Public Service as Mental Health
Henry discusses how running for and winning local elected office helped him work through the trauma of deploying to Afghanistan and losing his father to cancer. He explains how neurodivergence should not be considered a bar to public office but a tremendous asset instead. He helps young people understand that, to paraphrase Nietzche, if you have a why you can handle practically any how.
Partisanship & Civic Participation
Frustrated with the intolerance in American politics, Henry ran for local elected office, unseating a nine-term incumbent to become the youngest councilmember in the history of his hometown. He explains how young people can counteract extremism and polarization by taking an active role in their local community. A published author with an MFA in creative writing, Henry takes a witty and satirical approach to this subject based on The Inferno by Dante.
finding your purpose
Henry discusses how running for and winning local elected office helped him work through the trauma of deploying to Afghanistan and losing his father to cancer. He explains how neurodivergence should not be considered a bar to public office but a tremendous asset instead. He helps young people understand that, to paraphrase Nietzche, if you have a why you can handle practically any how.
finding your place
Frustrated with the intolerance in American politics, Henry ran for local elected office, unseating a nine-term incumbent to become the youngest councilmember in his town. He explains how young people can counteract extremism and polarization by taking an active role in their local community. A published author with an MFA in creative writing, Henry takes a witty and satirical approach to this subject based on The Inferno by Dante.
SPEECH EXCERPT
About the speaker
Since becoming the youngest elected official ever in the City of Whittier, Henry Bouchot has been on a mission to give readers a peek behind the veil of local politics. Through his work, Henry hopes to help readers fully understand what Socrates called “the hardest of all trades” and get past today’s political gridlock. A former Marine and attorney, Henry, his wife, Christina, his two sons Diego and John, and their German Shepherd mix Layla can be found hiking the Whittier Hills.
Testimonial
“I’ve worked with hundreds of actors and coached dozens of politicians. Henry is such an authentic and dynamic speaker. He is smart and witty and truly a breath of fresh air. You will not regret hiring him to speak at your next event. As a mid-career professional, Henry can relate to young people trying to figure out their life’s purpose and help them navigate that process.”
