Lieutenant Charles Edward Martell FRGS is an English ocean rower, adventurer and humanitarian worker. A double Guinness World Record holder, Royal Engineer Charlie Martell is no stranger to adventure. Active service in Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland led to a post-Army career in the humanitarian sector, where he specialised in post-conflict resolution.
Working in mine-affected countries such as Cambodia, Angola and the Republic of Georgia opened his eyes to what specialists like him could do for communities living amongst mines, bombs and other debris of war.
What Drives Me | The desire to raise funds for selected charities, knowing that these charities are having a direct and positive impact on the beneficiaries is probably my main motivator. I am fortunate enough to sit on the Management Team of one of my chosen charities, so I do get to hear how raised funds are being spent.
My Highlights | My career has been in two parts so far. The first being my military career where I always aimed to be the best at things I was interested in. I came top of my first promotion course and came top of the Army’s Diving Course. One of the other main highlights was passing the arduous Commando Course, run by the Royal Marines. My career in humanitarian mine clearance, is something I’m incredibly proud of. It was tough in many ways, but the satisfaction knowing that we had put land back in to use and potentially saved someone’s life was fantastic. Rowing across the North Atlantic Ocean (west to east), raising a large sum of money for charity and earning two world records are definite highlights as well.
Key Talents | I don’t believe I have a particular talent, nor strength, so perhaps my advice would be, be yourself, be personable, be able to speak to everyone at every level in society without judgement.
Do a SWOT test – learn what your strengths and weaknesses are
Try to work on the weaknesses, make them your extra strengths
Use moral courage to make yourself (and others) a better person
Be patient
Characteristics That Have Led To My Success | Stubbornness is probably my main characteristic. Not willing to give in after meeting the first obstacle. I try to relish the obstacles as there is normally a way around them, forcing me to think of alternative routes.
My Critical Skills | Communication is key, without it failure ensues. Setting an example to others, trying to inspire
younger (and hopefully older) generations, through presentation and teaching. Being enthusiastic and not being selfish.
Performing At My Peak | Mental focus coupled with both mental and physical strength is important to me.
Keeping Informed And Inspired | I remain active in fundraising for charities and seeing the beneficiaries, talking to them and where possible, spending time with them keeps me inspired and informed at the same time.
Dreams And Ambitions I would like to circumnavigate the globe both through latitude and through longitude.
The Best Advice I’ve Received | This piece of advice was originally spoken by Sir Winston Churchill, but was reiterated to me by ‘The Forgotten Highlander’, former Prisoner of War (WW2) Alistair Urquhart. Alistair said to me, “Never, never, never give up.” He referred to the quote by Churchill, “Never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
On Building Wealth | Does wealth have to mean rich? A wealth of experience far outweighs someone who is rich with no (life) experience. Greed will leave you unfulfilled.
The Legacy I Would Like to Leave | Quite simply, if I could leave a legacy whereby people push their personal limits, whether mental or physical and hopefully help others in the process, I would be delighted.
Fred is deeply passionate about Africa and believes that the missing ingredient on the continent is good leadership. In line with this, he has founded two organizations that aim to catalyze a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial African leaders: African Leadership Academy and the African Leadership Network. In recognition of his work in developing Africa’s […]
Addressing her fears and inner doubts means Susan Hayden tells off a fictional guinea fowl called Martha. Susan waxes lyrical via her Disco Pants Blog offering a distinctive opinion on a wide range of topics. Her honest and intuitive approach keeps her audience reading until the end. Here Susan shares a bit about her wonderful […]
Jake Harriman graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy and served seven and a half years as an Infantry and Special Operations Platoon Commander in the Marine Corps. Jake believes that the “War on Terror” won’t be won on the battlefield alone, but that disenfranchisement, lack of education, and extreme poverty must also be […]
Willis Raburu is one of Citizen TV’s fast rising journalists, based in Nairobi Kenya. A distinctive and versatile TV journalist, he brings a weekly segment on Citizen TV dubbed “TruthMeter” part of Citizen TV’s weekly new prime-time line-up of programming. My Definition Of Success | Success to me used to mean a good house, a […]
Francisca Kakra Forson is an international freelance journalist with Voice of America and West Africa Democracy radio based in Ghana and a consultant for the Institute for Statistical, Social & Economic Research at the University of Ghana. She is also fast becoming a powerful social activist and in-demand motivational speaker with a passion for matters […]
Passionate about international education and providing diverse academic options to committed learners, Angela Franklin (a native of Cincinnati, Oh) has worked in West Africa and the United Arab Emirates in the development and implementation of several international branch campuses. Franklin has extensive professional experience working with international partners to develop collaborative programs. As the Director […]
Mavericks is a surfing location in Northern California where storm-waves can top out at over 60 feet with many actually being recorded on the Richter Scale!! It is also the home of the Mavericks Big Wave International Surf Contest for a select few of the world’s best big wave surfers. Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker has won […]
Jane Maduegbuna is a trained lawyer who has a deep desire to encourage young women and help them succeed in life. Jane was a homemaker for 10-years and believes she is a poster child for “it’s never too later to walk your path and pursue your dreams”. Jane is an avid reader, wife, mother and […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME
