Stephen McGown

Stephen McGown brings a unique blend of professional insight and lived experience to the stage. With a BComm honours in risk, finance and marketing, he spent more than 14 years working in major banks across South Africa and the UK before transitioning into public speaking. Over the past seven years Stephen has established himself as a leading keynote speaker, delivering talks locally and internationally to audiences ranging from executive boardrooms to global conferences.

Stephen’s storytelling centres on the human experience, focusing on:

• Resilience in the face of adversity;
• Self-management and emotional regulation;
• The power of attitude and pursuing happiness; and
• Team dynamics, communication and accountability.
His talks are deeply rooted in personal transformation, often drawing on high-stakes experiences that reveal the depth of human strength and vulnerability.

Stephen is the author of a critically acclaimed book that won its category at the South African Book Awards and is currently being adapted into an international film. During the Covid-19 pandemic he was reportedly the busiest public speaker in South Africa, a testament to his ability to connect meaningfully during times of uncertainty.

Stephen is a relaxed, engaging speaker who thrives in both intimate and large-scale settings. Whether speaking to three exco members in a virtual meeting or addressing 3,000 attendees at a conference in Australia, his conversational approach creates space for reflection, connection and transformation. He is available for keynotes, virtual talks, fireside chats and moderated interviews.