Be bold. Be real. Be ready.
Michelle Ray is a Hall of Fame business keynote speaker. A sought-after international leadership and change expert. An entrepreneur, an author, and an educator.
Most importantly, Michelle is a person. A passionate, deeply caring person. A fearless leader who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo. She's the kind of person who’ll do what it takes to help her team get outrageous results, even in a down economy.
After a successful career in media and advertising in Australia, Michelle shifted gears and accepted a leadership role at a global non-profit youth organization. She facilitated enduring partnerships between youth, entrepreneurs, and educators, preparing future generations to thrive in tomorrow’s business environment.
Michelle encountered a total contrast of leadership styles during her career, both good and bad. These experiences sparked her desire to help leaders not only master the fundamentals but also become the best versions of themselves. She seized the opportunity to venture into the speaking world and has since shared these messages with audiences around the world.
With more than 25 years of experience researching leadership, accountability, change, and workforce trends, Michelle has a deep understanding of new realities demanding the attention of leaders. Specifically, a dramatic shift in where and how we work, generational dynamics, talent shortages, and managing disruption while keeping the “human factor” of leadership top-of-mind.
A credit to her Aussie roots, Michelle engages audiences with her down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is style. As a respected thought leader, she has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Microsoft, the FBI, TD Bank, PayPal, and an array of Fortune 500 companies.
Michelle's Professional accomplishments:
Member of the Canadian Speakers Hall of Fame
Certified Speaking Professional Designation (CSP)
Certified Virtual Presenter Designation
Top 10 finalist of “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” contest
Top 10 Motivational Speaker, eSpeakers
Presentation Mastery Award from Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (BC chapter)
Listed in “Who’s Who” of Professional Speakers
Author of 2 books: “Lead Yourself First! Indispensable Lessons in Business & in Life” and “Leading in Real Time: How to Drive Success in a Radically Changing World”
Essays and articles published in The Globe & Mail and numerous trade journals
Michelle pictured with her husband, Brian, following her induction into the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame Inductee
In December 2021, Michelle Ray was inducted into Canadian Speakers Hall of Fame. (HoF) Only 41 individuals have received this honour. Inductees are recognized for their outstanding excellence as a professional speaker, and dedication to the professional speaking industry by educating others to excel. Members are selected by their peers in recognition of their contributions.
The Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame is comprised of individuals who have been recognized for their outstanding excellence as a professional speaker and dedication to the professional speaking industry by educating others to excel. Members are selected by their peers in recognition of their contributions. The Hall of Fame award is presented at the CAPS National Convention, when there are inductees to the Hall. Members of the Hall of Fame are listed below. Selection Criteria first and foremost, excellence on the platform.
Longevity in the business
Success in the business
A reputation for ethical conduct
Evidence of excellence in all dimensions of the speaking business
Impact on, and valuable contribution to, audiences and clients
Use of speaking skills and success for positive contribution to the community at large
Participation and contribution within the Canadian Association of Professional Speaker (CAPS) and the speaking industry
Member in good standing of CAPS at the time of nomination
More Awards and Credentials
Certified Speaking Professional Designation (CSP)
Selected leadership motivational speakers must meet rigorous requirements for a number of fee-paid presentations, number of clients, continuing education credits and consecutive years of business experience. "CSP" is the only earned designation for professional business speakers. Less than 700 people worldwide have earned this honorable distinction in the speaking industry.
Top Ten Motivational Speaker 2015 by eSpeakers
E-Speakers serves thousands of leadership speakers, motivational speakers, trainers and business coaches, as well as meeting planners and event organizers who hire speakers. Over 17,000 events were booked through their software in 2014. Criteria for inclusion in the "top ten" were the number of positive reviews on the leadership speakers' profiles, the number of events booked in the last year, buzz around the keynote speakers (Canada and international footprints), and industry designations.
Top Ten North America's Next Greatest Speaker 2012
From thousands of entries received, Michelle reached the Top Ten Finals of "North America's Next Greatest Speaker" Contest. Michelle spoke at the 12th Annual eWomen Network International Business Expo in Dallas, TX in front of a renowned panel of judges whose criteria included humour, audience engagement, key messages and storytelling abilities.
Presentation Mastery Award
Vancouver Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers
Voted #1 Speaker in Canada
World's largest international public seminar company
"Who's Who" of Professional Speakers
Lists of notable professionals in particular fields
5 Things you Didn't Know About Michelle
Michelle has two grandchildren she absolutely adores, but has never had children.
One of Michelle’s first speaking engagements was a leadership workshop for the Australian Army in Queensland. At that time, there was only one women’s washroom in the officer’s mess.
Michelle has snorkelled in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia with her grandson and husband.
Michelle has an honours degree in Political Science. She also studied Spanish and Latin American Studies at University and spent three months in Uruguay travelling and practicing the language. She describes her Spanish language proficiency as “pretty decent.”
Michelle has presented for the FBI as well as Playboy Enterprises (not in the same year, or location, but in the same city).
Why Leaders Need to be Great Listeners
The #1 priority that leaders miss
Can you create a remote workplace culture?
Anticipate Change: Expect the Unexpected
Founder of the Real-Time
Leadership Academy
My passion for researching leadership goes back to the early days of my media career in Australia. I have channeled my energy and enthusiasm for the topic of leadership into developing great leaders, helping them create outstanding relationships with their teams by becoming the best versions of themselves.
Today, employers are preoccupied with talent shortages and ongoing transformation. Conversely, employees recognize that they have a myriad of career choices, seeking deeper meaning and purpose in their work as a top priority.
Leading in real-time is the optimum strategy that leaders need to continue to evolve and be successful in an ever-changing world.
Michelle working with global business leaders
