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MARK’S 
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Unbroken by blindness at 22 and paralysis at 34, Mark Pollock has faced adversity twice and had to decide, each time, what to do next. His answer became the Unbreakable Framework, which he now shares as a keynote speaker to help leaders and their teams worldwide optimise performance, build resilience, and collaborate with others. This is the story of how it was forged and tested.

Forged after blindness, tested after paralysis

Mark pulling himself up out of his wheelchair, aided by a physiotherapist during a training session

Unbreakable

Sometimes we choose our challenges. Sometimes the challenge chooses us. What we decide to do about them, that’s what counts. Unbroken by blindness at 22 and paralysis at 34, Mark has had to make those decisions twice. Now he is asking whether his own experience and observations can be explained more rigorously through research.

Forged After Blindness

Unbroken by blindness in 1998, Mark became an adventure athlete competing in ultra-endurance races across deserts, mountains, and the polar ice caps including being the first blind person to race to the South Pole. He also won silver and bronze medals for rowing at the Commonwealth Games and set up an international motivational speaking business.

Tested After Paralysis

In 2010, a fall from a second-storey window nearly killed him. Mark broke his back and the damage to his spinal cord left him paralysed. Now he is on a new expedition, this time exploring the intersection where humans and technology collide to cure paralysis in our lifetime. Working at the cutting edge of robotics, neuro-modulation, AI, and Brain Machine Interfaces, he has catalysed over $150 million in neurotech projects by applying his Unbreakable Framework.

"To take on endurance challenges in places like The Poles, Himalaya and Gobi Desert requires great courage and mental strength. The fact that Mark completed these adventures blind, and continues to explore what's possible after losing the use of his legs, makes him truly remarkable."

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, OBE

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Since 2024, Mark has been asking whether his own experience and observations can be explained more rigorously through research. His Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance at Dublin City University examines why, when the challenge chooses them, some people sit on the sidelines while others step into the arena. Testing his Unbreakable Framework against Self-Determination Theory and Hope Theory, Mark is bringing his findings back into practice so leaders and their teams are better equipped to respond when unexpected challenges strike.

Mark was insanely brilliant - his story, coupled with his ‘bon humour’ and his insatiable drive was beyond inspiring. I have had the privilege of listening to many stories of inspiration and triumph over adversity, but none as compelling as Mark’s one.

Group Chief Operating Officer, Close Brothers

Outstanding! Mark is a skilled natural conversationalist, deep thinker, engaging speaker and resilient leader.

Managing Director, Google Customer Solutions, Northern Europe

Wow, so powerful! Challenging us to think and behave like explorers was spot on and overlapped perfectly with our focus on being open, brave, collaborative and curious.

Chief Operating Officer, CSM