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Resilience expert & global leader

Mark Pollock

Transform adversity into achievement with Mark Pollock, speaker, resilience and human potential expert. Mark empowers organisations to exceed expectations through leadership during crisis and collaborative innovation, recognized as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

Trusted by Swiss Re

Mark Pollock, Speaker | Resilience Expert & Adventurer
Mark Pollock

Mark Pollock

Dublin, Ireland

Typical fee range

€11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Dublin, Ireland

Starting from

€11k–25k

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Mark Pollock's biography

At a glance

  • First blind person to race to the South Pole
  • Co-Founder of global running series Run in the Dark
  • Inspirational adventure athlete and motivational speaker
Mark Pollock specialises in helping individuals exceed their expectations. He understands that achieving world-class performance is difficult and cannot be left to chance. By serving as a high-impact catalyst, Mark empowers people to act boldly and realise their aspirations. Despite losing sight in 1998, Mark became an adventure athlete, competing in gruelling endurance races across challenging terrains such as deserts, mountains, and polar ice caps. He even became the first blind person to race to the South Pole. Mark's remarkable achievements include winning silver and bronze medals for rowing at the Commonwealth Games and establishing a successful motivational speaking business. However, in 2010, a tragic accident left him paralyzed after falling from a second-story window and breaking his back. Undeterred, Mark embarked on a new journey as the Co-Founder of the global running series called Run in the Dark. His resilience and determination have earned him recognition as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and a former Global Futures Council on Human Enhancement member. Mark is also a UBS Global Visionary, a Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation board member, and a Wings for Life Ambassador. Moreover, he has been featured in acclaimed documentaries like "Blind Man Walking" and "Unbreakable – The Mark Pollock Story." As a speaker, Mark covers a range of topics, including overcoming adversity, maintaining resilience under pressure, leadership and motivation during crises, challenging expectations to enhance performance, fostering collaboration and teamwork across disciplines and geographies, and exploring the intersection of human potential and technology during the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Topics, sessions and talks

Leading in Crisis & Fostering Intrinsic Motivation for Progress
Uncertainty and change typify a crisis and it’s difficult to lead in such circumstances. By providing leaders and their teams with insights into the resilience, attitude and decisions of others facing extreme circumstances Mark helps people to develop the intrinsic motivation to move forward.
Adversity And Challenges: Maintaining A Resilient Mindset Under Pressure
Sometimes we choose our challenges, sometimes our challenges choose us. What we decide to do about them is what counts. Deciding to be a competitor, a realist, and a collaborator offers your people a chance of maintaining a resilient mindset under pressure.

Why we recommend booking Mark

Mark's unparalleled journey of overcoming adversity and achieving world-class performance despite significant challenges will inspire your team to transcend their limitations. His insights on resilience, leadership, and harnessing technology for human potential are invaluable for businesses aiming to thrive in the 4th Industrial Revolution. Booking Mark as a speaker will not only motivate your team but also equip them with practical strategies to navigate crises and collaborate effectively across disciplines.

Check Mark's availability

Trusted by Swiss Re

Testimonials

Mark's insight into resilience hit the perfect note for our Swiss Re Leadership Forum in Singapore. His delivery balanced both the darkness and lighter sides of his life experience. Critically, his messages resonated with our international leadership group, catalysing conversations about how we deal with challenges in our organisation.

CEO & Regional President, Asia, Swiss Re

Mark told a very moving story and the audience loved his quiet and humble personality. Helga Merete Fardal Netlife Dialog

At our recent kick-off for Citrix Northern Europe, Mark shared his incredible story of how to adapt and remain resilient in the face of ongoing uncertainty and change. As well as Mark's keynote outlining his approach to tackling challenges, he shared a mental model for how we can all turn challenges into opportunities during an interview led by his colleague and co-host, Paula Cunniffe. The impact was fantastic and opened the door for all of us to reflect on how we are tackling our own challenges both personal and at work. Carole Valette, Area Vice President Northern Europe

frequently asked questions

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What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.