C.J. Marks
The Premier TEDx Coach in Asia
President & CEO, Trelexa
About
C.J. Marks is a globally recognized keynote speaker, presentation coach, and TEDx trainer — widely known as The Premier TEDx Coach in Asia. With over two decades of experience, C.J. has empowered C-suite executives, company presidents, politicians, thought leaders, and government officials worldwide to communicate with confidence and authority.
Best-selling authors, industry thought leaders, social influencers, and prominent motivational speakers seek his help when preparing for their TEDx talks. TEDx Event Organizers reach out to him when they want to get their speakers stage-ready. He has collaborated with TEDx organizers and speakers across six continents, including TEDx Kobe, TEDx UPV, TEDx Awaji, TEDx AAW, and TEDx Tokoin.
An award-winning speaker and Toastmaster, C.J. is also a proficient PechaKucha Night organizer and a professionally trained Data Storyteller. With over twenty-five years in education spanning California and Japan, he currently holds an esteemed instructor position at a prestigious private university in Kobe, Japan.
As President & CEO of Trelexa, C.J. leads the company's mission to help experts, founders, and thought leaders take their stories public. He is a key contributor to the bestselling anthology "The Life IPO: How to Take Your Story Public."
Coaching Services
Corporate Coaching
Works with C-Suite executives, company presidents, politicians, thought leaders and influencers to build confidence and skills for presentations, pitches, and keynotes.
One-on-One Sessions
Educational and entertaining sessions — from speech contest champions to multi-million dollar start-up pitches to keynote talks to political campaign stump speeches.
TEDx Speaker Coaching
Helps best-selling authors, industry thought leaders, and prominent speakers prepare for TEDx talks. Also trains and coaches entire TEDx event teams.
Credentials & Verifications
TEDx Organizers
What event organizers say about working with C.J.
“C.J.'s dedication and expertise have been invaluable in our efforts to curate engaging and impactful speaker lineups. His motivation and commitment to supporting TEDx events shine through in his proactive approach.”
Gihad Hussein
TEDx Awaji
“C.J. Marks was the first one I recruited as a TEDx Speaker Coach for the inaugural TEDxAAW event. His coaching skills were consistently praised by the speakers. He consistently dedicated himself to one-on-one sessions, each lasting a full hour.”
Shelomi Domingo
TEDx Ayala Avenue Women
“CJ went above and beyond by recording a captivating video invitation to encourage attendance. His professionalism and attention to detail were evident throughout the process.”
Wilfred Dabire
TEDx Tokoin
“CJ provided me with full guidance on how to make my TEDx event a success. His unwavering support and expertise truly made a difference, allowing me to navigate the event with confidence.”
Dr. Fabi Cariño
CPHR, CLDP, CCBP, H. Doc HR
“C.J. has been an invaluable addition to the TEDx events I've produced since 2024. His exceptional management and technical expertise will continue to elevate the impact of TEDx.”
Leah Angela Cioco
TEDx UPV
TEDx Speakers
What speakers say after being coached by C.J.
“C.J. is truly a perfect combination of skill, constructive feedback, deep knowledge of behind the scenes, and persistence to make sure you have the best stage presence and post-production possible to deliver a TEDx talk that can leave a legacy.”
Susan Rae Blanchet
B Corp CEO, Founder, Lawyer
“He helped me refine my delivery, connect with the audience on a deeper level, and step onto that stage with confidence. Working with him for TEDx Awaji 2025 was a game-changer.”
Carlos Lastres
Senior Product Designer / Software Engineer
“CJ is hands down such a great coach, and mentor. With 3 weeks to the TEDx talk — he had me feel so prepared. I knocked it out of the park thanks to him! Definitely work with him, you won't be disappointed.”
Dr. Neeta Bhusan
International Keynote Speaker, 5x Award Winning Author
“C.J. was my coach for TEDx UPV. His advice has been so instrumental that I use those skills in my class. He is the best speaker coach I have ever met!”
Ryohei Onishi
Japanese-English Interpreter, 2x TED Speaker
“Thanks to his insightful coaching and valuable connections, I walked on that stage feeling completely prepared. 'Train hard so the fight becomes easy' — it was absolutely true.”
Veejay Madhavan
CEO
“CJ was an incredible speech coach for me. The special skills needed to pull off a high-quality TEDx Talk were only possible because of his coaching. Look no further than this man.”
Robert Stroud, PhD
TEDx Speaker
“C.J. has been the most professional and inspiring mentor in preparing my TEDx Speech. He has always been available and delivered his knowledge in a performing and friendly manner. I would have never been able to deliver the speech without his counselling.”
Michele Bezzi
International Tour Leader, Cultural Exchange Ambassador
“CJ was my coach in TEDx UPV. He provided valuable insights. He was able to guide me on how I can use calmness and be at the moment.”
Jommel Macabagdal
CEO and Managing Director, Civil Engineer, Professor
“I highly recommend CJ as a speech coach. CJ meticulously assessed my specific needs and provided invaluable advice, demonstrating both kindness and firmness.”
Pamela L. Reyes
Award Winning Movie Director & Producer
“CJ possesses an extraordinary understanding of how to structure a TEDx talk. His patience and ability to guide through personal experience and storytelling were invaluable.”
Alicia D. Polak
IT & Non IT Project Management
“CJ Marks has consistently encouraged me to confront my fears, particularly in public speaking, and his guidance has been invaluable in my personal and professional growth.”
Mary Claire Delgado
Education Specialist, Career Coach, Chef, Triathlete
Business Clients
Corporate coaching and workshop testimonials
“C.J. both demonstrated and motivated the students to speak up and speak out. They were able to speak confidently, engagingly and spontaneously without notes and bring the house down!”
Janina Tubby
Founder, Director of Kobe Bilingual School
“He genuinely cares about your success. His feedback was insightful, and always on point. He encouraged me, challenged me, and helped me refine my message without ever making me feel like I had to perform.”
Sama Alkhalili
Founder of In English With Love
“CJ was very thorough, checking in via Zoom and ensuring the content was tailored to the needs of the participants. CJ was engaging and gave participants ample opportunity to put into practice the tips.”
Charleen Lay
Program Coordinator: CLAIR / JET Programme
“We worked with C.J. briefly to optimize remote tech team comms and for public speaking events. C.J. added value and helped the team with communication, storytelling and delivery.”
Manas Kala
CEO of Veritus
“I highly recommend C.J. as a speaker coach. He tailors his training to individual needs, emphasizes core skills, and offers constructive feedback. His supportive approach keeps clients motivated.”
Dr. Sam Sammane
Founder of TheoSym, 4x TEDx Speaker
In the Press
📰The Voice of the IPO: C.J. Marks on Why Your Story is Worth the Stage
Social Lifestyle Magazine — March 2026
Expertise
By the Numbers
Keynote speaking, TEDx coaching, and corporate workshops available worldwide.