From cowering in the corner to the corner office Growing up John Caldwell didn’t have the luxury of worrying about normal childhood issues. His family life was dysfunctional at best; his parents led lives of alcohol fuelled sex and violence and he spent most of his childhood hiding under the bed.

After being present when his dad took his own life with a shotgun at aged 11 and then being sexually abused by foster
parents, John had taken all he could. The problem only escalated at school. Being bullied for being poor, not having shoes, being gay – you name it. John would face daily ridicule from pupils and teachers and was verbally and physically abused each and every day of his life. At 15 years old John Caldwell, like so many other teenagers, jut hit rock bottom. Jobless and homeless without anyone to turn too John thought life was hopeless. He believed the taunts that he was useless, pathetic, and worthless and he would never be anything. “Just kill yourself,” the kid’s would taunt… and he almost did.

John fought the urges to take his own life and found the strength to fight. He had to abandon his education to make money just to survive. He credits pure hard work for his success with a global fast food company. Having started at the bottom, John worked his way up to be awarded as one of the Top Managers in the world. Skip to today and John has now founded his own company, RWR Group, operating multiple recruitment brands globally. John lives a very flamboyant lifestyle and enjoys the fruits of his labour and loves showing people just what you can make of yourself.

“There is something about overcoming adversity that makes you stronger, makes you a fighter and gives you a ‘never give up’ attitude to life” says John. “I love sharing my story with people and showing them anything is possible” After achieving corporate success John decided to turn his attention to helping people just like him. John works tirelessly with Angels Goal Anti Bullying organisation to help create awareness of the severity of the bullying epidemic in Australia and Globally. His work sees him speaking at schools, community groups, social events, one-on-ones and charity fund raisers. He bears his own story publically to help people see that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it really does get better. His shocking story inspires even the most hardened listener.

Recently named Australian of the year – Victoria John is also working with organisations in the USA and the UK to try and create unity among the countries to fight this growing problem. He is one of the few anti bullying advocates tackling the issues on a global scale. “I create awareness and want to show people that they are not alone and there is hope. I aim to inspire people to live through this and make a generational change”
John says of his efforts. If we can reduce bullying we can save even more lives. Full Throttle Full Throttle book was released in 2013 and tells the story of life, business and partnerships in the fast lane. John’s reveals the intimate details of his childhood, uncovering emotional memories that shine light on why John is so fervent in his quest to stop bullying. The no holds barred story is shocking and emotional, leaving readers on the verge of tears seeing the pain one young person can face. The story, like John’s life, has a happy ending and inspires us all to want to do more and achieve more. it shows that it is possible.

What’s Next?
Bullying shatters lives into pieces. Knowing the effect of bullying first hand, and being appalled by the stats surrounding suicide and bullying, John is filming a documentary ‘Pieces’ to shed new light on the effects and ultimately the tragic end. The documentary is being filmed around the world to highlight the global reach of this problem. The self funded documentary will see all proceeds donated to charity. John is also working with LA Based talent agency on a reality TV pilot based on Full Throttle.

Anthony Ackroyd is Australia’s No. 1 impersonator of Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Anthony is “blessed” with an uncanny vocal and visual resemblance to our nations’s leader and applies his renowned ability for writing and performing top quality comedy to produce unforgettably funny corporate presentations as The Ruddster.

To book the Ruddster for your next advertising campaign or to be Guest of Honour at your upcoming event contact Max on 0412 501 601 or email max@marksonsparks.com NOW!

Tim Shaw has over twenty years’ experience in television and radio broadcasting as a highly respected Host, Presenter, Journalist & Producer. He is now representing the Seven Network Australia as a senior journalist based in Thailand, covering news, current affairs, lifestyle, arts and entertainment throughout Asia for Australia’s largest commercial television network.

An accomplished radio broadcaster, Tim hosted his own program, The Tim Shaw Show on Sydney Radio 2GB 873.  He also hosted Legal Matters and broadcast nationally one of the most informative and entertaining overnight talk radio programs on Sydney Radio 2UE 954  and networked stations throughout Australia.

His guests have included Prime Ministers, past and present, the key players in business, politics, the arts, science, technology and talked about the social impact of the decisions of Governments and the corporate world. He knows which questions to ask, to get the answers the audience deserve.

He has appeared on all commercial television networks in Australia and on current affairs programs such as the Seven Network’s Today Tonight and My Business. He was a Sydney New South Wales 2000 team member at the Sydney Media Centre, Darling Island during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games coordinating radio, print & TV media in the Rocks Precinct to a global audience. Tim is also proud to be an Australia Day Ambassador since 1995.

Tim is professional, highly entertaining with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Drawing on his extensive experience, he delivers informative content & presentations. A born extrovert, Tim is the perfect Corporate Host, MC, Conference Convenor, after dinner speaker and awards presenter through the Asia Pacific region. For enquiries or book Tim please email margaux@marksonsparks.com

For more on Sophie and Vernesa contact Max on 0412 501 601 or email max@marksonsparks.com

At the age of 11, Haley started classical singing lessons and progressed through the Australian Music Examination Boards singing examinations. In 1994, Haley secured the role of ‘Little Cossette’ in Opera Hunter’s production of “Les Miserables” and continued to represent her school at the Regional and State dance festivals. In 1996 Haley was cast as a ‘Workhouse Orphan’ and a member of ‘Faigans’ gang’ in Opera Hunter’s “Oliver.”

During high school Haley developed her drama skills, and represented the Hunter School of Performing Arts at many festivals and showcases. In 1998, Haley started her cheerleading career with the Newcastle Falcon’s basketball team, and in 1999 was a member of the “Heart Breakers,” NSL Newcastle Breakers cheersquad. This same year Haley played the role of ‘Lily St. Regis‘ in the Civic Theatre’s production of “Annie.”

At the age of 18 Haley turned to modelling, and won various titles and competitions. She appeared in many magazines including Ralph, FHM and Fuel; and appeared in advertising campaigns for Pepsi, Newcastle Knights Limited, and NBN’s Big Dog.

Haley joined the Newcastle Knights cheer squad, and later the Parramatta Eels cheer squad where she danced for television, including The Footy Show and channel Nine’s Today Show; and appeared in calendars and advertising campaigns. In 2001 Haley was the national winner of FHM Girlfriend of the Year, and also appeared in international television commercials for Kellog’s Crunchy Nut.

Haley has regularly appeared in interviews, and articles for print media and television including Woman’s Day, New Idea, Zoo, OK, Today Tonight, A Current Affair, Sunrise, The Morning Show and, The Today Show. Haley was ‘WAGS’ team captain for channel Nine’s National IQ Test, and subsequently approached for several television and presenting roles.

In 2009 Haley was state winner of Mrs World Australia, and in 2011 Haley is Mrs International Australia. More recently Haley was runner-up on channel Seven’s Dancing With the Stars. Her dancing regularly gained her perfect scores from judges, and even earned her the label as “best dancer ever of any series of Dancing With the Stars.”

Haley is currently working with industry professionals at NIDA in media and television presenting; and is actively auditioning for various musical theatre roles.

Belinda began her media career when she entered the modelling industry in 1972. She went on to win the coveted title of Miss World, her modelling career continuing in Europe and the United States.
Upon returning to Australia, Belinda embarked upon a career in media, marketing and public relations.Belinda was a reluctant skater in the prime time TV show “Skating On Thin Ice” which she completed with much determination.Other career highlights include presenting a wacky Fashion, Beauty and Health segment for Ray Martin on ‘Midday Show’, and being a colourful panellist on ‘Beauty and the Beast’. She was a much loved personality on ‘Good Morning Australia’.Belinda has actively been involved in community work including outback car rally adventures with the “Desert Duel” which helps promote regional Australia and raise money for needy people and causes.

As a horse racing enthusiast and race horse owner Belinda loves to co-ordinate “Fashions on the Field” for regional race meetings. Her involvement varies depending on the needs of the individual clubs. As an animal lover Belinda does Wildlife rescue and care with W.I.R.E.S. Macropods (Kangaroos and Wallabies) are her great love.An articulate guest speaker and MC who brings a wealth of experience to every occasion, Belinda’s presentations address the stress, intensity and rapid rate of change that are the hallmarks of contemporary life.

Belinda’s practical life tools have equipped many with the know-how and enthusiasm they need to achieve goals, happiness and fulfilment in life.

To book Belinda Green email Margaux on margaux@marksonsparks.com or call the office on 02 9213 2900 to speak to Max!

The GC follows the lives of a group of talented and attractive young Maori as they work hard and play even harder in Australia’s favourite playground, the glittering Gold Coast.Talented and ambitious, the GC cast are chasing the good life, some live together, some work together but they all play together. This series offers a fascinating insight into the lives of nine young and successful Maori.

Markson Sparks are proud to exclusively manage the following cast members of this ground breaking television drama.

Zan Houia
Brooke James
Nathan Waikato
Rosanna Arkle
Jessica Nugent
Alby Waititi

At the young age of 15, her mature, operatic voice can soar from highs to lows across more than three and a half octaves. Her warmth, personified in her smile and delivered in her voice, has made her an instant success with people of all ages.

Grace was Guest Soloist at the 2006, Adelaide City Council/ The Advertiser Carols by Candlelight, where she wowed an audience of about 30,000. She won South Australian Junior Entertainer of the Year 2007 and has performed live on ABC Radio and Adelaide Radio‘s Live Music Festival.

Grace is the next little big voice to come out of Australia. With a vocal resonance that will send shivers down your back, her vast vocal ability & reportiore has it all, from rock, country & classical to contemporary & jazz.

With a repertoire of over 500 songs, Grace regularly performs at festivals, fetes, parades, corporate functions, musicals and cabarets across South Australia. She has recently completed a series of High Tea series as exclusive entertainer for the Hyatt Regency Adelaide and “Passion Series” with the Hilton Hotel‘s Grange Restaurant. Grace is a Cantor vocalist and Scholarship recipient with the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Choir.

Grace’s dream is to one day sing with Marina Prior at the Myer Music Bowl Carols By Candlelight. Her favorite artists include Josh Groban, Olivia-Newton-John, Tina Arena, Barbra Streisand and Marcia Hines.

In 2007, Grace recorded her debut single with multi-award winning Producer/ Songwriter, Audius Mtawarira, who has worked with Delta Goodrem, Guy Sebastian, Paulini, Deni Hines and, more recently, has helped catapult Erica Baxter’s career. Grace co-wrote “Always with My Love” with well known composer/ songwriter Barbara Griffin and her songs have remained in the Broadjam Top 10 Charts for almost a year {including Classical-Contemporary and Australian}.

Grace has performed live on The Today Show (Channel 9) in July 2007 with rave reviews from Richard Wilkins, and sang live on Radio 5AA by invitation of Australian Idol Judge, Mark Holden. She has also been chosen from a field of over 600 national and international applicants to perform at Sydney‘s Opera House for “World Youth Day 2008″.