Michelle Ray

Michelle Ray's Biography

Michelle Ray is a Hall of Fame business keynote speaker. A sought-after international leadership and change expert. An entrepreneur, an author, and an educator.

Most importantly, Michelle is a person. A passionate, deeply caring person. A fearless leader who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo. She's the kind of person who’ll do what it takes to help her team get outrageous results, even in a down economy.

After a successful career in media and advertising in Australia, Michelle shifted gears and accepted a leadership role at a global non-profit youth organization. She facilitated enduring partnerships between youth, entrepreneurs, and educators, preparing future generations to thrive in tomorrow’s business environment.

Michelle encountered a total contrast of leadership styles during her career, both good and bad. These experiences sparked her desire to help leaders not only master the fundamentals but also become the best versions of themselves. She seized the opportunity to venture into the speaking world and has since shared these messages with audiences around the world.

With more than 25 years of experience researching leadership, accountability, change, and workforce trends, Michelle has a deep understanding of new realities demanding the attention of leaders. Specifically, a dramatic shift in where and how we work, generational dynamics, talent shortages, and managing disruption while keeping the “human factor” of leadership top-of-mind.

A credit to her Aussie roots, Michelle engages audiences with her down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is style. As a respected thought leader, she has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Microsoft, the FBI, TD Bank, PayPal, and an array of Fortune 500 companies.

Michelle's Professional accomplishments:

Member of the Canadian Speakers Hall of Fame

Certified Speaking Professional Designation (CSP)

Certified Virtual Presenter Designation

Top 10 finalist of “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” contest

Top 10 Motivational Speaker, eSpeakers

Presentation Mastery Award from Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (BC chapter)

Listed in “Who’s Who” of Professional Speakers

Author of 2 books: “Lead Yourself First! Indispensable Lessons in Business & in Life” and “Leading in Real Time: How to Drive Success in a Radically Changing World”

Essays and articles published in The Globe & Mail and numerous trade journals

Speaking Topics Include

It Starts With You - Ignite the Power of Personal Leadership

If you were asked to identify the leaders in your organization, would you choose them based on their job descriptions?

Often, we think of leadership as a title. The truth is that leadership is about character.

Simply put, a leader is a person who can take ownership of their thoughts and, consequently, their actions – in any situation.

In this energizing keynote presentation, you will discover the power of personal responsibility and strengthen your relationship with leaders, co-workers, and clients.

Leading in Real Time

How to be Ready, Responsive, and Relevant in a Radically Changing World

When change and uncertainty strike, leaders must be ready to lead, even when the answers aren’t immediately at their fingertips.

Leadership used to be more about the “long view” – looking out on the horizon to chart your organization’s future.

But, as recent events have reminded us, we don’t live in that world any more. And the future remains outside of our control.

Now, you’re facing a host of pressures. Ongoing digital transformation. Generational change. Remote work. Talent retention. Not to mention adjusting to a post-pandemic world.

These and other challenges compel you to act right now, in real time.

Who Moved My Future

How to Cultivate a Change-Ready Mindset

“Why is this happening?”
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
“But we’ve always done it that way!”

If you’ve ever advocated for change within your organization, you’ve probably encountered these reactions.

As a leader, you’re expected to respond to situations and events outside of your control. That’s easier said than done. Especially when you’re facing an environment of uncertainty that makes your people feel anxious about their future.

If you’re facing these challenges, I have good news for you. It is possible for you and your teams to shift your perspective, let go of the old, and enthusiastically embrace the new.

The Transformational Leader - Be Bold. Be Real. Be Ready.

It’s no secret that today’s workforce craves authenticity from their leaders and preferred brands.

As a leader, you want to be authentic. You know that it’s an essential character trait if you want to build trusting relationships with your teams. You intuitively understand that being relatable and transparent can give you a unique competitive advantage.

So, how do you make this happen?

In this insightful presentation, I will teach you how to forge relationships with your employees that are positive and real.

Staying Power

Success Strategies for Resilient Leadership

What makes a person resilient? Can resilience be taught? Or is it just that some people are better able to rebound from adversity than others?

We all experience events outside of our control, the inevitable peaks and valleys of life. What matters is how we first interpret and then respond to them.

If we want to rise above challenges – regardless of their shape and size – we need to develop a mindset of managing rather than coping.

Resilience is the cornerstone of our emotional and psychological survival in challenging times. In this inspiring keynote, get ready to learn the three essential strategies to access your resilient mindset.

Meaning is the New Motivation

How to Attract and Retain Talent in the New World of Work

Today’s highly sought-after new wave of talent is not only more informed than any other time in history; they also have their collective fingers on the pulse when choosing their employer.

This savvy group expects to work with forward-thinking organizations that truly understand what motivates them, as well as self-aware, accountable leaders.

Meaning and purpose is the new currency. That’s why leaders need to focus on building deeper relationships with their employees in order to attract and retain them.

As workplace demographics change, so do employee expectations. Today’s workforce sees themselves as citizens of the world, who are passionate about making a difference. It’s now in your hands to create an environment where they will thrive.