Finding the Hero in All of Us:  Purposeful Leadership, Doing Good, and Doing the Right Thing

Matthew Friedman is an international human trafficking expert with more than 30 years' experience as an inspirational speaker, activist, program designer, evaluator, and manager. An award-winning public speaker, author, filmmaker, and philanthropist, Matthew regularly advises heads of governments and intelligence agencies and international corporations. As the founder and CEO of The Mekong Club, Matthew is considered the leading catalyst of the anti-slavery movement in Asia's business sector by captains of industry. He has managed and directed tens of millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting millions of people for the World Bank, the U.S. State Department, and the United Nations. His work over the last 30 years of pioneering and managing international anti-human trafficking projects from Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Hong Kong has given him access to many influential networks in different countries throughout the world.

In 2017, Matthew received the prestigious "Gold Standard Award for Communicator of the Year" in Asia for giving more than 800 presentations to 80,000 people including government leaders and the Vatican on the topic of modern slavery within a five-year period in different countries

He is frequently cited in the news media, has been invited to speak at major conferences around the world, and is the author of nine books. Matthew has a unique and powerful speaking style that inspires people and helps them reach their fullest potential. Matt is the author of 12 books, including "Where were you? A Profile of Modern Slavery", "Afghan Girl" and "Tara: A Fleshtrade Odyssey". He has also produced several films on human trafficking in South Asia.

His presentation "The Hero in all of us" – helps to address the significant issues of our time isn't someone else's responsibility – it belongs to us all. Until we all step up as one, our world will continue to suffer. Mattconsiders everyone who steps up to help, no matter how big or small the gesture, to be heroic. There is heroism within each and every one of us; it's a voice of good, of righteousness, of action, and of love.

He provides a range of inspirational keynote speeches to teach, mentor and motivate people from all walks of life, showing them how they can step-up and take a stand in life. He has an uncanny ability to take something as complicated and confusing as slavery and break it down into a series of simple messages that walk a person down a path to understanding. He has shifted the mindsets of many -- even the most resistant detractors – and always delivers a message of hope.

Biology and Psychology from Central Connecticut State University.
Matt is based in Hong Kong.