Inspiring audiences and challenging thinking across both corporate and public sectors, Michael’s greatest power is his emotional and intellectual force in connecting with audiences, influencing behaviours and moving people to a place of action. In today’s increasingly uncertain, complex and chaotic landscape, Michael not only offers compelling insights and learning tips to audiences around living with uncertainty, but the words of his hero Sir Ernest Shackleton ring true now more so today than at any other time: “Difficulties are just things to overcome”.

At just 18 years old, Michael was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (MD), a degenerative muscle wasting disease. Years later, Michael made history by becoming the first disabled person to lead expeditions to both the North (April 2002) and the South Poles (Jan 2004). His adopted life credo from his old school alma mater ‘Quant Je Puis’, meaning ‘As Much As I Can’, provides the fuel for this versatile speaker whose natural style, tone, pace and voice underpins his ability to connect deeply with his audience.

Delivering bespoke keynote presentations, filled with powerful learning’s and anecdotes drawn through the lens of Michael’s life, he shares compelling lessons and insights from his polar achievements that move audiences to not only reflect but also to take action. Named as one of Britain’s most influential disabled people, Michael’s MBE award was first announced in the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List, the first Honours List since the King’s Coronation. He received his MBE in June 2024 in recognition for Charitable Services to People with Muscular Dystrophy (MD).

Affectionately known as the Chief Muscle Warrior, Michael is the founder and CEO of the Muscle Help Foundation (MHF), the UK’s leading experiential Muscular Dystrophy charity. A multi award-winning national organisation, MHF delivers transformational Muscle Dream interventions in the UK for children and young people (8-28yrs) with Muscular Dystrophy. 2025/26 is a key milestone as the charity celebrates 22 years of changing lives and giving hope.

Key topics:

  •  Change and Living with Uncertainty
  •  Disability
  •  D&I in the Workplace
  •  Inclusive Leadership
  •  Intergenerational Leadership
  •  Mental Health
  •  Resilience
  •  Team Cohesion and Communication
  •  Unconscious Bias

Available for:

  •  Conference speaking
  •  Keynote speaking
  •  Virtual events
  •  Training
  •  Consultancy
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“Michael is an outstanding and inspiring speaker. He joined our top leaders conference and delivered a powerful, inspiring, and thought-provoking address. We were captivated by his journey, the way he navigated and thought about the (often huge) difficulties he faced and the adversity he has overcome. He really challenged us all to think outside of the box about the journey we face together and how we will achieve our goals. His story really resonated with our leaders; it was witty, imaginative, and often emotional – and presented with panache. The standing ovation was simply testament to the emotion and connection he reached with all of the audience..”
“Michael is an inspirational and motivational orator, and it was an honour to have him wrap up our managers conference. Michael skilfully wove our themes of leadership, change, agility and courage into the experiences of his fascinating adventures; he not only left us wanting to hear more, but he also left a lasting and powerful impression on everyone in the room. I have already had requests to have him back again! Great job Michael - thank you!”
“Michael is an inspiration.”
“Excellent, bang on message, inspiring.”
“Michael is a fascinating speaker with great passion, clarity, and a wonderful ability to engage an audience.”
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