Two-time NRL premiership winner whose foundation has raised over $35 million for brain cancer research
Mark Hughes OAM is a two-time premiership winner with the Newcastle Knights and a NSW State of Origin representative whose life changed dramatically in 2013, when he was diagnosed with high-grade brain cancer at age 36. Refusing to give in, he co-founded the Mark Hughes Foundation, which has since raised over $35 million for brain cancer research. In 2026, he was awarded an OAM for services to the community through charitable organisations.
What makes Mark's story compelling is not the diagnosis but what he built from it. He turned a personal battle into a $35 million movement funding vital research, and he speaks about it with raw honesty and well-timed humour rather than sentiment. He draws on his sporting career to highlight the importance of teamwork in the workplace, and his central message — Make Today Count — has a way of staying with a room long after the event ends.
Audiences leave Mark's sessions motivated to face adversity with strength and to turn hardship into meaningful action. The numbers back this up: at one corporate event of more than 250 people, his talk received an average rating of 4.9 out of 5, with 67 per cent of respondents saying they could apply lessons from his session to their work. Clients describe him as the best speaker they have ever booked, praising his willingness to tailor content and his professionalism from first contact. For leadership conferences, wellbeing programs, fundraising dinners and team events, Mark Hughes offers a story only he can tell — and the credibility of someone who has lived every word of it.
Mark Hughes OAM is a keynote speaker based in New South Wales who speaks on inspiration, mental health & wellbeing and motivation. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
Mark Hughes is an exceptional keynote speaker whose message deeply resonates with corporate audiences. His insights on resilience, maintaining a positive mindset, and navigating adversity are delivered with clarity, authenticity, and genuine impact. Mark's unique ability to blend lived experience with practical, actionable guidance ensures teams leave motivated, engaged, and better equipped to face workplace challenges. He draws on his sporting career to highlight the importance of teamwork in the workplace and uses well-timed humour to reinforce his powerful message. Mark has a story that only he can tell, and he has left a lasting impact on all our staff and everyone who tuned in to hear his inspiring journey. Mark was a joy to work with and tailored his content to our audience which was very much appreciated. A survey of our audience post-event resulted in exceptional ratings. Mark's talk received an outstanding average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from the over 250 people in attendance with 67% of respondents sharing that they could apply lessons from his session to their work. I highly recommend Mark Hughes to any organisation seeking a speaker who can inspire, empower, and positively influence their people.President and GM, Asia Pacific, Blackbaud
We have traditionally invited a guest speaker to address the conference and share their journey with our team in the hope our colleagues will gain valuable insights and motivation. Mark delivered in spades, he is the best we have had to date! His story is so powerful and the way he delivers it is excellent. He had the audience captivated for the entire presentation. Combining his natural flare for humour, with the significance of his story and an AV presentation that was first class. From the moment we engaged Mark he was the consummate professional. He was keen to understand who we are, what our theme for the conference was and what outcomes we were hoping to achieve. He referenced our them and made a connection with his story that tied in perfectly. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mark Hughes for any Corporate, Fundraising or Sporting event.Command51
On behalf of our entire team, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your outstanding contribution as keynote speaker at our International Men's Day event. Your presentation was everything we hoped for and more. You were so engaging, witty, personal, and poignant; exactly what we needed to mark the occasion. Your ability to connect with the audience, sharing stories that were both genuine and inspiring, created an atmosphere that was truly special. We've received fantastic feedback from those who attended, with many commenting on how moved they were by your words. Your insights resonated deeply, sparking meaningful conversations and leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. Thank you once again for helping to make our International Men's Day celebration such a memorable and impactful event. We greatly appreciate the time and thought you put into your keynote and hope to work with you again in the future.Manager, Ausgrid
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