival instinct of ours becomes overactive. It makes us dwell on the past “Why didn’t I…” or fear the future “What if it does not work out?”.

So, here’s the thing: the past is unchangeable, and the future is unwritten and has not yet happened. The only place you have any real power is the present, “the present moment”.

It’s not easy especially if you have been given the “gift” of a mind that never stops being busy, or is over curious to a point that it just might get the better of you.

The Antidote to worry is Self-Awareness

What can we do to reduce worry? Well, we can start by catching ourselves in the act:

• Pause and ask: “Is this worry helping me, or is it hurting me?”

• Ground yourself: Focus on what’s real right now. Try techniques like deep breathing, or take a moment to identify five things you can see, hear, or touch or smell.

• Replace rumination with action: If a worry is actionable, then do something about it. If it’s not in your control, let it go.

For men especially, social pressures to be strong or have all the answers can make admitting worry feel like failure. But self-awareness isn’t weakness; it’s strength. The more we understand our minds, the better we can manage them and be better male role models.

So to all the men out there please know that the past is a lesson, not a prison. The future is a goal, not guaranteed to any of us . The only thing we truly have is right now, the present moment.

Studies have shown that mindfulness—the practice of focusing on the present moment—reduces anxiety and improves mental health. When you’re in the present, your brain isn’t stuck in fight-or-flight mode and we can give ourselves a chance to ask for help..

So today, let go of what you can’t control and focus on living fully in this moment.

The Courage to Ask for Help

The Courage to Ask for Help

Men often carry the weight of expectations—be the provider, the protector, the one who holds it all together. But here’s the truth: real strength and being a man isn’t about doing everything on your own. True strength and a good measure of a man is having the courage to say, “I need help.”

Research shows that we men are less likely than women to seek support for our mental health challenges. Today’s society often pushes us men to believe that vulnerability equals weakness, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Vulnerability is the building block of growth, resilience, and meaningful connections.

In my book, The Bulletproof Banker, I share my personal journey of confronting stress, burnout, and the relentless pressures of a corporate career that pushed me to mental exhaustion. It wasn’t until I reached that breaking point that I learned the transformative power of asking for help. I wrote the book to offer men actionable tools and strategies, including:

• Managing Stress: Understand the root causes of stress and learn techniques to reduce its impact on your daily life.

• Setting Boundaries: Discover how to protect your time and energy, both at work and in your personal life.

• Believing in Yourself: Build self-confidence and embrace your worth, no matter the challenges you face.

• Standing Up for Your Values: Learn to say “no” to toxic environments and “yes” to the life you truly want.

• Mentoring Others: Become a positive role model by embracing authenticity and guiding others to do the same.

I wrote The Bulletproof Banker because I understand how hard it can be to navigate these challenges alone. It’s a guide for men to not only survive but thrive by redefining what strength and success look like.

If you’re struggling, remember: you’re not alone. Every time you choose to speak up, ask for help, or set a boundary, you’re taking a step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. The book is available on Amazon (link in the comments) and you can check out my website for more information about me and opportunities to book me as a speaker.

I want  us men in 2025 to normalise conversations about our mental health issues. Let’s redefine what true strength is, and most importantly, let’s support each other throughout 2025.

If you’re struggling or just want to learn how to better manage the pressures of life, I invite you to read The Bulletproof Banker. It’s a resource, a conversation starter, and a reminder that every step you take toward openness and resilience is a step toward the life you truly deserve.

Your future self will thank you.

Changing Men's Mindset

Changing your mindset is challenging, especially for men, this difficulty is compounded by our upbringing along with our early year and educational conditioning and traditional values. Psychological research suggests that once we have made up our minds on important matters, changing them can be as difficult as stopping a speeding train about to derail.

From a young age, we men are taught to embrace traits like self-reliance and not to show emotion. While these qualities can sometimes be beneficial in certain situations, we men should be aware that these qualities can hinder our personal growth and ability to adapt to change. The pressure on us men to conform to traditional masculine norms can lead to internal conflicts, conflicts within our heads as we listen to our negative voices especially as we navigate changes to our modern work environments and our ever evolving complex expectations of men within their personal relationships.

It's time for us men to gain an understanding of these psychological and social barriers that make changing our old mindset hard. By increasing our self-awareness we men can begin to embrace change, seek support, and develop more positive mindsets that align with proper values and therefor improve our personal well-being.

When we men can see other men model this positive behaviour it allows more of us to identify that change is achievable and we can normalise conversations around our mental health, our feelings and ask for help if required.

As I share my corporate journey to mental exhaustion and my subsequent recovery in my book” The Bulletproof Banker” I set out many learnings including how embracing vulnerability and reframing it in my mind as a strength and not a weakness positively impacted my life allowed me to adapt and develop new behaviours.

My story has helped men understand that true strength isn’t about carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders but knowing when to share that load and ask for help when required. You see my message is to get the men out there to believe and understand that understanding and embracing vulnerability reduced my stress, strengthened my personal relationships and made me a better leader in my corporate life.

So this Friday let us encourage everyone especially all the men in leadership roles to mentor younger men, demonstrating how vulnerability is a part of strong leadership and healthy relationships. For me all the best leaders I knew in my career were the men and women who were honest, human and authentic and were clued into the people they were leading.

As a father, husband and  leader who has used therapy and counselling to overcome challenges from the past I can tell you it changed my life and helped me rid those old social norms we men buy into. My story should you read it or ask me to your organisation to speak can be the inspiration to help someone take that first step toward healing.

Let 2025 be the year you really learn to believe in yourself. 

It's Not Weakness: It's Wisdom

It’s Not Weakness; It’s Wisdom

When did asking for help become a weakness?

It’s one of the wisest, most self-aware decisions we men can make. You see in 2025 it's important to realise that nobody expects us men to have all the answers or carry every burden alone.

As men we must realise that the Stress in our personal and corporate lives and the mental health challenges we face as we go into our heads while ruminating about issues from the past and worry about the future can feel isolating, but the truth is, you’re never truly alone, and I really want every man to realise that. There’s always someone who will listen, support, and guide us through a challenging time.

I wrote "The Bulletproof Banker" to share my corporate journey to mental exhaustion, a journey driven by my inability to ask for help, a belief system that thought I had to have all the answers, a journey that left my wife to do everything at home with children while having her own career as I was in my head chasing corporate success regardless of the challenge, nothing could get in the way of success, not even being in 7 armed robberies. But beware there is always a price to pay for success, are you willing to pay it? because it could be the ultimate price and a lot of men have paid that price. The book is there to help other men identify themselves in my story so they can slow down and redefine their way in life.

I have learned that managing stress, setting boundaries, and living authentically to your values all start with one hard step: reaching out.

So this year in 2025 , let’s all us men normalise the conversation around men’s mental health and help one another. If you’re struggling, take the brave step of asking for help there are many of us men out there with the experience and willingness to help.

You deserve support.

If you agree I would like to read your comments.