Michelle Ray

Biography

Michelle Ray is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, author and seminar leader who demonstrates a deep understanding of the consequences of low morale and ineffective leadership in the workplace. Born in Australia, Michelle began her career in the broadcasting industry during the recession of the early 80s. She was once told by management that she "didn`t have what it takes" to succeed in the business world. With self- doubt and a lack of mentors, Michelle was inspired to move up the management ladder to self-employment; creating her own successful international business. She speaks passionately about self - actualization, the importance of outstanding leadership in the multigenerational workplace and the responsibility of positive communication and influence.

Michelle uses an interactive approach to inspire and captivate the imagination of her audiences. Walkabout Seminars International, her training, speaking and consulting company, was established in 1995. With registered offices in Vancouver, Canada and Sydney, Australia, Michelle offers her services in areas she describes as high demand essentials for professional growth. Michelle is a "Certified Speaking Professional" (CSP), the highest-earned designation in the speaking industry. Less than 600 people worldwide have earned this distinction after meeting rigorous criteria established by the National Speakers Association. She has been listed in the Whos Who of Professional Speakers and has worked with a myriad of clientele providing in house seminars and conference presentations. Her style has been described as refreshing, uplifting, entertaining, informative and amusing with a common sense message.

Michelle has received standing ovations for her keynote presentations on workplace morale and personal accountability. Her energy is not limited to the speaking arena. Michelle loves to run and has completed the Vancouver International Marathon. By hiring Michelle Ray, your organization will bring profound benefits to an individuals ability to realize his or her full potential; professionally and personally. Her energy, dynamic presentation style and masterful use of humor will motivate your team to reach higher heights and positively impact the "bottom line." A greater sense of purpose, job satisfaction, and customer retention are "must haves" to survive in todays work climate. Michelles depth of knowledge and powerful message is guaranteed to energize, inform and inspire workplaces across the globe.

Titles

The most challenging team to lead is a TEAM of ONE!
From starting out in the broadcasting industry as an administrative assistant during the first recession and working her way up to sales manager for 23 regional radio and TV stations ... to helping the largest cinema complex in the southern hemisphere capitalize on a multimillion dollar business opportunity when everyone else`s budgets were shrinking ... to dressing up as Catwoman to teach her team what it really takes to win during an economic downturn ... Michelle learned that the true test of leadership is how you lead a team of one.

Are you tapping into your own innovative potential? Are you leading yourself by demonstrating unwavering confidence in your people and business decisions in an unpredictable economy?

It all comes back to you. Are you ready?

"The most important lesson learned from the recent recession is that self-leadership is a pre-requisite for individual and business resiliency. Mastering the capacity to shift our attitudes and in turn, develop our own unique responses to any challenge is the true test of leadership...the ability to lead yourself first."

The Power of Personal Leadership ... Attitude makes the Difference
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 "stinkin thinking". Whether your group needs an attitude adjustment, tune-up or makeover, audience members experience a memorable, popular keynote as they learn what lies behind a s.m.i.l.e as well as the true meaning of making a difference!

Have an attitude of gratitude ... We appreciate your business
The Customer Service revolution is still in full swing! Is your front line staff committed to an "attitude of gratitude" for the business your customers provide? Are they giving a gold-medal performance with every customer experience? The first point of contact can make or break customer relationships within seconds. Is your team set up to win the seven second challenge with customers? The theme of this exciting keynote address or workshop is based on the reality that almost 70% of customers take their business elsewhere due to an attitude of indifference!

Leading the generations: Adjusting attitudes for outstanding, collaborative workplaces
The notion of having one job and having it for life does not hold any appeal for the new generation of workers. Those days are gone forever and unless organizations are willing to invest in their people emotionally and financially, the best and brightest will unashamedly seek opportunities elsewhere, leaving you scrambling to replace them. In this context, employers must be willing to rethink existing hiring, mentoring and training practices and let go of old ideas that shaped the traditional organizational structures. In this fun and informative presentation, participants learn how to adjust attitudes regarding the secret to motivating and retaining our workforce to create outstanding intergenerational workplaces. Developing an unbiased viewpoint and flexible approach, coupled with exceptional interpersonal skills and specific methods to keep all team members engaged, productive and satisfied. These are prerequisites for leadership success in managing our human capital.