Search....
CTRL+K
Search....
CTRL+K
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
My mind jumped from one random thought to the next, my heart raced, and my mouth went dry, Using stress to fuel performance. Radio calls were being made, but I wasn’t processing what was being said. I was behind the aircraft. I was experiencing a helmet fire. In reality, I was sitting securely in the […]
Speakers Inc is available to offer you our Global Impact Speakers and Inspiring Motivational keynote speakers to open or close your next leadership and Innovation event or conference. Speakers Inc is a leading Global Impact Speakers Bureau for motivational speakers that delivers keynotes over 300 times per year. Global Impact Speakers is available to bring […]
In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, one thing has become abundantly clear: Authentic Leadership Matters more than ever. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about leading with integrity, vulnerability, and a genuine connection to your team. Authentic leadership is the foundation for building trust, fostering collaboration, and achieving meaningful results that go […]
Empowering Minds: The Impact of Motivational Speakers in Atlanta, Georgia Introduction: Atlanta, Georgia, a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and innovation, has become a focal point for individuals seeking inspiration and motivation. Within this dynamic cityscape, motivational conference speakers have emerged as catalysts for change, guiding audiences towards personal and professional growth. In this article, […]
How to Book an Event Host when you Imagine this: you’ve spent months planning the perfect event. You’ve secured a stunning venue, curated an impressive guest list, and scheduled remarkable speakers. But when the big day arrives, something feels off. Transitions are clunky, the energy dips, and the audience starts to disengage. How to Book […]
Choosing a professional speaker is a choice we assist you with. To take the head ache out of your planning and organisation to ensure your event runs smoothly and professionally 1. Decide on the Theme It’s no use looking for a wildlife speaker, if your theme is Future Global Trends. If you’re not sure whether […]
If you’re a sports fan like I am, this is a great time! March Madness launches shortly YOUR highlight reel — but today, eyes are on the free agents signing new contracts in the NFL. All-day long, sports networks are showing highlight reels of a player’s performance. However, when you examine who gets paid the […]
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
