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Michael Maisey is a powerful and authentic speaker who shares his extraordinary journey from gang life and prison to personal transformation, social impact and purpose-led leadership.
Drawing on his lived experience, Michael delivers raw and relatable talks that inspire hope, resilience and change.
After a traumatic childhood and a prison sentence at just sixteen, Michael turned his life around through acts of kindness, years of self-development, and a deep commitment to helping others. In 2012, he founded a successful business in his hometown of London, built on honesty and integrity. His work in the community earned him formal recognition from the London Borough of Hounslow and the Metropolitan Police for his service to others.
Michael is the founder of the Change Is Possible (CIP) Project, a non-profit organisation that supports people facing addiction, PTSD, childhood trauma, poor mental health and reintegration after prison. His work has helped thousands of people on their own journey of healing and self-discovery.
Now a TEDx speaker and published author, Michael’s bestselling autobiography Young Offender was followed by Change Is Possible (2025), a powerful guide for transformation and personal growth.
Michael speaks on topics including resilience, empathy in leadership, emotional wellbeing, and the power of compassion in the workplace. He brings honesty, humour and real-life tools that help people and organisations thrive in the face of adversity.
Speaking topics include:
Tools to bring calm in challenging times
Breaking down communication barriers around mental health
Empathy and compassion in the workplace
Leading under pressure
Healthy masculinity and overcoming adversity
Michael takes audiences through practical and accessible strategies for staying grounded when life or work feels overwhelming. Drawing on his own experiences of adversity and transformation, he shares tools that help individuals and teams maintain composure, make confident decisions under pressure, and build sustainable resilience. This talk is ideal for organisations facing change, stress or uncertainty.
In this talk Michael explores how honest communication can help create psychologically safe environments. He uses real-life examples to show how assumptions and stigma block meaningful conversations about mental health, and offers simple but powerful ways to open up dialogue, improve connection and support wellbeing in both the workplace and wider communities.
Michael’s talk reframes empathy and compassion as strengths that drive better collaboration, loyalty and performance. Audiences are taken on a journey from his early life to leading social change, showing how kindness can transform cultures and relationships. He leaves delegates with practical ideas for fostering compassion and understanding in their own teams.
This talk focuses on what it takes to lead well when stakes are high. Michael blends personal stories with insight into emotional intelligence, demonstrating how leaders can remain authentic, resilient and inspiring even in stressful situations. He highlights behaviours that support others and deliver long-term impact.
Michael uses his lived experience to challenge traditional ideas about masculinity and strength. He explores how embracing emotional awareness and vulnerability can build healthier relationships, foster more inclusive environments and help individuals navigate adversity. Audiences come away with fresh perspectives and actionable behaviours that support personal and collective growth.
Michael spoke at our graduation for the class of 2023 and everyone in attendance was deeply moved and inspired by his story, it gave us all hope that change is possible even if you have had a very difficult beginning.
Michael is an exceptional speaker who delivers powerful messages with passion and conviction. He has a unique ability to inspire people to take action and achieve their goals.
