Topics

• Ice, Slice & Adrenalin
• Belief and The Power Within
• Leadership in Action
• pole2pole ~ What Goes Up Must Go Down
• Taking calculated risks
• I am Michael
• Flexing your Employee Muscle
• Challenging preconceptions about disABILITY
• Celebrating and Valuing Difference
• Inspiring others to Reach Beyond
• Triumph over Adversity
• Leveraging Revenue from Difference
• Disability Business Case
• Focus on YOUR goals
• Inclusion Today in business
• Finding the Balance
• Why Diversity matters

Michael on ~ INSPIRATION

The feeling that inspiration gives us is often described within the body as having an elevated energy and enthusiasm. Successfully reaching two of the most inhospitable places on our earth is in itself remarkable and inspiring; what is all the more remarkable is the fact that despite his adversity, Michael’s story focuses in part on his enormous mental energy but also his unique ability to create what he calls a ‘shift in state’ in others towards a place that is ‘inspirational’. His story is not just about where he draws his own day-to-day inspiration but also why real inspiration can be a great catalyst for change. It is about our individual ability to make a difference in others, no matter what our limitations. Despite most people in Michael’s life saying that it would be impossible (you can’t do that), despite the probabilities, the dreadful odds and the utter disbelief from those in the medical world who understand the physiological risks associated with extreme cold and muscular dystrophy ~ if we believe in something strongly enough and critically, can inspire others to believe, then absolutely anything is possible.

Michael on ~ LEADERSHIP

To what extent can one person influence or directly affect human behaviour so as to accomplish a goal? Some leaders have an innate ability to naturally lead, whereas others learn about the attributes and qualities associated with leadership. Leadership works through people and culture, whilst management works through hierarchy and systems ~ real leaders inspire action in others; they are often magnetic people. Real leaders think and behave differently; they infuse energy and eagerness into their team. Real leaders must give direction, provide inspiration, build teams, set an example and most of all, be accepted ~ distinct nuances not found in management. Leadership in Michael’s world is not simply about motivating people to be more effective and efficient but about being visible and outcome-focused. Seeing the big-picture, listening to all ideas, communicating clearly, being mindful of difference whilst having the ability to charismatically motivate others and having the belief in one’s own ability to make a difference are leadership attributes that Michael shares with audiences. His trait of optimism is a classic leadership quality that continues to drive him forwards ~ few pessimists ever become great leaders!

Michael on ~ MOTIVATION

Michael’s often refers to what he calls the first and golden rule of motivation which states that a person will never inspire others, unless they’re seriously inspired themselves. Motivation is something that sits deep within all of us ~ it is the incentive ‘to make a difference’ that draws the motivation out of each and every one of us to do what it is we do. In Michael’s case, his motivation causes others to take action ~ building a motivated team requires an understanding in recognising the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary. In his own words ‘really effective motivation is seldom rationale, it hits you at an emotional level’. Unfortunately you can’t buy motivation in tablet form to be taken three times daily after meals ~ in Michael’s case, motivating others starts with his own humility, his quiet sense of self, his infectious self-motivation and calm self-confidence, key qualities that continue to sustain him as his life's journey continues to unfold.

Michael on ~ TEAMWORK

One of Michael’s hero’s is Sir Ernest Shackleton and specifically his legendary Antarctic expedition of 1914-1916. Shackleton is a great role model of teamwork that many individuals and global organisations refer to and learn from in business today, not least Michael who attracted the patronage of the Honourable Alexandra Shackleton (Sir Ernest’s grand-daughter). In wanting to understand the real importance of teamwork, especially when operating in the extreme environments of the Arctic and the Antarctic, Michael’s own team couldn’t have been more diverse. Like Shackleton, Michael conducted a number of unconventional interviews to find unique talent; he looked for the attributes of optimism, cheerfulness, courage, patience and physical endurance in potential candidates ~ in Michael’s case, teamwork was directly linked to his own physical well-being and survival.

Unorthodox recruitment methodologies involved personality profiling, behavioural observation and analysis as well as 1:1 interviews, conducted in part at the Hammersmith Hospital in London where Michael’s annual ‘MOT’ used to take place. This focused activity resulted in identifying the right blend of complimentary skills and attributes that he was looking for ~ candidates joined Michael in open discussion whilst he underwent a series of tests involving both electrocardiogram, CT Scans and a nuclear heart scan (known specifically as myocardial viability testing). Unusual you might think but remember that Michael was looking for team members that he could trust with his life! As evidenced by Michael’s pole2pole expedition achievements, teams that 'trust' and are 'honest with each other' from the outset, who work tirelessly together towards a common goal will accomplish and prevail.

EMOTIONAL FORCE ~ a speaker with a difference

A difference that manifests itself through Michael's own thorough research and preparation, his innate ability to interprete client briefs by 'listening' and 'questioning' and his own C&I experience drawn from a background in conference & event management and live communications. To achieve maximum audience impact, deliveries are 'individually customised' with for example key messages being carefully woven into presentations. Working closely with clients, Michael will often make recommendations that not only enhance an event but will always look at where and how more value can be added as part of the engagement process.  

Whether motivational, inspirational or educational, Michael McGrath aims in his words "to connect both emotionally and intellectually" with his audiences, by "inspiring action" and by being a "catalyst for change". His greatest power is his 'emotional force' in connecting with his audiences.