Stephen McGown: Motivational Speaker

  • Stephen McGown’s compelling story centers around his remarkable journey of survival after being held captive by Al-Qaeda militants in Mali for nearly six years.
  • As a motivational speaker, Stephen imparts invaluable lessons in perseverance, demonstrating how maintaining hope, faith, and determination can sustain individuals through even the darkest of times. 
  • Above all, Stephen McGown motivates audiences to take action in their own lives, urging them to embrace courage, tenacity, and gratitude in pursuit of their goals and dreams.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Johannesburg, South Africa
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
  • Southern Africa: $3,500
  • North America: $10,500
  • Asia | Australia: $10,500
  • Europe: $6,500
5/5
5/5 (2 reviews)

Keynote Topics

Stephen McGown shares a message of making the most of all situations whether they are good or bad.

Even though Stephen’s story is far removed from the reality of most people’s lives, the essence of his struggles are not far off from those of his audience.

His talk promises to inspire and leave his audience questioning their own attitude and dilemmas. He is the perfect choice for a keynote speaker and will set the perfect tone for your event.

Stephen’s talk is a story about resilience and overcoming adversity amidst harsh weather conditions, a different culture, language and religion. He talks about making important decisions, about the importance of acceptance and communication. 

He shares a concept that Freedom is an attitude.

Stephen McGown’s incredible journey from an involuntary captive to a globally sought-after motivational speaker is not just a story of survival, but a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Kidnapped by Islamist militants in Mali in 2011, Stephen spent nearly six years in captivity, an ordeal that shaped but did not define him. Today, as […]

Stephen McGown’s incredible journey from an involuntary captive to a globally sought-after motivational speaker is not just a story of survival, but a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Kidnapped by Islamist militants in Mali in 2011, Stephen spent nearly six years in captivity, an ordeal that shaped but did not define him.

Today, as a keynote speaker, he shares his profound insights on resilience, hope, and personal growth, transforming his harrowing experience into a powerful message of empowerment and perseverance.

Raised in Johannesburg, Stephen McGown had a relatively ordinary upbringing that belied the extraordinary circumstances he would later endure. His early career in finance in the UK and then a life-changing decision to motorcycle across Africa reflect his adventurous spirit and zest for life. However, his abduction in Timbuktu marked the beginning of an intense, transformative journey.

Throughout his captivity, Stephen’s remarkable ability to adapt and maintain his positivity allowed him to survive and later thrive. His speeches do not just recount his story; they dissect the essence of human resilience and the power of maintaining hope in the direst situations. Stephen’s expertise isn’t found in traditional education but forged in the crucible of real-life challenges.

He addresses themes of survival, change management, and the importance of a positive mindset, resonating deeply with people from all walks of life. His insights are particularly impactful in today’s fast-changing, often unpredictable business environments, making him a sought-after speaker for corporate events, leadership seminars, and wellness conferences.

The effectiveness of Stephen’s speaking engagements lies in his authenticity and relatability. He doesn’t just speak about theoretical concepts of resilience and mental strength; he embodies them. His stories of dealing with uncertainty, fear, and loneliness mirror challenges faced by professionals daily. This connection makes his message not only inspirational but also practical and actionable.

Event planners looking for a speaker who can truly make an impact need look no further than Stephen McGown. His presentations are more than motivational—they are transformational. Stephen’s ability to connect with his audience on a deeply personal level ensures that his message of resilience and hope is not only heard but felt.

This emotional resonance is what sets him apart and makes his talks a powerful catalyst for change in personal and professional settings. Booking Stephen McGown is an opportunity to offer your audience a unique perspective on overcoming adversity. His talks provide practical strategies for resilience and adaptability that are crucial for personal development and professional success in today’s complex world.

Whether it’s a corporate retreat, a wellness conference, or a leadership workshop, Stephen’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength everyone has within them to overcome any challenge.

Stephen McGown’s journey from captivity to keynote speaker is not just a narrative of survival; it is a compelling story of transformation that he uses to inspire and empower others. Through his speeches, Stephen provides more than just a recount of his experiences—he offers valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the power of a positive mindset that are applicable in both personal crises and professional challenges.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Stephen McGown | Inspirational Speaker

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

View further speakers

  • (32)
  • (7)
Alyson-Van-Hooser-3

Alyson Van Hooser isn’t merely a speaker; she’s a catalyst for high performance and effective leadership. With a dynamic presence and a wealth of experience, Alyson captivates audiences, igniting within them the drive to excel and lead with purpose. Her journey is one marked by triumph over adversity and a commitment to empowering others to […]

  • Travels from: Princeton, KY
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (34)
  • (1)
Jeff Civillico Las Vegas

Jeff Civillico stands out as a unique blend of entertainer and inspirational speaker. His presentations are not just informative; they are interactive, engaging, and downright fun! With a background deeply rooted in entertainment, Jeff seamlessly incorporates humor and captivating routines from his acclaimed Las Vegas show, “Comedy in Action,” into his speeches. This fusion of […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (29)
Cirque Mirage

Cirque Mirage, LLC is a full service event entertainment company. We make it fun and easy to book event entertainment for your next event. We understand the importance of streamlining the process of hiring high level circus performers, Aerialists, Acrobatics and more. We  create custom Schedules, costumes, choreography, and management of the event entertainment. We pride […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Speciality Acts
  • (51)
  • (8)
Jones Loflin

Jones Loflin is a dynamic keynote speaker, leadership expert, and productivity coach who has spent over 25 years helping organizations and individuals navigate the challenges of leadership, change management, and productivity. With a career spanning multiple industries, including education, business consulting, and leadership development, Jones has empowered countless leaders to confidently lead their teams, foster […]

  • Travels from: Charlotte, NC
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (63)
Billy Beane

Billy Beane, a visionary leader and management icon, brings a unique blend of insight and wit to every stage he graces. With a career steeped in innovation and success, Beane has revolutionized the way organizations approach management and leadership. Renowned for his role in transforming the Oakland Athletics into one of baseball’s most consistent winners, […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (38)
  • (3)
Nikki Greenberg

Nikki Greenberg is a globally renowned real estate futurist whose insights are revolutionizing the way we think about the urban landscapes of tomorrow. As a leading authority in the realm of real estate innovation, she combines a profound understanding of emerging trends with a forward-thinking vision to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the cities […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (83)
Susan Oh

Susan Oh stands at the intersection of emerging technologies, impact finance, and sustainability, bringing a dynamic, forward-thinking perspective to every stage she graces. A sought-after speaker, innovator, and advocate for ethical tech, Susan’s core message centers on how we can harness the power of blockchain, AI, and decentralized finance to reshape our world for the […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (51)

Look no further than David Wilk, the charismatic event emcee who brings a unique blend of humor, professionalism, and creativity to every occasion. With David Wilk, all you need is a microphone and a camera, and you’re guaranteed a brilliantly tailored video to liven up your corporate meeting or morning session. David Wilk is not […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Comedian Hosts
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel