Meet the Speaker Stephen McGown is from Johannesburg, South Africa. He obtained his degree in Finance and worked in some of the large South African banks. In order to expand his career, Stephen went across to the UK and worked in London for 7 years.
While in London, Stephen met his wife, Catherine, who shared the same desire to return to South Africa; start a family and manage his family’s farming business.
It was this farming business that inspired a passion for the outdoors and planted the seed in Stephen for adventure from a young age. At the age of 11 he learnt to ride a small motorcycle on the farm. The freedom he felt from riding in the eastern Free State, near Lesotho, ignited his desire to ride a motorcycle through Africa, with home being the final destination.
An unexpected turn of events crushed his life long dream. En route home, Stephen was abducted by Al Qaeda and held hostage in Mali for almost 6 years.
Meet the Speaker – Stephen McGown was kidnapped from Timbuktu, along with a Dutch and Swedish national on 25 November 2011.
He was 36 at the time of the kidnapping.
My friends and family who said I had a story that needed to be told.
I enjoy interacting with people, I like the honesty of it and seeing emotion on people’s faces, from tears to their eyes being shiny with life. I like the “realness” of the interaction.
Pre-speaking jitters
Why have you succeeded in a field where many have failed? (public speaking)
I find it fascinating that through my experience I have become one of the most sought after public speakers in South Africa in my genre.
I grew up in Johannesburg in South Africa although I did spend much of my childhood on our farm knee deep in mud.
I studied my degree and post grad through UNISA
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Marketing, Finance and Risk
It was Meg Ryan
I enjoy series’s, comedies, and movies based on actual events
I began working in investment banking before deciding to move into farming.
I would like to impact as many people as possible with my story, I enjoy the feeling of touching peoples lives. I have done over 200 talks in South Africa and abroad in the past three years. I would like to get a greater hold on the international audience.
I want to keep a balanced life and spend time doing what I enjoy.
Go for a walk with my wife and our dogs.
birdwatching, fishing, mountain biking, running, motorcycling.
Speaking rubbish
When people say “I can’t help it”. If we aren’t in control of our own lives, who is? “I can’t help it” is taking the easy way out.
Dr David Livingstone (what an incredible life he must have had exploring Africa, he must have some amazing stories), Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu (he was an amazing man and involved in trying to get me out the desert. I wanted to reach out to him and regret that I did not before he passed away). My mom (She passed away while I was in the desert. I would just love to have a chat with her).
Tell us three things about you that nobody would guess.
I stutter, I was kidnapped, I like milkshakes
Blue
Vanilla
Band of Brothers
Saturate yourself in what you enjoy.
You have everything you need to overcome every challenge, right inside you.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and view WeSpeak Global
Over the last four weeks, I’ve elaborated on what I call the Closing the Loop. You can find the articles here. This consists of: Step 1: Recognizing the Unsaid – Unspoken things in your culture’s organization to recognize that your people aren’t telling their entire truth. Step 2: Seeking to Understand – Leaning in to […]
Mastering the Art of a Business Emcee New York: Elevating Conferences with Speakers Inc In the bustling metropolis of New York, where innovation and business convergence are the heartbeat of the city, the role of a Business Emcee takes center stage. As a pivotal element in orchestrating conferences and corporate events, a skilled emcee plays […]
Utah’s Best Keynote Speakers: Why Your Next Conference Needs a Taste of the Beehive State! There’s something about Utah that’s magical—not just the scenic landscapes or the endless outdoor adventures but also the growing roster of incredible keynote speakers who call the Beehive State home. Planning a conference? These Utah-based speakers bring a unique blend […]
We are all spending a lot of time inside our homes. How much do you REALLY need? For those whose homes are a disorganized clutter zone, this could be stressful and result in more anxiety than isolating already brings to the table. If you are constantly tripping over stuff on the floor, and having to […]
Michelle Curran: A Beacon of Leadership, Motivation, and Teamwork In the dynamic landscape of leadership and motivation, certain individuals emerge as beacons, guiding others through the intricacies of teamwork and motivation. Among these luminaries stands Michelle “Mace” Curran, a name synonymous with excellence in leadership, motivation, and teamwork. With a background steeped in military expertise […]
In the wake of some of the recent Force for Good events in the world and in light of so much of what we’ve all been through the past few years, I’ve been finding it challenging to focus on the good stuff and Be a Force for Good, even though this is at the core […]
In the fast-paced world of corporate Events with Unforgettable Experiences, and not creating a memorable experience is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Event planners today juggle tight budgets, high expectations, and evolving attendee preferences. Whether it’s a company retreat, product launch, or annual conference, your goal is to impress, inspire, and innovate. This blog post […]
Richard Mulholland: Redefining Leadership, AI, Resilience, and Sales In a rapidly evolving world, staying ahead in business requires more than just knowledge; it demands foresight, adaptability, and the ability to inspire change. Richard Mulholland, a renowned keynote speaker and thought leader, has emerged as a leading voice in areas that are pivotal to both individual […]
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
