Michael McGrath - A skilled communicator
"You are as powerful and strong
as you allow yourself to be"
Michael McGrath is no ordinary person. Forget the fact that he has Muscular Dystrophy for a moment and that he was included as part of The Queen's 2004 Christmas Day Broadcast reinforcing diversity as a strength. His remarkable life story is one of consistently challenging adversity. He is not only inspirational in terms of his daily battle in overcoming his physical disability, but driven in the way he communicates his can-do philosophy to his audience.
Articulate in delivery, he is living proof that the remarkable power of the human spirit is alive and well. His undefeatable will to succeed and his constant desire to push himself to even greater achievements led him in April 2002 to successfully reach the North Pole and in January 2004 to Antarctica. His polar experiences are laced with danger and excitement. After a near fatal aircraft incident on arrival and enduring 14 days on the ice, he and his team reached the South Pole having been man-hauled in the horizontal position the last 5kms. He walked the final leg, a distance of 310 metres.
Facing his worst fears head-on and feeling the cold terribly due to a woefully inefficient circulatory system and despite severe walking difficulties having lost 65% of his muscle bulk, Michael became the first disabled person in the world to have conquered both North and South Poles.
Now established on the international speaker circuit and in the age of new adventurers, his infectious spirit is personified by the example of self-improvement he continually sets. In valuing difference, engaging presentations move people from diverse backgrounds and at all levels to make a tangible difference in both their workplace and personal lives. One of his key learning's is to recognise what he refers to as the power within and that the journey towards achieving one's goals is significantly more important than the final destination.
Undaunted by his physical limitations, this truly inspirational achiever has firmly grasped life head on. He continues to make things happen his way. Sound commercial experience drawn from a background in performance improvement, employee motivation and sales development enable him to customise his delivery by inspiring both small and large groups to reach beyond. His qualities of self-belief, determination, resilience and purpose of mind ensure all parties with whom he connects achieve positive outcomes. Beneath his personable disposition and appealing sense of humour, there lie profound messages that provoke, stimulate and inspire change.
"I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael as a passionate and practiced speaker. He articulates with immense authority, engaging his audience both emotionally and intellectually." Dr Hamish Stevenson, Founder & Director of The Fast Track 100 Organisation
"Michael is an inspiration. He has a thoroughly positive outlook for somebody facing such adversities." Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Atlantic, Chairman of the Virgin Group
"Fascinating, inspirational and extremely well received, giving the team much to think about. The audience were captivated." Neil Jagger, Circulation Director of Daily Mail & The Mail on Sunday
"I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael as a rousing speaker that captures not only the attention but also the emotion of the audience that he addresses." Carol Hornblower, Senior National Account Manager of Corus & Regal Hotels
Just do it!
The most difficult part of any endeavour is taking that first step. Each and every one of us suffer from the 'It can't be done' syndrome at certain points in our lives. Michael has repeatedly heard others say just that about him and done it anyway. But you will never hear him say it.
Speaking topics include:
- Leadership in Action
- Motivation & Connectivity
- Diversity & Teamwork
- Accessibility in line with DDA Compliance
- Discovering Degrees of Difference
- Challenging Preconceptions about disABILITY
- Flexing 21st Century Corporate Muscle
- Ice, Slice & Adrenalin
- Look at ME, not my disability
- ABILITY, not disABILITY
- Triumph over Adversity
- Inspiring others to Reach Beyond
- The Disability Business Case
- Beyond Boundaries
Bookings
Michael lives in England and is available for speaking engagements internationally. All enquiries should be directed to michael@musclehelp.com
The Muscle Help Foundation Trust Fund receives a percentage from fees generated as a result of contracted speaking engagements.
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