Michelle Ray

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 workplace and the responsibility of positive communication and influence.

Known as the "Attitude Adjustor", 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. 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 Programs:

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!

Learning objectives and benefits for attendees:

• Implement immediate solutions to workplace stress and negativity
• Realign your core personal and professional values to those of your workplace
• Learn how to re-energize attitudes to co-workers and management that brings profound results
• Discover how to influence others with outstanding communication skills
• Master the art of personal leadership in all relationships

“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!

Learning objectives and benefits for attendees:

• Recharge your attitude to client relationships: They are the reason you are in business
• Learn the six secrets of customer satisfaction to outsmart the competition
• Improve your internal client relationships to increase bottom line results
• Learn dynamic communication strategies…Master the art of diplomacy with your most annoying clients!
• Avoid the “cost of loss” …a bad service experience with your organization has immeasurable consequences!

“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. 

Learning objectives and benefits of attending for managers:

• Understand the “push” and “pull” factors regarding employees’ decisions to stay or leave.
• Learn how to apply positive communication & influence to give support and motivation to all team members; regardless of age and culture and attitudes.
• Practice the language of leadership to use when giving feedback to different generations.
• Learn how to create a work environment that fosters retention by encouraging creativity, participation in decision – making, brainstorming problem solving.