Marketing speaker, entrepreneur, and informal education advocate
Entrepreneurs, small business owners, marketing teams, corporate leaders, and organisations navigating relevance, learning, and innovation.
Mark Sham is a South African entrepreneur, author, and high-impact speaker known for his outspoken advocacy of informal education and his deep commitment to small business development. Expelled from school at 17 and without formal qualifications, Mark forged an unconventional path to success by mastering self-directed learning, real-world experience, and continuous reinvention.
He is the founder of Suits & Sneakers, a social enterprise focused on reimagining education through events, media, and conversations that promote lifelong learning outside traditional academic systems. The platform challenges outdated models of education and champions adaptability as the most valuable modern skill.
Mark is also the founder of The Tryst, a multi-purpose creative space in Johannesburg that includes event venues, video studios, training rooms, and a social environment designed for collaboration. The Tryst enables brands, entrepreneurs, and creators to produce meaningful, high-quality content that resonates in a digital-first world.
His passion for storytelling and local enterprise extends to Like a Tourist, a platform dedicated to showcasing South Africa’s lesser-known destinations and experiences, encouraging exploration and appreciation of local culture and business.
Mark Sham is a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and speaker from South Africa, renowned for his passionate advocacy of informal education and his commitment to supporting small businesses. Despite being expelled from school at 17 and lacking formal education, Mark mastered the world of informal learning, leveraging his experiences and self-taught knowledge to propel his career forward. He is the founder of several innovative ventures, including Suits & Sneakers, The Tryst, and Like a Tourist.
Suits & Sneakers is a social enterprise dedicated to revolutionizing education. It hosts events and creates content aimed at promoting lifelong learning through informal education, believing in the power of continuous learning to stay relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
The Tryst is a multi-purpose content creation hub located in Johannesburg, featuring a hybrid event space, video studios, training areas, and a bar. It serves as a collaborative space for bold brands and innovative ideas, helping individuals and companies create meaningful and engaging content.
Like a Tourist focuses on creating unique travel content that highlights the beauty and diverse experiences available in South Africa, aiming to inspire both locals and visitors to explore and appreciate the country’s many hidden gems.
Mark’s entrepreneurial journey is remarkable, given his unconventional path to success. He speaks with a ferocious energy and passion, adept at synthesizing broad-based thinking into formats that audiences can understand. He is not only creating awareness around his vision to change education and training in South Africa but also forging a network of entrepreneurs and corporate businesses to champion these causes.
Mark has spoken at various notable events, including the EOH Finance Indaba and the CEO Series with Lee Naik. He has been invited to speak at events hosted by companies such as EOH, City Logistics, and Standard Bank.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Facebook
No reviews available for this post.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel
