Mike is known around the world for helping organizations create cultures of respect — and for delivering keynotes and coaching that spark lasting transformation.
In 1989, while Mike was in college, he received a phone call that would shape the course of his life. A traumatic experience involving a close family member shook him to his core — and opened his eyes to how urgently we need a culture rooted in empathy, safety, and respect.
Mike began speaking out almost immediately, determined to make a difference. That calling became his life’s work.
In 2003, he founded The Center for Respect, which now reaches tens of thousands each year. Today, organizations of all sizes turn to Mike to help build cultures where people thrive through trust, dignity, and meaningful leadership.
Today, he’s a global thought leader in respect-centered leadership — working with corporations, associations, universities, and the U.S. military to shift cultures from compliance to true connection.
Mike has been featured on NBC Dateline, quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and media outlets around the world. He’s the author of three books and the founder of The Center for Respect, which reaches tens of thousands of professionals each year through training and speaking.
Whether he’s coaching executives, facilitating workshops, or keynoting to thousands, Mike brings clarity, candor, and a deep respect for every audience.
Mike’s rare ability to connect across age, industry, and authority levels makes him one of the most sought-after speakers on workplace culture.
He’s known for blending heart and humor, delivering moments of laughter one minute and deep self-reflection the next. Whether he’s speaking to high school students, corporate teams, or four-star generals, Mike makes every individual feel seen — and called to action.
In 2022, Mike was inducted into the National Speakers Association’s Hall of Fame (CPAE) — one of only five speakers selected that year, and the first ever honored specifically for expertise in workplace respect.
He also holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, earned by less than 5% of professional speakers worldwide, based on a proven record of excellence and client evaluations over five years.
Mike is also a Certified Virtual Presenter — so whether your event is in-person, virtual, or hybrid, you can count on an experience that’s seamless, polished, and impactful.
Hall of Fame Speaker (CPAE, 2022)
Certified Speaking Professional (CSP, since 2008)
Founder, The Center for Respect
Author of 3 books and an award-winning DVD
Certified Virtual Presenter
Featured on NBC Dateline, WSJ, Forbes
Delivered thousands of live and virtual keynotes across industries and spoken on 5 continents
Loves scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight was being underneath and alongside a 30ft Whale Shark off Thailand.
Enjoys swimming, lifting, biking, and kayaking for exercise.
Family time ROCKS! Dad of 4 sons and 3 grandkids. Married over 30 years.
Has been breakdancin' since he was a teen in the early 80s.
Treasures mindfulness, including yoga and meditation (when he makes the time for it - LOL).
Is in the Wide World of Sports Highlight Reel of the 1984 Olympics (in the audience of a Gold Medal match).
As a college student was recognized by the Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs as "One of the Top 10 Collegiate Entrepreneurs in the U.S.A."
Was the only student in his high school to ever serve all 4 years as the school mascot - Willy Whippet (and it was kept a secret who was inside).
Gets a rush every night running down to the lake in Wisconsin in his backyard to watch the sunset and take photos.
Cherishes getting to see live performances (comedy, music, theater).
Whether you need a keynote speaker, executive coach, or strategic advisor, Mike brings the experience, insight, and humanity to help you lead cultural transformation.
Pre-Order Mike's book today to discover the 7 essential strategies organizations are missing out when developing leaders. You will discover real-life skills that can be implemented daily!
Pre-Order today here.
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