Speaking Topics
Ten keynotes, one message underneath them all.
Preparation beats talent, and the mountain doesn’t care about your excuses. Browse Mark Pattison’s keynote programs by topic and find the right fit for your audience.
Booked by leaders at Google, Harvard, Sports Illustrated, FLUKE, Q Sciences and EO.
- 5NFL seasons
- 7Summits climbed
- 2021Everest summit
- Emmy2022 award winner
As featured in
Flagship
The signature keynote
Mark’s signature keynote is the full arc, from the NFL locker room to the summit of Everest, and the framework for finding your own version of “the summit.” It’s the most requested program and the best starting point if you’re not sure which topic fits your event.
Every other keynote below is a deeper cut into one theme from that same story, leadership, resilience, mental toughness, team building, or the athlete-to-business arc itself.
Leadership & performance
For teams that need to lead and perform under pressure
1
Leadership Keynote Speaker
Leading a team when the stakes are real and the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
2
Executive Leadership Speaker
Built for board retreats and C-suite offsites, with smaller-room formats.
3
Team Building Speaker
What rope teams teach about trust, roles, and shared consequence.
4
Peak Performance Speaker
The habits and preparation that separate good from elite.
5
Corporate Motivational Speaker
Energizing a team around a shared goal, without empty hype.
Resilience & mental toughness
For teams navigating setbacks and sustained pressure
1
Resilience Keynote Speaker
Bouncing back from setbacks, on the mountain, on the field, and in the boardroom.
2
Mental Toughness Speaker
Staying decisive when conditions turn, as a trainable skill.
Mountaineering & the athlete story
For audiences drawn to the expedition itself
1
Everest Keynote Speaker
Lessons from the world’s highest peak, told by the man who stood on it.
2
Seven Summits Speaker
Who qualifies to speak on this topic, and why planners book them.
3
Former NFL Player Speaker
Performance, identity, and what comes after the final snap.
4
Mountaineering Keynote Speaker
Altitude lessons, team dynamics, and real leadership takeaways.
Your speaker
Meet Mark Pattison
Mark Pattison played in the NFL for the Raiders, Saints, and Rams, spent a decade as a Sports Illustrated executive, and became the first NFL player to complete the Seven Summits with his 2021 ascent of Mount Everest.
His climb became the NFL Films documentary Searching for the Summit, which won a Sports Emmy in 2022. Today he brings that hard-won experience to stages worldwide, turning the hardest decisions he has ever made into a framework your leaders can use.
- 2021 Summited Mount Everest
- First NFL player to climb the Seven Summits
- 2022 Sports Emmy
- TEDx speaker
- 10 years Sports Illustrated executive
Proof
What audiences and leaders say
★★★★★
“Mark Pattison is a visionary leader. He aims high, rallies belief and buy-in around him, and then he hits high. His range of experiences as a former NFL player and a mountaineer make him fearless when it comes to his leadership.”
Chad JensenSports Illustrated, ON SI Denver Broncos publisher
★★★★★
“As a speaker at our convention, Mark Pattison was phenomenal. The way he correlated his climbing experiences to life lessons was masterful, inspirational, and impactful. His story of grit and determination is a story everyone needs to hear.”
Marc WilsonCEO, Q Sciences
★★★★★
“Great to be inspired by Mark Pattison, former NFL player who climbed seven of the world’s highest summits as a personal return to accomplishment.”
Terrence O’HanlonFLUKE Corporation
★★★★★
“Mark’s words resonated across the class to people from all walks of life, which led to a lively discussion that went over time. I would highly recommend Mark to anyone looking for a guide as they find their own summit.”
Chris JamiesonHarvard University
★★★★★
“I am happy to meet such an inspiring and authentic speaker and athlete, with a message that resonates deeply across different audiences, from students and professionals to leaders and anyone seeking motivation.”
Milena Lipovina-BozovicAssistant Professor, University of Montenegro
★★★★★
“I really enjoyed your insights on resilience. A message that resonates and sticks with you long after the room clears.”
Dajana StojchevskaSenior Software Engineer, Google
Watch Mark speak
The message, in his own words
Questions
Choosing the right keynote, answered
Not sure which topic fits our event?
If your event has a clear theme, the topic usually points to the right program on its own. If not, tell Mark’s team about your audience and goals and they’ll help you pick.
Can two topics be blended into one keynote?
Yes. Every program can be customized, and a custom version blending two themes is available if your event calls for it.
Is there a program for a small executive audience?
Yes, the Executive Leadership Speaker program is built specifically for board retreats and C-suite offsites.
Do you offer workshops in addition to keynotes?
Yes. Several programs, including Team Building and Executive Leadership, offer an extended workshop or facilitated format.
Can Mark speak virtually?
Yes, a virtual or hybrid version of any keynote is available, with the same framework and live Q&A format.
What is included in the fee?
Standard travel, a pre-event planning call, the keynote itself, and a live Q&A session. See the speaking fees page for full details.
How do we check availability and book?
Use the button below to send your event date, audience, and goals. You will hear back quickly with availability and next steps.
Explore more
Start with the flagship keynote
Not sure which program fits?
Tell Mark’s team about your event and audience, they’ll help you pick the right keynote and confirm availability.