As a UN Commander in the former Yugoslavia in 1993, Mark Cook was nearing retirement when 60 homeless children from a destroyed Croatian orphanage changed his life. When giving an eye-witness account from the conflict zone to BBC TV, Mark made a plea for the children. This one moment resulted in £1 million of donations from the British public, the rebuilding of the orphanage and the formation of the charity, Hope and Homes for Children. The charity now helps over 2,000 children in 13 countries.

With his incredible experience, Mark talks expertly about the issues of problem solving, managing change, the impact of the individual and local responses to global issues. Mark has tremendous examples of how determination and the ability to "think out of the box" can tackle seemingly unsolvable problems.

Mark talks expertly on the following subjects:

Drawing on his very different leadership experiences of army commander and chief executive, Mark shows that communication, appreciation and inspiration are key to being a successful leader. Using enthusiasm and commitment to encourage and inspire, Mark believes that individual autonomy within a structured environment provides the perfect breeding ground for fulfilled employees and organisational success.

Mark uses his experience to show how a ‘hare-brained idea’ can become reality. When all around are saying ‘it can’t be done’, ‘what difference will it make’, Mark shows how to harness self belief and determination to act decisively and positively.

Mark uses his experience of working in some of the world’s most corrupt and bureaucratic nations to show that thinking out of the box can secure miraculous results. Mark refuses to play the game in countries where bribery is a given, but still succeeds. Learn how to achieve your goals in the face of obstruction and resistance and find out why personal integrity is an invaluable asset.

In an ever-changing world, the most successful people anticipate, accommodate and understand change. Mark Cook has enormous experience of change management through working with countries undergoing huge shifts in their social structure and through running a charity with an annual growth rate of 60%.

Mark talks from personal experience about the need to find local solutions for global problems. He has a wealth of examples of how tailored solutions which target individual countries, communities and even people is the only approach that can succeed in the global environment .

Mark Cook has received widespread recognition for his work:

• Subject of BBC's This is Your Life
• Appointed OBE for humanitarian services in the former Yugoslavia
• BBC documentary film about Mark's story called "Against All Odds"
• Personality of the Week with ABC news, USA