Michelle Ray, CSP

Known as the "Attitude Adjustor", 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 media industry during the recession of the early 80's. 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, Michelle’s 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 500 people worldwide have earned this distinction after meeting rigorous criteria established by the National Speakers' Association. She has been listed in the Who’s 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 individual’s 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 today’s work climate. Michelle’s depth of knowledge and powerful message is guaranteed to energize, inform and inspire workplaces across the globe!

 

Most requested Keynote Topics, Seminars and Educational Breakout Sessions:

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 there 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.

 

Examples of industry sectors/ideal clients and audiencs:

• Healthcare professionals and related associations


• HR professionals


• Front-line customer service, I.T. Help Desk, Call Center operations


• Leadership roles: New Managers and Supervisors


• Government employees


• Administrative professionals


• Sales professionals, financial & insurance sectors

 

Recent feedback from bureau clients:

"Her commitment to meeting the client's needs has no limit. The delivery of her presentation to an eclectic audience of almost 700 at a time was electric. She presented in a large auditorium, on a large stage that she easily filled with her dynamic personality, high energy, genuine caring and well researched information. The audience composed of professional and non-professional healthcare and other community-based organization employees, anywhere from housekeeping staff to vice presidents, from nurses to social workers to teachers, telecommunications and government employees were fully engaged and impressed. The feedback received was excellent. Michelle is a world class professional speaker that I would highly recommend to anyone, anytime." (Leadership and Employee Annual Conference, Provincial Healthcare)

"The accolades about your positive and inspirational message are still arriving daily in our mailbox, and it reinforces our feeling that we made a wise speaker selection. We greatly appreciate that you took the time to understand our audience and our needs. This personalization made your impact so much greater to our audience.Your keynote speech was highly energetic, uplifting and dynamic. I have a feeling that your appearance will be hard to top as we begin planning for next year! With your personality, masterful speaking skills and business savvy, you are a rising star and I have no doubt that we will hear your name and see your face many times in the future." (Provincial Government HR conference)

"To put it simply, Ms.Ray surpassed all of our expectations. Her presentation was interactive, humorous, fast-paced, informative and deeply moving. Several of our long term employees have mentioned that this was the best presentation they have ever attended at a business meeting. I have received many expressions of heartfelt thanks for her selection. All have indicated that they received "take-aways" that will resonate with them for the remainder of their personal and professional lives. I cannot recommend Ms. Ray more strongly for any organization looking for someone to stimulate both the mind and the heart." (Insurance Sector)