Mark Victor Hansen Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award At Legacy Leadership Summit

BY: LA Tribune Editorial Team

At the grand finale of The Los Angeles Tribune's three-day Legacy Leadership Virtual Summit last June 18, 2023, the 137-year-old media brand bestowed the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Mark Victor Hansen, a man who has dedicated his life to empowering individuals and inspiring positive change on a global scale. The award ceremony was broadcasted virtually from The Los Angeles Tribune's platform – a pioneer in virtual summits, tours, and events – and streamed to virtual attendees in 23 countries.

This accolade recognized his lifelong work that has been focused on uplifting individuals and positively shaping the world. Hansen, a luminary in the self-help and personal development genre, is best known as the co-creator of the global bestseller "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series along with Jack Canfield. The iconic series has sold over half a billion copies worldwide, reaching readers in more than 40 languages and setting numerous records.

As a prominent author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur, Mark Victor Hansen has spent decades inspiring individuals to unleash their potential and attain their dreams. He has been a beacon of hope, offering practical wisdom, tools, and strategies for success through his works.

Driven by his dedication to individual empowerment, he released more books on the topic, including "The One Minute Millionaire," "Cracking the Millionaire Code," and "Cash in a Flash," which also reached bestseller status. His eloquent delivery and insightful teachings have earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including being named one of the top five outstanding speakers by Toastmasters International.

Hansen's impact, however, is not limited to personal development. He has proven himself as a global changemaker through his remarkable philanthropic efforts, with his foundation playing a pivotal role in promoting literacy and providing resources for schools in underserved communities. He also spearheaded projects aimed at environmental conservation and promoting renewable energy, and his dedication to entrepreneurship as a means of uplifting communities serves as a testament to his far-reaching vision of a better world.

The Lifetime Achievement Award presented by The Los Angeles Tribune recognizes all these efforts and highlights a career dedicated to service, empowerment, and global impact. Hansen's example shines brighter than ever in an increasingly interconnected world that relies on effective leadership. Throughout his illustrious career, Hansen has embodied the principles of transformative leadership that the summit sought to promote. His unwavering dedication to empowering individuals, promoting literacy, and championing environmental sustainability reflects the ideals of the Legacy Leadership Summit and The Los Angeles Tribune itself.

As a testament to Hansen’s transformative impact, the ceremony featured a touching live testimonial from one of the millions of lives touched by Hansen's work – the ‘Hopeologist’ Jammie Matheson. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and initially given an 18% survival rate, Jammie first encountered "Chicken Soup for the Soul for Cancer Survivors" in her oncologist's office. The hope and strength she drew from the stories in Hansen's book empowered her throughout her treatments, and today, Jammie is not only an over 20-year cancer survivor but is also a 'hopeologist,' actively sharing the hope she drew from Hansen's work with others around the globe.

This heartwarming surprise was orchestrated by Moe Rock, the CEO of The Los Angeles Tribune, and Ava V. Manuel, the newspaper's Senior Editor. Bringing Jammie into the live broadcast to share her gratitude with Hansen, Moe Rock cites the inspiration for this surprise, stating, "We want to make sure you get the chance to thank Mark because we've heard you say in the past that you literally credit Mark for being alive today."

Connecting screens and hearts across the globe, Matheson addressed her hero: "Mark, I just want to thank you on my behalf, on my family’s behalf, on my communities’ behalf. You have inspired me to want to be better, to reach out to people because you reached out to me through your book. I want to reach out to people all over the world and be a light for them, and you are the reason for that. And I just want to thank you. Thank you so much”.

A visibly moved Hansen expressed his deep appreciation for the honor and the touching tribute from Matheson. "Thank you! What a great reward I got. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Hansen replied as he clasped his hand to his heart.

Mark Victor Hansen's Lifetime Achievement Award affirms his far-reaching influence and dedication to humanity. It is a testimony to the power of hope, personal growth, and transformative leadership in creating a positive global impact. His unwavering commitment to these values resonates throughout his extensive work, inspiring millions like Jammie and shaping the world for the better. While the virtual summit has ended, his legacy stands tall, inspiring future generations of leaders and serving as a testament to the power of hope and resilience.

As Mark Victor Hansen receives this well-deserved accolade, his life and work continue to demonstrate his belief in the power of individuals to effect significant change in their communities and the world. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire and guide the next generation of leaders, leaving a lasting impact for years.