Mark Agnew is a resilience expert, a bestselling author, and a record-breaking adventurer. In 2023, he and his team became the first people in history to kayak the entire Northwest Passage. Mark has been named European Adventurer of the Year and earned two World First records. His bestselling book, "There Will Be Headwinds," chronicles the harrowing yet inspiring journey, and his keynote presentations leave audiences around the world transformed and empowered.
Mark’s career started in journalism and endurance sports. He began as an editor and reporter, but his love for a challenge led him to pursue ultramarathons, rowing expeditions, and progressively tougher adventures. Every failed attempt and setback only increased his store of wisdom and resilience, resources that would later prove essential during his historic Arctic feat. His resilience is truly encapsulated in his TEDx talk "Exploring Motivations and Resilience, "where he discusses how to overcome failure.
Mark shares truly inspiring stories from his adventures, including multi-day kayaking trips in Hong Kong, rowing from Newcastle Upon Tyne to Orkney and his West Scotland coast hike and Kayak. During his adventures, Mark learnt that ‘Resilience is about dealing with evolving plans, and your company will reap the rewards of learning to adapt’, a message which is echoed throughout his speeches.
Mark is a multi-award-winning adventurer, including Endurance Asia’s Feat of the Year winner and recognition on the list of the Top 10 Greatest Kayaking Expeditions of the Century. He set two World First records and is a sought-after voice in endurance and performance. His story of overcoming fear, hunger, and uncertainty is an inspiring masterclass in grit and self-leadership.
Mark Agnew is not just a speaker; he’s an experience. As a successful keynote speaker, he leaves people inspired and equipped with actionable tools to become happier and more resilient in every aspect of life. He combines vivid storytelling with psychological insights, delivering messages that resonate across industries and cultures, making him an exemplary choice for your next keynote speaking event.
Mark Agnew's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Resilience for the modern workplace
- Ownership and accountability
- Thriving in adversity and uncertainty
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“It really was one of the best, most inspiring talks I’ve ever heard. I often can’t concentrate but it was like watching a movie, I couldn’t stop watching.” - Ricco, Country Lead Global Partnerships Denmark, Finland & Sweden
“It really was one of the best presentations I have heard in quite some time. I really appreciate the time you took to blend the entertaining stories of your adventures with a structured break out groups considering aspects of leadership, resilience and adversity – all essential skills for survival in the current NHS!” - Fionn Bellis, Director of Medical Education RDUH
event, I can tell there is pace to get onboard with new ideas. I can tell there is a step change in how leaders are talking to each other. Rather than being threatened by adopting new technology, we are now talking about going on this journey together and being an early adopter. It was brilliant, engaging, warm and very human. - Emma-Louise Reynolds, Partner & Customer Care Development Support
2025:
- Finalist at the UK Speaker Awards
- Released his best-selling book "There Will Be Headwinds"
2023:
- European Adventurer of the Year
- 2 x World Record setter
- First team to kayak the Northwest Passage
How to hire Mark Agnew
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Mark Agnew for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
