Creativity in challenging circumstances


Martin Brooks, the founder of Mias Apps, is a motivational speaker with an inspirational story that will remind any person, team or organisation of lessons on how to be successful in challenging circumstances.

Martin's daughter Mia was born with cerebral palsy which left her completely physically disabled, but able to communicate by pointing with her eyes. The systems initially offered for helping Mia communicate were bulky, expensive and very difficult to personalise. Martin thought there had to be a better way to help his daughter and he invented an application (app) for the iPhone that has helped her communicate with a product that is affordable, portable and easy to personalise.

Despite no IT expertise, Martin's determination and love for his daughter made him dig deep and show a level of determination and resolve that motivates, inspires and challenges people to think more creatively about their own situations.

The free version of his app (iComm) has had thousands of downloads worldwide, with many parents and carers of children writing to express their thanks, as there was no other product like this app available to help disabled people communicate easily and affordably.

Having seen how children joyfully engaged with touchscreens, Martin was struck by the business opportunity of how they could help children learn. Taking what he learned from creating his first app, he invented a second app (iSpy Phonics) that assists children in learning to read whilst playing.

When Martin's wife saw that the parenting website Bounty.com was looking for candidates for their "Real dad of the year" in 2010, she put his name forward and the site's members were so touched by his story, they overwhelmingly voted him their; "Real dad of the year" for 2010.

An experienced and accomplished speaker from his many years' experience as a management training consultant, () Martin can powerfully tell his story whilst reminding audiences of the key qualities needed when facing adversity or challenge such as; Determination, Creativity ,Visioning, Motivation and Teamwork.

See what audiences have said about Martin;

  • As a keynote speaker Martin was eloquent and inspiring, and at the same time thoughtful, balanced and measured in his remarks. It is quite a skill to pitch comments at the right level for an audience, and to balance one's personal perspective with the need to give a more generally applicable message. Martin definitely achieved this balance. Martin's contribution was key to the success of the conference.  I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others. I know that my colleagues share this view. David Silverman, Strategy Manager, Herts County Council.
  • I attended the AGM of the St Albans Access Group when Martin Brooks was the guest speaker. Martin described the application that he had developed to enable his daughter Mia, to overcome her communication difficulties. I found Martin's presentation highly inspirational and it was evident that the other members of the audience were deeply moved and impressed. Roma Mills, Carers Involvement Manager, Carers in Hertfordshire.
  • I saw Martin Brooks speaking at London Business School to a large group of international senior executive education students. They went from a group of sceptical individuals to a buzzing team of people and left the room motivated and enthusiastic. I would happily recommend Martin as an individual that inspires a room. David Maylor, Owner and MD of Videos for Trainers Ltd.
  • Martin was a motivational speaker for an Early Years SEND Conference. The audience of over 100 delegates were all visibly moved by Martin's touching presentation. Martin is a truly eloquent and accomplished public speaker whilst also having the confidence and ability to share some deeply touching and personal experiences of his life as the father of a child with complex needs. Helena Marks Parent Partner Advisor, Herts County Council.

Go to the "Contact us" page to make queries about booking Martin as a motivational speaker for your conference or event.