Mark Victor Hansen is an American inspirational and motivational speaker, trainer, and author. He is best known as the founder and co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series.

Personal Background: Mark Victor Hansen was born on January 8, 1948, to Danish immigrants, Una and Paul Hansen. He grew up in Waukegan, Illinois. In 1970, he graduated from Southern Illinois University with a B.A. in speech communications.

Career Highlights: Along with his business partner, Jack Canfield, Hansen is celebrated for creating what Time Magazine called “the publishing phenomenon of the decade.” The Chicken Soup for the Soul books have become one of the most successful publishing franchises in the world, with more than 500 million books sold internationally and over 100 licensed products.