Martin started life in England and began his professional career as a school teacher and coach. Pursuing his love of swimming, he went to California to study exercise physiology at Stanford University and work as an assistant to US Olympic coach George Haines at Santa Clara Swim Club. While at Santa Clara, Martin was able to coach, but also study the physical and mental aspects of high level performers, including multi gold medal winners Mark Spitz, Don Schollander and Claudia Kolb.

After completing his Ph.D. at Stanford, Martin went to the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. While in Victoria he:

• wrote the first North American book on employee fitness for the Canadian Federal Government,
• consulted with numerous companies on workplace wellness and human resources,
• spoke throughout the United States on behalf of the President's Council on Physical Fitness about the benefits of workplace wellness,
• created a unique weight loss and lifestyle book "The Phacts of Life" which has been translated into 5 languages,
• became a world authority on the science of cold water survival,
• published more than 50 academic papers,
• recorded 2 albums of original songs,
• became one of the great speakers on personal and professional performance. His lectures are a mix of science, energy, music, laughter, and insight. His words are transformational...

"Some speakers want an hour of your time, I want a piece of the rest of your life".