Biography

Mark has helped Audi break the “Rule of Three” in luxury cars to become a real player in the industry. He’s taken Sony PlayStation from #3 to #1 in the console wars, made Charles Schwab the leading investing brand, helped redefine the mission of Clif Bar & Co, and developed a growth plan for payments insurgent Xoom.

If you want a smart, fun, intense, collaborative, and ultimately transformative experience for your brand and business, you should work with Mark. He will bring all 18 years of his direct experience with challengers — the good and the bad — to bear on your business.

In addition to consulting, facilitation, and coaching, Mark is a popular public speaker, and frequent lecturer at Hult International Business School and Presidio Business School.

He is the co-author of the highly regarded book on business creativity, A Beautiful Constraint. How to Transform Your Limitations into Advantages and Why it’s Everyone’s Business.

Read More

Videos

Podcast_1_RethinkingingConstraints_7.mp4

Mark Barden Speaker Reel

How Challenger Brands Compete - Mark Barden

Creativity in a Constrained World: Mark Barden

Request Availability

Testimonials

Mark Barden is a fantastic collaborator and leader. He sees the big picture opportunities and he knows how to take new information and quickly distill it into ideas and actions.
– Suzanne Ginestro, (former) Head of Brand Marketing, Red Bull

Booksby Mark Barden

A Beautiful Constraint: How To Transform Your Limitations Into Advantages, and Why It's Everyone's Business

For Meeting Planners

Blog Posts

The Last 8%: Why High-Performing Teams Say What Others Won’t (And How to Build Yours)

High-performing teams share the hardest 8% of conversations. Learn how connection and courage drive team success for event professionals.

Read More

How to Turn Adversity Into Stepping Stones for Success with Magie Cook

Keynote speaker Magie Cook shares how shifting your mindset transforms adversity into power and turns setbacks into stepping stones for success.

Read More

Best Leadership Speakers for Financial Services Conferences (2026 Guide)

Planning a bank, fintech, insurance, or wealth management event? This definitive guide to the Best Leadership Speakers for Financial Services Conferences shows you what works now: selection criteria, vetted speaker ideas, comparison snapshots, sample agendas, buying tips, FAQs, and direct links to relevant resources on The Keynote Curators (TKC).

Read More

Mindfulness Practices That Cut Event Planning Stress in Half (Science-Backed)

Mindfulness isn't mellow—it's a performance system. Discover practices, top apps, and keynote speakers that turn well-being into results.

Read More

Best Leadership Speakers for Healthcare Conferences (2025 Guide): Shortlist, Fees, Topics & How to Book

Looking for the Best Leadership Speakers for Healthcare Conferences? You’re in the right place. This 2025 guide is written for hospital and health-system leaders, payer/provider teams, life sciences and medtech planners who need keynote speakers...

Read More

How Creativity Is Most Valuable Business Asset In the AI Age

AI creativity is reshaping business success—discover why creative thinking matters more than technical skills in today's automated workplace.

Read More

Related Branding & Marketing Speakers

Contact Us Today

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.
    A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form