Mark Matthews
The Crisp Guy
Speaking Portfolio – Talks by The Crisp Guy
Mark Matthews
Brings raw honesty and lived experience to every stage. From building a multi-million-pound business and speaking internationally, to losing it all through betrayal and fraud, Mark now shares stripped-back lessons on leadership, culture, and resilience.
No theory. No fluff. Just real stories and tools that help leaders face reality and rebuild stronger.
For years I spoke internationally as The Crisp Guy — from the UK to Boston to Kansas — sharing practical lessons on leadership, culture, and vulnerability.
I’ve stood in front of audiences of 50 to 400+, helping business owners strip back the masks and reconnect with what really matters.
What makes these talks different is that they aren’t polished “success stories.” They’re lived experiences. They’re about the crisp packet outside the office door that became a metaphor for accountability. They’re about the silence of depression when everything looks fine on the outside. They’re about trust broken and trust rebuilt.
Today, my talks sit at the intersection of leadership and humanity:
Vulnerability as Strength – how dropping the mask builds trust faster than anything else.
Culture and Values – why they’re the strongest insurance policy when the storm hits.
Accountability – the lesson I learnt the hardest way, and why culture alone isn’t enough.
Resilience and Rebuilding – what it takes to survive betrayal and come back stronger.
Audiences don’t just leave inspired — they leave with a mirror held up to their own leadership, and practical takeaways they can use the very next day.
Trusted on Stages Worldwide
From Birmingham to Boston to Kansas, I’ve shared real, stripped-back lessons with audiences from 50 to 400+.
What People Are Saying After Hearing Mark Speak
“Your talk was great — real emotion and inspiring! I could learn a lot from your experiences.”
Jamaine, Synaxon 2025
“It was great to watch the weight lift from your shoulders as you spoke and became more comfortable. A very inspiring story.”
Ryan, Synaxon 2025
“The biggest takeaway for me was the door analogy. It made me realise that even when I think I’m being clear, some people still need extra help to ‘get it’ — and that’s on me as a leader. I’ve even used it with my football team, because everyone learns differently — some listen, some watch, some only learn when it’s written down or drawn out.”
Mike Barron, UK MD, Synaxon 2025
“Really inspiring to learn how you stayed strong and pushed through the challenges.”
Anthony , Synaxon 2025
“Your vulnerability and authenticity is what makes your story louder.”
Tim , Synaxon 2025
“Your speech was amazing and touched me as your reaction confirmed your words. Go on and spread the message.”
Jessica , Synaxon 2025
“The stand-outs for me were the key messages about how vulnerability and asking people for help can be powerful ways to build empathy and trust.”
Simon, Channel Star Media 2025
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mark for more than a decade, through both the good times and the challenges. During that time, I’ve seen firsthand the impact he has on those around him. 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. What makes Mark stand out is his coaching style: he doesn’t simply hand out answers. Instead, he helps others uncover insights for themselves, creating a powerful learning experience that builds confidence and lasting growth.”
Steve Riat, Nex-Tech 2025
As an example If you would like to see me speak, click below
See Mark Matthews, @CrispGuy, speaking on behalf of a large UK IT distributor who also ran a European peer group program. This talk was filmed in London and streamed to over 3,000 managed service providers across the UK and Europe.
Note: this was filmed several years ago — long before my recent challenges and the journey that led me to strip everything back. I’ve changed a lot since then. What you’ll see here is a snapshot of the old me, before vulnerability and rebuilding became such a central part of my message. Today, my talks go deeper, they’re rawer, and they carry the lessons only lived experience can bring.
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