I speak to accidental leaders about stripping back the noise, so they don’t lose themselves in the business they built.
“We can all learn from his story.”
Synaxon 2025
“When the storm ended, it took 37 hours before the light returned. Build the boat strong enough to survive until it does.” —
Mark Matthews
The Crisp Packet That Changed Everything
A crisp packet outside my office sparked a leadership pivot.
What looked like litter turned into a wake-up call about accountability and culture — and it changed the way I led, the way my team worked, and the direction of my life.
Years later, a financial director’s fraud nearly ended everything.
Trust shattered, the business collapsed, and I was left stripped of confidence, identity, and purpose. What followed was depression, silence, and a fight to survive.
This is the honest version: what I missed, what I learned, and how values kept people together when it mattered.
It’s a story about success, betrayal, and rebuilding — but most of all it’s about discovering that vulnerability is a strength, and that values are the foundation that hold people through any storm.
“Your vulnerability and authenticity is what makes your story louder.”
Tim , Synaxon 2025
Explore the Core
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Boardroom Talks
45–90 minutes. Real stories, no fluff. Vulnerability, resilience, and values that your leaders can act on Monday morning.
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The Book: Stripped Back
Made It → Betrayal → Lost It → Rebuild → Reflection. The raw journey that proves vulnerability is strength.
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Laid Bare — Latest Video
Short, stripped-back clips on leadership, culture, and resilience. Honest, practical, and straight to the point.
Don’t Just Take My Word for It…
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![Tie Doepel testimonial]()
“Mark’s style is reminiscent of the best TED Talks — compelling, empathetic, and authentic. Our members left with insights that will stay with them for a long time.”
Tie Doepel, Marketing & Events Manager at Network Group
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![Comp Tia testimonial]()
“Mark brings a rare honesty to the stage. He balances humour with hard-won lessons, leaving audiences reflective and energised. That’s why we’ve asked him back again and again.”
— Event Organiser, CompTIA / Continuum
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![Nex-Tech Testimonial]()
“Mark’s keynote cut through the noise. He doesn’t just talk about leadership, he lives it. His message about culture and values stuck with me long after the event.”
— Attendee, Nex-Tech Kansas Conference
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![Network group Testimonial]()
“Mark’s openness and courage to share the real story made his talk one of the most impactful of the day. He reminded us that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s what builds stronger leaders.”
— Attendee, Network Group Event
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![Dean Osbourne]()
“I have always found you one of the hardest working and honest people I’ve met who inspired me to do better. I had the pleasure to be in the industry with you and be part of the peer groups — and I will never ignore a crisp packet left on the ground.”
Team Lead, Sales Engineering at ConnectWise
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![James Carson testimonial]()
“I truly admire your courage and vulnerability and am thankful that you are back. True strength comes from going through the hard times and knowing you can not only survive but thrive.” — James Carson, Professional EOS Implementer
— James Carson, Professional EOS Implementer
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![Jon Atherton Testimonial]()
“Your video was brave and heartfelt — a release of so many emotions. Welcome back! You’ve been missed, and I can’t wait to see what you do next.”
— Jon Atherton, Executive Director & UK Top 100 CRN Executive
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![Andy Price Testimonial]()
“Well done Mark, I loved the Crisp Guy talks. Maybe you’ve got ten more talks now from what you’ve been through — you know stuff that most people will never experience, and your honesty helps others.”
— Andy Price (NG / CrispGuy audience)
Mark Matthews
Mentor
Speaker
Author
Vulnerability as strength
Values as crisis insurance
Over 35 years in business. Built a successful IT company. Spoke internationally as The Crisp Guy. Survived devastating fraud. Now I share raw lessons on leadership, resilience, and values — so others can thrive, no matter the storm.
Why Work With Me?
Because I’ve been where you are.
I’ve built a business, lost it, and rebuilt from scratch. I know what it feels like to wear the owner’s mask — pretending you’ve got it all together while silently falling apart.
I don’t teach theory. I share lived experience. The highs of international speaking and business success, and the lows of fraud, courtrooms, and three years of silence.
What I’ve learned is simple: vulnerability builds trust, values protect culture, and resilience is forged in the darkest times.
I’m here to strip back the noise and help others see the truth.
Not with polished textbook answers — but with raw, real lessons you can actually use.
‘Mark served as an incredible mentor to a colleague of mine—he listened deeply, guided thoughtfully, and supported their journey toward becoming not only a stronger leader but also a successful manager'‘
Steve Riat, Nex-tech 2025
Read the latest articles Below
To help others be the best they can be —
no matter the storm.
Because resilience isn’t about dodging waves. It’s about building a boat strong enough to sail through them.
Our vision is simple: strip things back, live your values, and create cultures that hold steady when the storm hits.
This isn’t theory. It’s lived experience — from building a business that won awards, to facing betrayal that nearly destroyed it, to rediscovering what really matters. Resilience isn’t about pretending the storm isn’t there. It’s about honesty, vulnerability, and trust.
When leaders embrace those things, they don’t just survive the waves — they come out stronger, with teams who believe in them and customers who stay.
“Your talk was great – real emotion and inspiring! I could learn a lot from your experiences.”
Jamaine, Synaxon 2025
Where to Begin
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Boardroom & Keynote Talks
Straight talk. No slides full of fluff — just raw lessons you can use on Monday morning.
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Stripped Back The Story
Made It → Betrayal → Lost It → Rebuild → Reflection. The honest journey behind the message.
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Laid Bare - The Videos
Short, stripped-back clips on leadership, resilience, and culture. No jargon, just real.
“When the storm ended, it took 37 hours before the light returned.
Build the boat strong enough to survive until it does.”
Mark Matthews | The Crisp Guy
Contact me
Interested in working together?
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We can’t wait to hear from you!
I’ll typically reply within 24 hours.