Mark Baker

Mygrow CEO and Psychologist
(PS0107565)

M.Com, MBA (Cum Laude)
Stellenbosch University |
Graduate School of Business, UCT

An Organisational Psychologist and co-founder of Mygrow, a tech-enabled Emotional Intelligence (EQ) ecosystem that develops, measures and tracks Emotional Intelligence competencies. His career has been single-mindedly spent in dedication to helping businesses succeed by building Emotionally Intelligent, high-performing leaders and organisations. Drawing from personal experience Mark often shares about the powerful shift that developing his own emotional intelligence has accomplished in his personal life and relationships.

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Mark Baker is the founder and CEO of Mygrow, a tech-enabled emotional intelligence (EQ) development ecosystem that builds EQ and healthy culture at scale.

Mark is an organisational psychologist whose work sits at the intersection of people, performance and technology. He argues EQ is not a “soft” extra but a strategic capability – one that equips leaders and teams to think adaptively, relate empathically, and collaborate effectively in fast-changing environments. A sought-after speaker, he shares practical, evidence-based approaches to EQ development from the research that lead to healthy individual and collective flourishing.

After years of face-to-face work with individuals and teams across mining, logistics, finance, hospitality and manufacturing, Mark saw how technology could accomplish what face-to-face interventions never could. He founded Mygrow to do exactly that – develop, measure and track EQ in a few minutes a day through video-based micro-learning, techniques grounded in neuroscience, and personalised AI coaching. By combining behavioural science with rich data on intervention success, Mygrow leverages technology to build EQ competencies through simple, daily practice that measurably shifts behaviour, wellbeing, and performance in both individuals and companies.

Mygrow’s mission – one Mark champions in every engagement – is simple: to help people become great at managing themselves and working well with others, building an emotionally intelligent world in the process.

Signature Keynote Topics

Mark’s talks offer authentic, actionable, and entertaining. His research-based approach leads to evidence-backed strategies for leaders and teams to build success. He explores the intersection of human behaviour, technology, and business performance, providing a fresh perspective on how to drive real, measurable change.

The Science of High-Performing Teams

Strong organisational culture and increased individual well-being through EQ is a key to unlock team potential, boosting morale, and driving innovation and successful collaboration.

Emotional Intelligence as a Strategic Advantage

The most valuable skills are those that can’t be replicated by machines. Investing in EQ gives your business the competitive edge, empowering teams to thrive in a constantly changing world.

Technology & Human Development

Technology is the future of EQ development – making people development more effective, affordable, scalable and accessible. Leverage these tools to build a skilled and engaged workforce.

Why book Mark?

Through his long years of experience in the world of EQ development (teaching and building a tech product to develop EQ) Mark is widely recognised as an expert in the field of organisational psychology and the role of EQ in shaping strong organisations across South Africa. His unique blend of hands-on experience and technological innovation gives audiences a fresh perspective on how to achieve tangible business outcomes. He provides practical strategies that empower leaders to build thriving workplaces where people and profits can flourish together.

Proven Keynotes (Available and Customisable)

  • Building Emotional Intelligence into Your Organisational Culture

    Summary:
    Emotional intelligence is central to shaping organisational culture because it reflects the subconscious realities of individuals at scale. By developing EQ across teams using technology, companies can shift collective behaviours and values, creating meaningful cultural transformation. Drawing from psychology and neuroscience, this talk explores how enhancing emotional intelligence at both the individual and systemic level drives lasting change, improves collaboration, and strengthens organisational identity.

    Relevant audience:
    Senior Leaders, HR Executives, Culture Champions, Change Management Professionals

  • Cultivating Psychological Safety

    Summary:
    Psychological safety is the foundation for innovation, trust, and collaboration in modern workplaces. This talk introduces the concept, explains how to break free from recurring cycles of drama, and provides practical strategies to create a culture of openness and accountability. Using The Empowerment Dynamic, participants learn tools to empower individuals and teams to take responsibility, share ideas without fear, and thrive in high-performing environments.

    Relevant audience:
    Team Leaders, Managers, HR Professionals, Executives

  • Unlocking Servant Leadership

    Summary:
    Servant leadership is a powerful framework for driving authentic influence and sustainable success. This talk unpacks the principles of servant leadership, how it differs from traditional leadership theories, and why it is uniquely effective in today’s shifting workplace. Participants gain insights into the mindset of leaders who serve first, lead second, and the ripple effects this has on team performance, engagement, and organisational impact.

    Relevant audience:
    Executives, Managers, Emerging Leaders, Leadership Development Professionals

  • Building Emotionally Intelligent Leaders

    Summary:
    Effective leadership starts with self-awareness and the ability to manage emotions constructively. This session explores the neuroscience of emotional intelligence, how personal narratives shape leadership styles, and the triggers and blind spots that hold leaders back. Participants are equipped with practical tools to increase EQ, build resilience, and foster healthier relationships, enabling them to become more effective, empathetic, and adaptive leaders.

    Relevant audience:
    Leaders At All Levels, HR Professionals, Leadership Development Program Participants

  • Leading in the New World of Work

    Summary:
    The modern workplace is marked by rapid change, diversity, and evolving expectations. This talk examines the shifting dynamics of leadership in the new world of work, highlighting how influence, adaptability, and inclusivity are now essential skills. Leaders will learn how to navigate uncertainty, harness diversity, and create environments where individuals and teams can truly flourish.

    Relevant audience:
    All levels of leadership and staff across all sectorsExecutives, Senior Leaders, HR Professionals, Change Management Specialists

  • The Science of Happiness

    Summary:
    Happiness is more than a feel-good idea — it’s a science grounded in psychology and neuroscience. This talk explores models, experiments, and research findings that explain what truly drives human wellbeing. Attendees discover practical strategies to increase happiness in everyday life and work, creating ripple effects on productivity, resilience, and fulfilment.

    Relevant audience:
    General Employees, HR Teams, Wellness Professionals, Leadership Groups

  • Cultivating a Positive Mindset

    Summary:
    Our mindsets shape how we experience and respond to the world. This session explores the neural circuitry of mindsets, how emotional patterns become “wired in,” and ways to reframe negative cycles into constructive perspectives. With research-backed insights, participants learn how a positive mindset drives wellbeing and performance, along with practical techniques to consciously rewire thought patterns for growth and success.

    Relevant audience:
    Leaders, Teams, HR Professionals, Personal Development Audiences

  • Driving Wellbeing in Organisations

    Summary:
    Employee wellbeing is no longer optional — it’s a strategic necessity. This talk explores why wellbeing must be central to the workplace conversation, supported by global research and shifting trends in work. Traditional approaches often fall short, but technology-enabled, proactive strategies are proving far more effective. Attendees gain insights into the future of workplace wellbeing and actionable approaches to create healthier, more productive, and resilient teams.

    Relevant audience:
    Executives, HR Leaders, Wellness Professionals, Organisational Development Practitioners

  • Inspiring an Emotionally Intelligent Workplace

    Summary:
    Emotional intelligence is one of the most powerful drivers of workplace success. Backed by neuroscience and psychology research, this talk highlights why EQ development delivers the best ROI for leaders, teams, and organisations. Participants learn practical techniques to rewire neural circuitry, regulate emotions, and shift reflexive responses, creating workplaces where people can thrive, collaborate, and innovate.

    Relevant audience:
    Executives, Managers, HR Professionals, Learning And Development Teams

  • Stress Management from the Inside Out

    Summary:
    Stress is both a biological and psychological reality, but unmanaged stress has a massive cost to individuals and organisations. This talk explores the science of stress, including its physiological mechanisms, psychological theories, and global research findings. Attendees gain practical strategies for managing stress constructively, maintaining resilience, and building sustainable coping mechanisms that enhance both personal wellbeing and workplace performance.

    Relevant audience:
    General Employees, Leaders, HR Professionals, Wellness Program Participants

  • Decision-Making That Leads to Success

    Summary:
    Every choice shapes outcomes, yet decision-making is often clouded by blind spots, biases, and errors. This session unpacks the neuroscience of decision-making, what it feels like to be wrong, and how to reduce errors in judgment. Participants learn how to design supportive decision structures, navigate complexity, and apply practical techniques to make better choices individually and as teams.

    Relevant audience:
    Executives, Managers, Teams, Leadership Development Participants

  • Cultivating a Growth Mindset

    Summary:
    Based on Dr. Carol Dweck’s pioneering research, this talk introduces the powerful distinction between fixed and growth mindsets. Participants will explore how mindsets shape behaviour and potential, assess their own mindset tendencies through a quiz, and learn strategies to shift toward growth. With actionable steps, attendees leave empowered to embrace challenges, persevere through setbacks, and unlock their full potential.

    Relevant audience:
    Leaders, Teams, Educators, Personal Development Audiences

  • Working Well with Diversity

    Summary:
    Diversity is one of the greatest assets of modern workplaces, but it comes with challenges that must be navigated with care. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology, this session explores the dynamics of difference and unity, how to celebrate diverse strengths, and how to overcome struggles. Participants will learn practical ways to leverage diversity as a driver of innovation, resilience, and success.

    Relevant audience:
    Leaders, HR Professionals, DEI Practitioners, General Employees

  • Improving Communication to Reduce Drama

    Summary:
    Workplace drama drains energy and productivity, but it can be overcome with the right communication strategies. This talk introduces the Drama Triangle and The Empowerment Dynamic to explain how drama cycles form and how to break free from them. Participants will also discover how improved emotional expression and interpersonal skills foster healthier communication, reduce conflict, and build stronger team dynamics.

    Relevant audience:
    Teams, Managers, HR Professionals, Leadership Groups

Book Mark to empower your audience with the tools to build Emotionally Intelligent, high-performing organisations.