Held captive by Al-Qaeda in the Sahara for almost six years — on mental discipline, identity and coming home.
Stephen McGown is a South African businessman who was kidnapped by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in 2011 and held captive in the Sahara for almost six years before his release. The story of that captivity — and of the work he has done since to make sense of it — is the foundation of one of the most-requested resilience keynotes in the world.
His perspective is shaped not by what happened to him but by the daily mental discipline it took to stay functional across nearly six years of isolation, deprivation and uncertainty. He speaks with measured directness about the practices he developed, the relationships he formed with his captors, and how he came home to a life he had to learn to live again.
For corporate audiences, Stephen is a powerful keynote choice for leadership programs, resilience and wellbeing events, sales kickoffs and major in-house conferences. He works internationally and is equally effective in-person and virtually.
Stephen McGown is a keynote speaker based overseas who speaks on inspiration, leadership and motivation. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
I’m so sorry this happened to you Steve. What a heart wrenching story - your resilience is out of this world. Steve your story is extremely inspirational to all , the message is that one should never give up .... How important to realise the only control you had was the control you had on yourself and your mind Inspirational that you are still so positive after your experience and that you are sharing it with others, puts things into perspective So true! Don't waste your time with people that drag you down. Wow! What a horrific experience! Puts things into perspective. His story reminds me of Eddie Jaku. Such amazing resilience and hope Wow.. Turning every negative situation into the positive, which is hard at times for many, however your life story really resonates and really makes us think how lucky we are Kath is also an inspiration!!!!! So many layers in your story Stephen! You and your family are an inspiration to us all. Thanks for sharing the inner workings of your journey and emotions. The very very dark places but also the glimmers of hope. You're awesome Steve, thanks for sharing with us Very inspirational, thank you for sharing! Honestly what a story of humanity and perspective and mindset. Thank you for sharing this incredible story. You are a true warrior and one that should commended What a unbelievable story, and a truly inspiring person. Thanks Steve, has helped remind me today of the important things! Thank you for sharing Steve - and helping to remind us of what’s really important. All the best to you and your family for the future. Amazing. You did so well getting through this horrendous experience Steve. Thank you for sharing and look forward to reading your book. Wishing you good luck and that you get those missed years back with a long and happy life from here. Thank you Steve - so inspirational yet so many tangible lessons too Thank you for your rawness and I wish you all the best Thank you for telling us what most of us need to hear right now, amazing Thank you so much. You're an amazing human. Thank you for sharing your story with us today. Thank you so much for sharing your story - heart-breaking and inspirational - gave me a bit of perspective I really needed today. Stay safe and well. Thank you!! Very inspiring. Thank you so much for your generous sharing Steve. I am beyond inspired by your story. Wow #perspective #gratitude. Thank you so much, that was incredible. wishing you and your family well.Feedback from attendees, CBA
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