About Jonathan Kemp
A Life Rewritten
Jonathan Kemp is a mental health and neurodiversity advocate, entrepreneur, and creator of SmartWisdom®, a note-taking technique scientifically proven to help people better manage day-to-day information during study and at work.
Born into privilege as the future 3rd Viscount Rochdale, his life seemed set for a traditional path — but life rarely follows the script, and had other plans.
Beneath the surface, undiagnosed bipolar disorder, depression, addiction, and dyslexia quietly shaped his choices and experiences. It wasn’t until age 39 that he was finally diagnosed with depression. From there, a new story began — one of recovery, challenges, discovery, and transformation.
Today, Jonathan channels his lived experience into empowering others, with hard-won insight, practical tools, and an unwavering belief that peace of mind is possible, even after substantial challenges.
A Non-Linear Path
Youth & Education
Jonathan’s early years were shaped as much by night fishing and skateboarding as by school. The traditional academic system left him on the margins, and punk rock gave him a powerful outlet. Diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, he later uncovered some hidden strengths behind his struggles, especially his ability to absorb and work with information in new and unconventional ways.
Life in the Australian Outback
In his early twenties, he spent ten transformative months on a remote cattle station in Australia. Much of the work was on horseback, rounding up cattle, fencing, and even serving as the station’s butcher. The beauty of the outback, its vastness and silence, left a lasting impression. The memory of evenings spent sitting on the cattle yard railings, watching the sun cast long shadows through eucalyptus trees, and listening to the wildlife has stayed with him to this day.
Policing in London
Jonathan joined the Metropolitan Police in 1982, serving as a constable and later as a sergeant in two central London Boroughs. It was a time of deep social and political unrest, bombings, industrial disputes and community tensions. He received two commendations for bravery and investigative ability. But behind the uniform, the personal toll of his undiagnosed mental health challenges remained hidden, except perhaps to a few colleagues who knew him well.
Reinvention Through Study
Later, as a mature student, Jonathan earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies (with distinction) and a Master of Science in International Shipping, Trade & Finance, graduating in the top 10% of his class. During this time, he developed advanced techniques for managing large volumes of complex information. He did not realise this would plant the seeds for something much bigger — SmartWisdom®.
SmartWisdom®
Turning Struggle into a Powerful Solution for Others. In 1998, Jonathan founded his own business to help professionals and students master information overload in meetings, presentations and lectures. His technique, SmartWisdom, has been used by professionals across the City of London and students at leading universities. It’s one of the first note-taking systems scientifically shown to increase cognitive capacity and real-time comprehension in complex or lengthy meetings, lectures and interviews.
He’s co-authored two peer-reviewed scientific papers and delivered a TEDx talk on managing information overload. In 2011, the British Dyslexia Association named him ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’.
He also enjoys DIY and helping friends with building projects, finding calm and satisfaction in the act of physically creating something new. Away from work, you’ll find him walking, going to the cinema, or connecting with friends over coffee. His practice of mindfulness and quiet acts of kindness contribute towards the inner peace he now values deeply.
Creative Interests & Daily Life
Jonathan is an accomplished street photographer, fascinated by how a camera can break down barriers and spark unexpected conversations. His approach often blends photography with spontaneous interviews, creating intimate, honest portraits of strangers going about their everyday lives. You can see more of his previous work at Jonathan Kemp Photography.
Why This Memoir
Finding Peace of Mind is more than a personal story; it's an offering. Jonathan shares his lived experience openly, the missteps and milestones, and the professional help, advice, and practical tools that helped him survive and grow. His aim is simple: to show others that even when life feels out of control or at its lowest point, recovery, healing and peace of mind can be possible.
“If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, hopeless, or defeated — know that you’re not alone. I hope this memoir brings you some inspiration, practical insights and tools, and the reassurance that there’s often a way forward.”