Michelle Ray

 About

  • Michelle talks about how you can embrace, manage. and anticipate change with renewed confidence
  • Audiences learn to lead themselves and their teams with greater effectiveness in the new world of work
  • Michelle Ray is a Leadership & Change expert with more than 25 years of experience helping people build outstanding workplace relationships and cultures. Author of Leading in Real Time: How to Drive Success in a Radically Changing World and Lead Yourself First! Indispensable Lessons in Business and in Life.
  • Past clients include: Microsoft, Dell, Proctor & Gamble, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Shell, Xerox, Paypal, Qantas Airways, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Click Here to Watch Michelle's Virtual Presentation

About Michelle Ray - Leadership and Change Expert, Author & Hall of Fame Speaker:

With more than twenty-five years of experience researching leadership, accountability, change and workforce trends, Michelle Ray has a deep understanding of new realities demanding the attention of leaders. Specifically: A dramatic shift in where and how we work, generational change, employee voices rising on a host of social issues, post- pandemic talent shortages and ongoing digital transformation impacting every industry. Michelle advises leaders on how to lead in real time; to remain ready, responsive, and relevant against the backdrop of a world forever changed.

How do we answer the call? How do we reset? The answers can be found through Michelle’s powerful content and real-time leadership solutions.

Michelle Ray is a Hall of Fame business keynote speaker, leadership and change expert, author and educator who has worked with renowned brands that include Microsoft, Dell, PayPal, McDonalds, Xerox, and Shell. Originally from Australia and now residing in Vancouver, Canada, Michelle is the CEO and Founder of the Real Time Leadership Academy. Michelle has taught leadership skills to the Australian Army, the FBI, and C-Suite executives in an array of industries, including financial institutions on the list of the world’s top 50 banks.

Michelle is as an unstoppable, inspiring force on stage, creating memorable experiences for her audiences, utilizing her masterful methods of audience engagement, storytelling, and dynamic stage presence to instantly build rapport. She a frequent guest on podcasts and current affairs programs and is the author of two books; her latest, Leading in Real Time: How to Drive Success in a Radically Changing World, was released to rave reviews.

Why Michelle Ray can add value to your conference:

  • Proven track record as a seasoned presenter at corporate and association meetings throughout North America as well as internationally since 1995
  • Renowned business motivational speaker for numerous annual conferences and professional development events
  • Qualified as a “Certified Speaking Professional”, the National Speakers Association’s highest – earned designation held by less than 10% of members
  • From thousands of entries received, Michelle Ray reached the Top Ten Finals of “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” Contest.
  • Undertakes due diligence with in-depth research prior to every engagement
  • Consistently engages audiences with humor, passion and a powerful message
  • Delivers a return on investment with solid content; tailored for each client

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 Topics

What Michelle Ray Talks About:

Leading in Real Time: How to Be Ready, Responsive and Relevant in a Radically Changing World

In the face of uncertainty and radical change in the way we work and live, we need to be ready, responsive and relevant leaders. Michelle Ray’s dynamic and engaging new presentation provides strategies and solutions to ensure leaders have the essentials to lead in the NOW.

Are you ready to:

 Lead your team with greater effectiveness in a new world of work?

 Manage ongoing change and uncertainty with renewed confidence?

 Build dynamic workplace relationships through heightened understanding of generational and cultural shifts?

Based on powerful lessons from Michelle’s latest leadership book, Leading in Real Time, your audience will be inspired to shift their thinking, gain new insights and apply key leadership tools for immediate momentum and results.

** This topic can be presented either virtually or in-person.

 

It Starts with You! The Power of Positive Communication Skills at Work and in Life
No matter how high tech our workplaces continue to become, our organizations will always be about people. As business necessitates human interaction, articulating our thoughts and words purposely, positively and powerfully begins with each individual. When we achieve an exceptional standard of communication, morale and productivity soar, resulting in a dynamic, positive culture, low turnover and greater camaraderie.

We are often tested to be the best version of ourselves, regardless of our job function. Negative attitudes directly impact the workplace atmosphere and the quality of our relationships. When we take the lead in our communication we are better equipped to strengthen relationships with peers and clients alike. A fully–functioning workplace enjoys high morale, high engagement and lower stress, making it a desirable place to be. 

During this highly engaging virtual presentation, the benefits of outstanding communication will be reinforced with an emphasis on framing messaging in the positive. Attendees with learn the differences between critiquing and criticizing when giving feedback, how to manage difficult conversations and minimize defensiveness, build rapport and harness their influence during all interactions. 

Delivering her content with rich insights, depth of experience, wit and humour, Michelle will remind your audience of the power of positive communication. Participants will learn strategies to hone these essential skills…priceless assets for career success! They will leave with practical tools to build influence, trust and respect at work and in life, long after the event ends.

Expected learning outcomes for your attendees:

  • Build a communication blueprint to use at work and in life
  • Realize the incredible leverage of modeling a “do-what it takes” mindset
  • Learn to “defend” without offending…even in the most challenging interactions, whether manage to employee, or peer-to peer
  • Hone your capacity for to influence a conversation and give feedback in a positive, proactive manner
  • Discover how to acknowledge others, even when you don’t agree
  • Tap into your innovative potential to bring out the very best in yourself

 

How to Lead a Diverse Workforce: Building an Outstanding, Collaborative Culture
Organizations of every description are now facing new challenges regarding their workplaces. In addition to managing the increasing numbers of retiring baby boomers, building a culture that draws new talent and fosters engagement for all team members, regardless of age or culture, is a key priority.

Leaders need to ask themselves: “What is it that people want when they come to our organization? How are we leading in order to attract a diverse workforce?”

If you are able to answer these questions, then the process of creating a collaborative, diverse and high performing culture becomes easier.

The new generation of talent pays close attention to a prospective employer’s reputation when assessing career opportunities. They are mindful of the character and composition of your leadership, organizational structure and above all, your values. A workplace culture that supports and encourages diversity and equal opportunity holds great appeal. Leaders who understand the significance of open-mindedness, building professional relationships at all levels while upholding core values of respect and understanding are ideally positioned to attract and retain the best and brightest against a backdrop of intense global competition for their skills.

During this dynamic, interactive keynote presentation, your audience of leaders will be reminded of the power of developing core relational skills required to build an outstanding workplace culture. When individual values are aligned with your organizational objectives, teams are ideally positioned to support the mission and values of your business. Consequently, as leaders, you are better positioned to lead, engage and inspire your people. Your leadership mindset can positively impact employee motivation and talent retention.

Teams thrive in an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect; ultimately benefiting the external clients they serve. As leaders, we can profoundly affect the atmosphere of our workplaces and opportunities for growth by being the best version of ourselves. Individuals and organizations need to be reminded more than ever that through our own demeanor and the lens we use to view the world, we impact how our current and future workforce sees us.

By attending this session with Michelle Ray, your leaders will discover the key components for building a dynamic culture that focuses on diversity, outstanding workplace relationships, engaged employees and energized leadership.

Learning benefits for your audience:

  • Build an employee-centric vision for your organization
  • Apply positive communication & influence to give support all team members and clientele; regardless of age and background
  • Master the art of appreciate similarities and celebrating diversity
  • Gain understanding of the value of collective wisdom as it applies to teamwork, motivation and engagement
  • Grasp the meaning of “push” and “pull” (employee disengagement) factors
  • Empower yourself and others to create outstanding relationship outcomes
  • Position your organization for long-term success with your workforce

 

Leadership: It Starts with Me – Take The Lead, Embrace Change, Own Your Future
Michelle challenges individuals, as well as clients and audiences, to take charge of themselves, shift perspectives and discover their greatest potential. Her refreshing, uplifting and common-sense message has inspired thousands of audiences with her simple yet powerful premise: Leadership is first and foremost a state of mind.

We all possess the ability to profoundly impact another person by the manner in which we conduct ourselves. When we go out in the world with a happier disposition, we impact others positively. By our own demeanor, we create an energy force that has the power to change attitudes and change lives. We should never underestimate our own personal power!

This humorous, highly energized and insightful presentation offers a deeper understanding of the power of positive thinking and personal initiative, as well as specific tools to implement when faced with our own negative thinking. Whether your group needs an attitude adjustment, tune-up or makeover, audience members experience a memorable, popular keynote as they learn to practice personal leadership, as well as the true meaning of making a difference!

Expected Outcomes for Attendees:

  • Implement immediate solutions with lasting impact
  • Decrease workplace stress and increase morale
  • Reverse negativity and improve productivity
  • Realign values to those of your organization
  • Re-energize attitudes to co-workers and management
  • Discover how to influence others with outstanding communication skills
  • Master the art of personal leadership

 

No More Drama! – Ditch the Dysfunction and Engage Your Workplace
The existence of people challenges has multiple consequences for your bottom line. Many individuals are working longer hours, spending more time with managers, co-workers, and computers than their own families. Stress levels have accelerated as organizations of every description feel the pressure of delivering results for their clients and shareholders in less time, with fewer resources. Teams are expected to be efficient, engaged and happy.

The demands of today’s workplace often take a toll on the most important resource of all…your people. Under these conditions, it is not uncommon for drama and chaos to reign. Is your business equipped to deal with personality clashes, emotional explosions, “my way or the highway” mindsets, and other theatrics that undermine productivity and success? Are you ready to manage the high cost of low morale?

Delivered with passion and insight, this exciting, fun keynote offers practical solutions to the most common workplace problems…helping your audience to put a stop to the drama…once and for all.

Learning benefits for your audience:

  • Learn the difference between people who have problems and people who are problems
  • Practice objectivity and put the “small stuff” into perspective
  • Detach from the dysfunction and drama to be a better “you”
  • Take a stand in the face of “the blame game” and other theatrics
  • Evict the colleagues, managers and others who are living “rent-free” in your head
 
Who Moved My Future? – Demystifying the Fear of Change
“Why is this happening?” “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” “We’ve always done it that way”: Three clichés that have become part of the dialogue when it comes to the topic of change. Learning how to manage self around situations and events that are outside of our control is not as complex as you may think, although the process often necessitates a shift in perspective, readiness to let go of the old and willingness to embrace the new.
 
Easier said than done.
 
During volatile economic conditions, it is no wonder many people feel stuck; taking the leap of faith when there is no safety net feels overwhelming. It is during these times that organizations tighten their collective belts and become even more risk-adverse. Adapting to rapidly changing economic conditions is expected, yet many people feel even more afraid.
 
So, where to start?
 
The first step is to recognize that change is emotional. Organizations can achieve more success with change initiatives by acknowledging the human side before expecting acceptance of new ideas. When leaders understand what lies behind people’s fears, they will be better equipped to obtain buy-in.
During this dynamic, interactive and content-rich keynote, your attendees will learn the five reasons behind resistance to change, how to achieve greater levels of acceptance in order to move beyond the “status quo” and ultimately, how to implement and communicate new strategies and approaches for long-term results.
 
Sample of learning benefits for your audience:
  • Experience Michelle’s 7-step process to managing change
  • Develop a repertoire of communication skills to build rapport and achieve buy-in
  • Address the fear of change and the fear of failure
  • Adopt a “can-do” mindset and rise above the naysayers
  • Learn to respond vs react to change and uncertainty
 
Retain the Best, Confront the Rest – How to Shake Up Your Organization in the War for Talent
The notion of holding one job for life does not hold any appeal for the new generation of talent. Those days are gone forever and unless organizations are willing to invest in them emotionally and financially‚ this savvy group will seize opportunity and leave you scrambling to replace them. They won’t accept complacency in their leaders or teams‚ and neither should you. In order to retain them, organizations and leaders need to focus on creating an outstanding culture that fosters high engagement, high morale and a happier atmosphere.
 
In addition to managing the increasing numbers of retiring baby boomers, building a culture that draws in new talent and fosters engagement for all team members, regardless of age or culture, is a key priority. Leaders need to ask themselves:
”What is it that people want when they come to our organization? What is appealing about our industry that would attract them to our organization?”
If you are able to answer these questions, then the process of attracting and retaining new talent becomes easier.
 
As leaders, we also must recognize that our own leadership style impacts employee motivation and talent retention. Leaders at all levels can profoundly impact an individual’s decision to stay or leave. Are you doing your best to communicate, connect and demonstrate genuine interest in your team members?
In this content rich keynote presentation, you will discover the key components for building a dynamic environment where people can thrive and enjoy their work. You will recognize that the intangible (non-financial) motivators often have a major influence on a prospective, or current employee’s perception of your organization. Are you ready?
 
Sample of learning benefits for your audience:
  • Learn the four influencing factors that are critical to talent retention
  • Recognize the myths and truths behind a high performing workplace culture
  • Discover the “push” and “pull” factors regarding employees’ decisions to stay or leave
  • Create a work environment that fosters talent retention through higher engagement levels
  • Educate managers and leaders in accountability being a two-way street
  • Understand the difference between tangible and intangible workplace motivators in the overall engagement equation

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 Recent Publications

You really WOW-ed everyone with your personal, passionate, and effective take on Customer Service! Many thanks for making such a fantastic first impression on our team here at RBC.

RBC Financial Group

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