Mark Agnew is a British adventurer and keynote speaker whose work sits at the intersection of extreme exploration, psychology and performance. He is best known for becoming part of the first team in history to kayak the entire Northwest Passage by human power, a feat that earned him European Adventurer of the Year and secured two World First records. Today, Mark is a sought-after international speaker, helping organisations build resilient teams that embrace change, pressure and uncertainty with confidence. His talks are grounded in lived experience rather than theory, shaped by months spent in the Arctic facing cold, isolation and constant risk, and translated into practical lessons for modern leadership and organisational life.
Mark’s early years were shaped by education and curiosity rather than comfort zones. He attended Fettes College before studying at Newcastle University, where his interest in storytelling, human behaviour and challenge deepened. His professional career began in journalism, working as an editor and reporter, and later becoming Founding Editor of the South China Morning Post Adventure Sports Section while living in Hong Kong. Alongside this career, Mark pursued endurance sport, tackling ultramarathons, long-distance kayaking and ambitious rowing expeditions. Two failed attempts to row the Atlantic Ocean in 2016 and 2018 became defining moments. The public failures triggered a serious mental health crisis, forcing Mark to confront fear, identity and motivation head on, experiences that now underpin the honesty and depth of his speaking.
Mark’s achievements as an explorer place him among the most respected modern adventurers. In 2023, he and his teammates completed the Northwest Passage in a single season without sails or motors, an expedition later named one of the Top 10 Greatest Kayaking Expeditions of the Century. He was awarded European Adventurer of the Year, won Endurance Asia’s Feat of the Year, and was recognised as a World Explorer Collective Top Explorer. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, reflecting his contribution to exploration and geographical understanding. His best-selling book, ‘There Will Be Headwinds’, shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Award, documents both the Arctic journey and the psychological toll of repeated failure. He has also delivered a TEDx talk 'Exploring Motivations and Resilience', where he explores how people recover, adapt and grow after setbacks.
As a keynote speaker, Mark brings clarity to complexity. He helps leaders and teams understand that resilience is not about toughness or endurance alone, but about adaptability, ownership and perspective. His flagship keynote, ‘Find Your Polar Bear’, draws directly from Arctic survival, translating fear and pressure into a framework for performance and growth. Mark speaks on resilience, change management, mental fitness, leadership under pressure and team cohesion, topics that resonate in environments facing constant disruption. Audiences value his humour, honesty and actionable insight, leaving with tools they can apply immediately. Mark is not just sharing an adventure, he is sharing a mindset that helps people perform when conditions are hardest.
Mark Agnew's official speaking topics are listed below:
Find Your Polar Bear
In this keynote, Mark explores how resilient teams reframe uncertainty, turning change and growth into a shared challenge they are motivated to take on together. He draws on real-world experience to show how mindset drives performance under pressure.
Hunt For Your Polar Bear
This interactive session focuses on building camaraderie and cohesion, helping teams strengthen trust and work better through periods of change. Participants leave with practical tools they can apply immediately, for example aligning behaviours when priorities shift fast.
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, Director of Medical Education RDUH
"The way he engaged the team and made us think about how our team works going forward was really inspiring. He seamlessly brought our company behaviours into his presentation to deliver his message in a very relevant manner." - Calum, Senior Data Analyst, Heineken
"Since the event, I can tell there is pace to get onboard with new ideas. 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. It was brilliant, engaging, warm and very human." - Emma-Louise, Partner & Customer Care, John Lewis
"I cannot recommend Mark highly enough. He was engaging, funny, took the audience on a journey and linked his story seamlessly to our goal-setting framework. We received wonderful feedback and he stayed afterwards, interacting with colleagues and answering questions." - Robyn, Head of Sales, Marks & Spencer
"He kept everyone on the edge of their seats and seamlessly linked his experiences to themes and values relevant to National Grid. His quote, ‘the striving is better than arriving’, resonated deeply and will stick with us for a long time." - Meg, Development Programmes Lead, National Grid
"Absolutely gripping. Mark had every one of us hooked from the first minute. He struck the perfect balance of inspiration and practicality. We left with real tools and a renewed appetite for the challenges ahead." - Kit, Co-founder, Surreal
"Mark delivered a very engaging and inspiring talk. His misadventures were funny, his determination heart-warming, and his insights into teamwork and human behaviour were fascinating." - Rachel, Marketing GB, Bosch
"Mark has a unique and inspiring story that was really relatable to my team. He has a special way of learning from failures and tailoring his story to the objective of the day." - Richard, Senior Manager, Swiss Re
"It was an absolute pleasure to have Mark speak. His talk was inspiring, engaging, entertaining and poignant. Even perceived failure was reframed as a powerful learning experience." - Debra, GP Training Programme Director, NHS
"Mark’s mix of honesty, humour, success and failure made him an instant selection. His storytelling makes true adventure relatable to corporate life. Easy to work with and exactly what we were looking for." - Craig, Senior Manager, HP
"Mark is a confident and persuasive speaker. His thrilling story of the Northwest Passage provides determination and encouragement to people of all ages to develop resilience and never give up on their dreams." - TEDxUniversityofEdinburgh
"It felt like a conversation. Authentic, not overly polished, and perfectly aligned to the themes of the day. Mark inspired people and gave them real food for thought." - Mark, Head of Support Services, Homes2Inspire
"He captivated us all with his incredible tales of resilience and perseverance. His message reminded us that it’s the courage to continue and enjoy the journey that makes the difference." Natalie, Kate Moss Trust
"One of the most engaging speakers I have seen. Mark weaved together grit, adventure and triumph against the odds. Our pupils are still talking about it." - Sabrina, Deputy Head, Harrow School
"There was a surreal sense of being part of the journey. The lessons learned will resonate long after the presentation. I appreciate Mark’s candour, bravery and resilience." - Harry, Associate Director, K2 Consultancy
"An incredible story. The team was gripped and learned the value of appreciating the journey as much as the end goal." - Emily, Global Impact Entrepreneurship Leader, EY
"Mark’s stories of adventure, resilience and pushing beyond limits captivated our audience from start to finish. Attendees described his talk as incredibly inspirational." - Amina, Events Organiser, R3 Association of Business Recovery Professionals
"Mark took the team on an enthralling journey of ambition and achievement. A master storyteller with real-world experience. I’d highly recommend him." - Michael, Head of Gamechanger Farming
"Mark Agnew’s talk leaves audiences thrilled. His themes of resilience, endurance and enjoying the journey resonated with everyone." - Sean, Wealth Management Director, St. James’s Place
- 2025 - Finalist at the UK Speaker Awards
- 2025 - Released his best-selling book ‘There Will Be Headwinds’
- 2023 - Awarded European Adventurer of the Year
- 2023 - First human-powered kayak expedition to complete the entire Northwest Passage
- 2023 - Earned two World First expedition records
- 2023 - Expedition named Top 10 Greatest Kayaking Expeditions of the Century
- 2022 - Endurance Asia’s Feat of the Year
- 2021 - Recognised as World Explorer Collective Top Explorer
- 2019 - Became Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
- 2016 - Founded South China Morning Post Adventure Sports Section
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.
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