Martin Stark - The Courage Champion

Two-time LinkedIn Top Voice and Entrepreneur Martin Stark is a leading inspirational speaker and trailblazer who encourages people, teams, and organisations to employ courage as a habit; and advises on how to make an impact and achieve business success on LinkedIn. Featured in CNN, The Guardian, BBC Sport, and ABC News, Martin is the Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit company World Gay Boxing Championships, which he set up to disrupt hatred, increase LGBTQIA+ participation, and lead change in the sport. Martin delivered the world's first boxing competition for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in February 2023.

Martin is also a seasoned commercial negotiator and Social Impact Expert with 15 years’ of experience as an IT Strategic Sourcing Leader. He was diagnosed with Addison’s disease in 2006 shortly after having been placed in two induced comas and living through his worst fear - a tracheotomy. Having undergone more than 70 hospital admissions and four major operations, Martin is passionate about health and well-being. His near-death experiences have driven him to lead the positive changes he wants to see in the world.

Courage is taking ownership of fear, and venturing forward with confidence and resilience. Fear is a natural, powerful human emotion triggered by a perceived physical or psychological threat providing a basic survival mechanism which is an essential part of keeping us safe. Courage starts by understanding fear, using the information as a guide to empowering yourself into making better decisions.

https://www.martinstark.co/about