Peace.

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

KEYNOTES FOR BUSINESSES

Don’t Take it Personally: Making peace with difficult people in the workplace

Most of us have heard the expression, hurt people hurt people. But how often do we view the behavior of a disgruntled customer or moody co-worker with empathy and understanding? Perhaps even more difficult is keeping our cool when someone mistreats us—finding the strength not to feel offended, lash out, or take unfriendly attitudes personally.

In this essential workplace presentation, Michael offers a compassionate yet courageous approach to dealing with difficult people at work and in everyday life. He will also provide tools for communicating in stressful situations, explore the benefits of constructive anger, and reveal ways to turn potential conflict into peace and resolution.

  • Highlights and benefits include a happier, more optimistic work environment, decreased tension among management and staff, positive client relationships, strategies to develop emotional resilience, improved focus and listening skills, and replacing anger and resentment with compassion, forgiveness, and kindness.

  • In addition to working with groups of employees, one-on-one coaching is available for managers and team leaders.

WELLNESS \ MENTAL HEALTH PRESENTATIONS

Love as Medicine: A heart-focused approach to positive mental health

In his most raw and personal keynote yet, Michael reveals how he became free from decades of anxiety and depression and the unexpected path that led him to genuine happiness. Through moving stories, humor, and viewing love as an “antidepressant,” he explains how focusing on intentional kindness and compassion liberated him from a painful past. Michael will also discuss other highly effective practices to support positive mental health, such as mindfulness, self-appreciation, connecting with nature, and the immeasurable value of authenticity. As he shares these and other wellness strategies, you will learn how an open and kind heart is the first step to healing an unsettled mind.

Highlights and benefits include alternative approaches to overcoming treatment-resistant depression, self-awareness tools, natural ways to support a positive mood, developing new self-care habits, feeling happier, reducing anxiety, strengthening relationships, discovering life’s true purpose, and recognizing love for oneself and others as effective ways to improve overall well-being.

Now reserving speaking dates for 2024-2025

Keynotes and workshops are available for conferences, businesses, universities, private events, and more.

Partial client list:

HAY HOUSE WORLD SUMMIT

UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS

OMNE: NURSING LEADERS OF MAINE

MAINE CREDIT UNION LEAGUE

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF MAINE

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

PARTNERS FOR ENRICHMENT

ALCO MANAGEMENT

YMCA ALLIANCE OF NH & VT

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND

SENIORS PLUS

YORK HOSPITAL

ASSISTANCE PLUS

WRITER FROM WITHIN CONFERENCE

FOGELMENT MANAGEMENT

DEPUY SYNTHES

MAINE COAST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

SOUTHERN MAINE HEALTHCARE

HILLSIDE

HAY HOUSE ICDI CONFERENCE NYC

HAY HOUSE ICDI CONFERENCE AUSTIN 

HAY HOUSE ICDI CONFERENCE TORONTO

HAY HOUSE ICDI CONFERENCE VANCOUVER

HAY HOUSE ICDI CONFERENCE ATLANTA

HAY HOUSE ICDI CONFERENCE SAN JOSE

COLUMBIA GRAMMAR AND PREPARATORY NYC

BOW HIGH SCHOOL

HERMON MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

WAYNFLETE

FALMOUTH SCHOOLS

RYLA

CAPE ELIZABETH HIGH SCHOOL

C.K. BURNS SCHOOL

MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

WINDHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL

BIDDEFORD HIGH SCHOOL

BIDDEFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

DEXTER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

SANFORD HIGH SCHOOL

CENTER DRIVE SCHOOL

MAINE CENTRAL INSTITUTE

CAPE ELIZABETH MIDDLE SCHOOL

SCARBOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

THORNTON ACADEMY

BONNY EAGLE HIGH SCHOOL

WINNISQUAM

ERSKINE ACADEMY

REICHE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

MASSEBESIC SCHOOLS

STONEHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA

KING PHILIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

BONNY EAGLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

WELLS JR HIGH SCHOOL

YARMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

CHESTER ACADEMY

AUGUSTA SCHOOL DISTRICT

HAMPDEN ACADEMY

FORT KENT SCHOOLS

EASTERN MIDDLE SCHOOL

LAKE REGION MIDDLE SCHOOL

VAN BUREN DISTRICT 24

SANFORD JR HIGH SCHOOL

WASHINGTON ACADEMY

PRESQUE ISLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

MADAWASKA SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

GLENBURN ELEMENTARY

MT ABRAM REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

MARSHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

GEORGE STEVENS ACADEMY

MORSE HIGH SCHOOL

SUMNER MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

MAINE SENIOR COLLEGE NETWORK

MAMLE

SACO SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

HOBY

KENNETT HIGH SCHOOL

KEARSARGE

FREEPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER SCHOOLS

HOLBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL

MAHONEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

SWEETSER

HOLY CROSS SCHOOL

SEDOMOCHA MIDDLE SCHOOL

DAY ONE

MAHONEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

RSU 74

LINCOLNVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL

APPLETON VILLAGE SCHOOL

HOPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

ST ANSELM COLLEGE / STAND BY ME

MARSHWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

MARSHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

THE NEW SCHOOL KENNEBUNKPORT

KIND WORDS

“Your time with our group of YMCA professionals inspired us all. I can’t tell you how many people came up to me throughout the rest of our conference to talk to me about changes they plan on making in their lives due to your message. It was such a great way to kick off our conference!”

—  Joseph W. Manzoli, Jr. - CEO, YMCA

“Thank you so much for your inspirational and uplifting messages of hope and love. It reaches beyond cultural norms, racial issues, and international borders. A simple message with profound and long-lasting effects.”

—  Teresa, Bern, Switzerland

“We truly enjoyed having Michael come and speak to us! His talk has improved our company so much. We have enjoyed being a kinder business!”

— Assistance Plus, Inc.

“Thank you for the moving and motivating start to the school year for Saco School Department staff. Your message of kindness and love is so important and will make a difference in the lives of the children we are privileged to work with.”

— Joan, Saco, ME

“I can honestly say that you were by far the best speaker I’ve listened to in my career. Your positive energy and outlook are contagious.” 

— Jared B.

“Out of the 100 speakers at the Hay House World Summit this year, you moved me. Thank you. Continue to be exactly who you are. It works.”  — Paul T.

“I cannot get over how your presentation has made me feel. I have always considered myself a positive person and work really hard to spread it to everyone around me. But somehow, you have motivated me to work even harder and make more goals.” 

— Alyssa D.

“Defining success has been something I've struggled with, but now I think I've finally got it. What's the truest, rawest form of success? KINDNESS. Thank you, Michael!” 

— Lance P.

“It was a wonderful day for our school—the response from children, teachers, and parents has been amazing. Your visit and message will have a long-lasting impact on our school community for years to come!”  

—  Margo Keniston Potter, Columbia Prep School, NYC

“Fantastic presentation at the Maine Health Care Association Conference! It was very encouraging and motivating. I can't wait to get your book!

—  Heather, Rockland, Maine

“I am the mother of a 14-year-old boy. You spoke at his middle school about a month ago. I want to thank you with the deepest gratitude for your talk. My son has been depressed, and I worry for his well-being as I see him retreating from me. I fear drugs, alcohol, self-harm, etc., are lurking in the shadows. I love him profoundly but find him unreachable sometimes.

So you can imagine he doesn’t do too much more than grunt a hello at me and ask for food when he gets home from school, then be left alone. However, on the day of your talk, he came home from school with a gentle light around him. He said, “Mom, we had this speaker today, and he said some profound things...he told some personal stories that I can't stop thinking about.” He said, “Mom, I'm going to be kinder...I'm going to be more loving.”

You reached him. A good, brilliant kid who is often feeling lost, alone, sad, and angry. He generally checks out. But he heard you. Thank you for this one moment of light that I hope can grow. Bless you and your work.”

— Jennifer B.

Disclaimer: I offer services as a speaker, teacher, and coach, teaching primarily from personal experience—sharing the tools I’ve learned and utilized to overcome childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, and general dissatisfaction with life. I am not a psychologist, therapist, or licensed healthcare professional, and I do not provide professional health or medical advice.