About Mike Hourigan

A RESPECTED AUTHORITY IN CHANGE MANAGEMENT, NEGOTIATION, AND WORKPLACE SAFETY

Change is disruptive. Negotiation is high-stakes. Safety is critical. Yet, most corporate training programs and keynote speakers fail to make these topics stick with employees.

That’s where Mike Hourigan stands apart.

For 25 years, Mike has been a trusted expert, keynote speaker, and corporate trainer for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and top trade associations. His client list includes Disney, ExxonMobil, Marriott, MillerCoors, and the U.S. Army, among others.

Recognized as a leading voice in workplace communication, leadership development, and employee engagement, Mike has been featured in many industry publications and media outlets. He is the author of the book “Riding the Waves Without Getting Wet: A Journey to Leadership.”

His approach is simple: listen first, then deliver tailored, high-impact strategies that employees actually use. That’s why top organizations don’t just bring him in—they keep bringing him back.

“Mike, you have made a lifetime impact and awakened the true leaders within!”

Training Director
American Fidelity Group

Mike’s Background

Mike Hourigan is known for the satirical, real-world wisdom he brings to his audiences. His original material draws from his international education, early blue-collar jobs, executive positions with Cargill Incorporated and Olympus Corporation, and years of interacting with his audiences. These well-rounded experiences produce high-energy messages that captivate his listeners and provide Mike with an uncanny ability to plug into individual situations while relating with understanding and humor. This talent has earned him comments like, “I get the feeling he works in my department!”

Mike began public speaking originally because he realized a lot of people in organizations did not have access to the ideas and principles he had due to his extensive experience in the corporate world.

When Mike is not traveling for speaking engagements (which he enjoys immensely), he may be exploring surprising destinations. For one, Mike’s fondness of history recently inspired a trip to Europe for the Band of Brothers tour with his son. At home, he may found be reading, finishing up a DIY project, or watching the latest thriller.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of International Business, New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire (including study abroad for five semesters in Arundel, Sussex, England, as part of his degree).

ORGANIZATIONS:

Certified Speaking Professional by the National Speakers Association (since 2000)

Jennifer DeBerry

Office Manager

Jennifer began working with Mike in September 2019 and continues to facilitate a smooth booking experience for those working with Mike.

Jennifer is the go-to person for questions about presentation materials, financial arrangements, and anything administrative. She works remotely in Charlotte, North Carolina (about an hour away from Mike). When she's not assisting Mike and his clients, she enjoys baking, gardening, orienteering, and volunteering. She is known for her ability to keep things organized and do so with efficiency and a sense of humor.

Mike’s Philosophy

Real change happens when people feel understood. That’s why Mike’s approach is built on three key principles:

Insight

People don’t resist change because they’re difficult—they resist because they don’t feel heard. Mike starts with listening, so his keynotes and training sessions speak directly to real-world challenges.

Connection

Employees tune out corporate jargon and scripted presentations. Mike’s use of humor, storytelling, and real-world scenarios makes his message stick.

Impact

Companies don’t hire speakers just to fill an agenda slot—they hire them to solve problems. Mike’s strategies don’t just motivate. They drive action.

Mike Hourigan on stage in front of blue and purple curtains

Mike Hourigan on stage speaking to a group of people

Mike Hourigan speaking in front of people in a conference room

Mike Hourigan pointing and speaking in front of people in a conference room

Why Companies Keep Bringing Mike Back

There are plenty of speakers and trainers out there. So why do top companies trust Mike?

Why do his clients say, “Mike gets us,” instead of “That was a great talk”?

Why do Fortune 500 companies, industry leaders, and associations keep bringing Mike Hourigan back to speak to their teams, time, and time again?

He Listens First

Before every engagement, Mike speaks with employees, managers, and executives to understand their real challenges.

He Makes Training Engaging

Audiences tune out dry, scripted presentations. Mike’s humor, storytelling, and real-world examples keep them engaged.

He Delivers Practical Strategies

Whether in a keynote, workshop, or consulting session, Mike provides actionable takeaways that attendees can use straight away.

Beyond Keynotes: Hands-On Training & Consulting

Motivational speakers may inspire, but real change happens when teams practice new skills.

Mike’s interactive training programs and consulting services provide deeper learning opportunities for companies that want more than just a one time event.

Training Programs That Reinforce Learning

Mike’s workshops and training sessions give employees the time, space, and hands-on experience to apply what they learn.

Each session is customized to your company’s challenges, ensuring teams walk away with relevant, practical strategies they can implement immediately.

Consulting That Drives Lasting Results

Some companies need more than a keynote or workshop—they need a long-term strategy.

Mike provides custom consulting solutions to help companies:

Improve leadership communication
Strengthen workplace culture
Implement strategies for long-term organizational success

Mike’s mission is simple: to help organizations achieve their training goals and event objectives through customized presentations that educate, engage, and entertain. Most importantly, he doesn’t just talk about change—he helps companies to create it.

“Thank you for helping make the time we dedicated to this event meaningful and worthwhile for our leadership team, which is a team that places a lot of value on concrete results.”

Aetna

“I’m confident that those who apply his experience-based tips, will improve their performance. I would encourage any company to enroll Mike if their committed to continuous improvement and developing their people.”

FTD

“Mike is one of the top in his industry. His combination of superior business knowledge and professional delivery style has always ‘dazzled’ our Harley-Davidson students.”

Harley-Davidson

“Innovative ideas to promote cohesive and decisive leadership in an environment of turbulence and change.”

US Army

“Your program included timely information our bankers could take back and implement immediately. We are sure we will be working with you in the near future.”

Missouri Bankers Association

“Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! I plan to put everything I learned into practice as soon as I get back to work, if not sooner!”

Securities & Insurance Licensing Assication

“Mike delivered exactly what we were looking for – a keynote speech that provided practical insight into how to more effectively implement and manage change in the workplace.”

Medcost

“Thanks so much for making our leadership session a success. I would recommend you to any organization that wants to be out of the box”

Mary Black Health System

“The messages were clear and on target and helped significantly with our senior group of management.”

GlaxoSmithKline

"Mike, you have made a lifetime impact and awakened the true leaders within. You’ve cornered the market!”

American Fidelity

“Mike Hourigan is one of the most positive speakers on change. He ranked 5 out of 5!”

Mass Mutual

“Masterfully incorporated our business issues into our annual meeting, where we gather our top sales agents from across the nation. I would recommend Mike for any large organization’s speaking engagements.”

General Electric

“He did a masterful job of weaving our products and theme into the program.”

PACTIV Corporation

Director, Trade Marketing and Sales Development

“Mike’s session was definitely the highlight of the weekend.”

Continental Express, Inc.

In-House Counsel

“He was funny, engaging, and thoughtful.”

Raycom Media

“…an inspirational and energizing session.”

Bristol Myers Squibb

Don’t leave success to chance

Your people are already dealing with change, negotiation struggles, or safety challenges. The question isn’t whether they need support—it’s whether they’re getting the right kind.

Companies like Disney, ExxonMobil, and Aetna don’t leave their success to chance—and neither should you.

Let’s talk about how Mike can help.

book mike today