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Mike energizes his audiences and keeps them alert through quick insights, participation, and memorable and humorous stories. He builds them up, leaves them enlightened, entertained, and educated. From his international education, to his early blue-collar jobs, coupled with his executive positions with Cargill Inc. and Olympus Corp., Mike has developed well-rounded experiences to produce high-energy, realistic, and comprehensive messages that front-line as well as executive audiences demand. With over 3,500 platform hours of personally customized programs, companies and associations consider Mike's programs a wise investment.

Mike Hourigan, CSP, is known as “the workplace commentator” for the satirical, real-world wisdom he brings to corporate and association audiences. His clients say, "Mike combines the atomic energy of Robin Williams with the corporate wisdom of Lee Iacocca".

He challenges audience members to adapt to the turbulent waters of change through his highly customized programs on leadership, change, and communication. His CD-ROM program “A Tip A Day On Change and Stress Management” encourages people to keep on top of change…and even enjoy it.

Mike’s programs convey a depth of knowledge from both the blue-collar and white-collar worlds. His early job titles included prep chef, steelworker, forklift operator, quality control inspector, and leather grader. He even planted Christmas trees. Later, his sales, marketing, and management career included 17 years of experience with Cargill, Inc., Olympus Corporation, and PAT Equipment Corporation where he was Sales and Marketing VP.

A high-demand speaker and trainer, who presents an average of 100 programs a year, Mike’s clients include: Marriott International, American Cancer Society, Drexel Heritage Furnishings, GlaxoSmithKline, U.S. Army, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In 2000, he was awarded his Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, the highest earned accreditation given by the National Speakers Association (NSA).

Mike is based in Huntersville, NC.

MOST REQUESTED PROGRAMS:
Riding The Waves Without Getting Wet
(Mike's Featured Keynote) Change, like the ocean, can be turbulent and like the tides, it is predictable. Ultimately, the trick to riding the waves of change is getting into the productive zone before the next wave rolls in. This unique keynote is designed for managers leading their teams through change or any group experiencing change.

Communication - It's Not Part Of It, It's All Of It
Sure you will learn how to resolve conflicts and communicate better but what people like best is how Mike handles real life situations like dealing with "malignant malcontents" and getting rid of the "ploppers" people who plop in front of your desk and waste your time).

Finding And Keeping Good People
Managers don't spend a lot of time interviewing but they spend an awful lot of time dealing with the consequences of bad hiring decisions. Mike shares his hilarious and unorthodox perspective on interviewing, hiring, and keeping your best people.

Let's Not Split The Difference
Some view negotiation as common sense, others see it as manipulation. Successful negotiations leave people feeling good about the outcome, the other party, and themselves. Don't ask for another raise, negotiate a contract, or even buy a car or house without attending this program.

Putting The "YOU" In Leadership
Some people believe there is no "you" in leadership, others think there is only a capital I; but everyone agrees there is a leadership gap. Mike will show you how to maximize leadership talent and challenge the leadership potential in everyone.

OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE:
How To Get Along With Difficult People And What To Do If You Can't
How To Accomplish It All And Still Enjoy Life
How to Get Rid of Bad Apples, Rotten Tomatoes, and Sour Lemons (Managing or Terminating Difficult Employees)
From Black & White to 256 Shades of Gray (Management Techniques for Technical Managers)
How to Manage Conflict
The Secrets of Satisfying Your Customers

Mike is also the author of: Riding the Waves Without Getting Wet: A Story about the unmaking of a successful executive and the making of a respected Leader; Motivational Selling: 12 Unique Chapters by 12 Sales Experts; and The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus.