Nic Marks is a Madman...
I mean that in the highest and most complimentary sense of the word.
I've been booking Nic for over a decade because he sees the world differently—and audiences love him for it. His ideas are fresh, unconventional and thought-provoking, delivered with humour, warmth and infectious enthusiasm. You don't just listen to a Nic Marks presentation—you find yourself thinking about it long after it's over.
Topics that Nic talks on
Happiness is not one-dimensional. It impacts every part of organisational life, from retention and productivity to innovation, leadership, and even shareholder value. Whatever the sector or audience, Nic tailors his talks and masterclasses to address the specific challenges your people face. His message is both evidence-based and inspiring, leaving audiences entertained, energised, and equipped with ideas they can use straight away.
My most popular talk
Happiness is a Serious Business: Why happy teams are successful & how to build them
This keynote brings Nic's book to life. He shows why happiness is not a fluffy extra but a serious driver of business success. Using compelling data, stories and practical frameworks, Nic explains how leaders can create the conditions for happier teams — and why those teams deliver higher performance, stronger loyalty, and long-term resilience.
Stuck in OK?
Even well-run organisations have teams that get stuck in “OK.” They're not unhappy enough to trigger alarms but lack the energy to truly thrive. Nic shows how a focus on everyday happiness can break the cycle and unlock potential.
Fired Up or Burnt Out
Burnout is one of today's biggest workplace risks. Nic shows how positive, productive cultures drive results without exhausting people.
Masterclasses by Nic
Most organisations know happiness matters, but fewer know how to turn it into lasting results. Nic's masterclasses bridge that gap. Delivered as half-day or full-day sessions, they give leaders and managers the insight and practical strategies they need to move beyond “OK” teams and create workplaces where people — and performance — truly thrive.
Who Nic speaks to
Nic's talks and masterclasses travel well across sectors, audience sizes and formats. He's available to speak in person anywhere in the world.
Nic has taken the stage at TED and worked with organisations from Coca-Cola, TikTok and Unilever to the NHS, UNICEF and the University of Oxford.
Conferences & keynotes
Closing or headline keynotes at HR, People, Tech and employee-engagement conferences, where Nic's evidence-based, high-energy style leaves a room talking.
Leadership groups
Smaller, more intimate sessions for CEO and leader cohorts, the kind of setting used by groups like Vistage, where the conversation can go deeper.
Inside organisations
Internal events for businesses of every size and shape, from a management offsite to an all-hands for the whole organisation.
Community & purpose
Schools, charities and other mission-led events, where the same evidence about happiness and wellbeing applies just as powerfully.
Some of the organisations Nic has worked with
Looking for a keynote that sticks?
Warm, evidence-led and genuinely useful. Nic turns happiness from a soft idea into a serious business metric.
Awards & Accolades
- Booker's Choice – UK Speakers Awards, Highly Commended (2026)
- Betterment of the Human Condition Award – International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (2006)
- Top Ten Thinkers – Directors Magazine (2010)
- No.1 Idea of the Year – Forbes Magazine (2010)
Nic shares core insights from his book, Happiness is a Serious Business, in this 5-minute talk.
Nic’s TED talk on The Happy Planet Index, which has been watched over 2.8m times
A recent guest appearance on the podcast Focus on the Fun Stuff with Emma Mills
A short 1-minute video produced by NHS Tayside after a one-day event led by Nic on staff wellbeing
He skillfully held the room with ease, clarity and warmth – making people laugh, think and feel – which is rare.
If you want to discuss me speaking your event, or to have me as a guest on your podcast, then let's set up a call.