Mark Black

Mark Black is a resilience expert, keynote speaker, author, and coach known for his experience overcoming significant health challenges. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Black underwent two open-heart surgeries before his first birthday and later received a rare heart and lung transplant at age 23. After being told his heart was failing and that he had less than two years to live, Black moved thousands of kilometers from home, was placed on the transplant waiting list, and spent six months in the hospital as his condition worsened.

Following a successful transplant, Black became the first person to run a marathon with a transplanted heart and lungs. He went on to complete three additional marathons, demonstrating the impact of resilience and determination. The motivation for his first marathon was personal, as just weeks before his transplant, he was unable to walk up a flight of stairs without becoming breathless.

Black is the author of "The Resilience Roadmap" and "Live Life from the Heart." He has traveled internationally as a speaker and coach, sharing evidence-based strategies for building resilience and overcoming adversity. His speaking career began when he was invited to share his experiences at local clubs and schools, which eventually led to a professional career in motivational speaking.

Black holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation, a credential held by fewer than 1,500 speakers worldwide. He has delivered more than 800 keynote programs globally, reaching over 175,000 people, with clients including major corporations such as ExxonMobil and Mercedes-Benz, as well as national and regional associations.

In addition to his physical and professional achievements, Black has spoken openly about his personal experiences with mental health, including anxiety and depressive episodes. Through his keynotes, books, and coaching, he provides organizations, associations, and teams with practical tools to navigate change and build resilience. Black’s story continues to resonate with audiences across industries, establishing him as a credible voice on resilience, change management, and personal growth.