Make today count.
Mark Hughes is an engaging and inspirational speaker whose journey resonates deeply with audiences of all kinds. As a former professional rugby league player, Mark was a key member of two premiership-winning teams for the Newcastle Knights and proudly represented New South Wales in State of Origin.
In 2013, at just 36 years old, Mark faced a life- altering diagnosis of high-grade brain cancer, a disease with no cure and stagnant treatment options for over three decades. Refusing to be defined by his diagnosis, he co-founded the Mark Hughes Foundation, which has since raised over $40 million to fund brain cancer research and create hope for countless families.
A Story That Inspires, Mark’s presentations are a masterclass in storytelling, weaving his journey from growing up in a small Hunter Valley town to thriving in professional sport and confronting life’s toughest challenges.
Audiences will laugh, reflect, and leave inspired by Mark’s powerful mantra, Make Today Count. With a focus on resilience, positivity, and living with purpose, Mark’s message is unforgettable, offering practical and uplifting takeaways for everyone.
Talking Points
Make Today Count
All we really have is today.Make Today Count
Focus on what truely matters.
Strengthen relationships by being present.
Stop waiting for the right time and take action today
Belief and Hope
Our belief shapes our actions and drives outcomes.Belief and Hope
Hope is a powerful foundation during uncertainly and adversity.
How to control your thoughts and focus on what you can influence.
Power of Team
Be the team mate that everyone wants to work with.Power of Team
Supporting and uplifting those around you.
Great teams achieve more than great individuals
Get on the Bus
A powerful call to action.Get on the Bus
Commit top your journey and show up for your team every single day.
Video
Mark Hughes | A Story of Resilience and Positive Mindset | Saxton Speakers
Mark Hughes is an exceptional keynote speaker whose message deeply resonates with corporate audiences. His insights on resilience, positive mindset and navigating adversity are delivered wit ... keep reading Blackbaud
We've received such incredible feedback from those who attended, with many commenting how moved they were. Your insights resonated deeply, sparking meaningful conversations and leaving a lasting impression on everyone.
Mark received a standing ovation from everyone in the room. It showed how deeply his story touched everyone and the impact he had. All of the feedback from attendees and staff was amazing. We would highly recommend him to anyone.
If you’re looking for a keynote speaker for any occasion, I unreservedly recommend Mark. Mark’s segment was engaging, funny, inspiring, interesting, heartwarming – I’m running out of adjectives. Mark’s story and delivery balances perfectly the mystic of a celebrity; the respect for an elite athlete; the inspiration of someone who has faced their own mortality and how he is moving through that with grace, grit and humour; the determination of someone dedicated to giving back; and the relatability of an ‘ordinary’, humble family man.
Mark delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking speech. He shared insights into his work with the Mark Hughes Foundation, offered heartfelt reflections on his NRL career, candidly discussing the highs and lows of life as a professional athlete. His engaging storytelling truly resonated with our audience.
I had the pleasure of inviting Mark Hughes into the NSW State of Origin camp. His presentation was educational, humorous and inspiring. I was struck with great pride watching an ex-NSW Origin player show resilience to combat the disease ‘brain cancer’ but also take the ball up and champion the cause.
Mark was great. He managed to blend the adversity and trauma of a his diagnosis with hope, gratitude and inspiration. His talk set the mood for the morning and had the whole team firing for the rest of the day.
