Profile

Michael is internationally renowned as a conference speaker, executive coach and workshop leader. He enables people of all kinds to deliver inspirational performance. 

Specialising in developing leaders and growing their skills, he has worked at the highest levels across a wide range of organisations and industries. With his co-founder Andrew Leigh and a talented team of coaches, Michael started Maynard Leigh Associates in 1989. 

Since then the company has established a global reputation as one of the most innovative and pioneering learning and development organisations. 

It works regularly on major change programmes with organisations such as Hewlett Packard, DHL, Bertelsmann, Cancer Research, Capgemini,  CIFF, Deutsche-Telekom, Eurordis, Ocado, and KPMG. 

Many of the programmes Michael designs and leads are international, demanding and sophisticated cross-cultural awareness. He has worked extensively in all parts of Europe as well as Australia, USA, Singapore and India. 

Originally a social scientist, Michael later trained as a professional actor, appearing in theatre, radio and television – often in live broadcasts. As an experienced stage and screenwriter, story-telling features strongly in his work with executives. He also provides coaching to senior leaders in organisations supporting them and their businesses to excel. Together with Andrew Leigh he has written several books, the most recent being Leading the Way, (Pearson FT). This offers a stimulating and radical view of the type of leadership needed to succeed in the twenty first century. 

Other jointly authored books include: Dramatic Success; Leading Your Team; ACE Teams; Perfect Presentation. 

As a committed philanthropist, Michael was Chair of The Funding Network which supports social change programmes throughout the world. During the last 24 years it has raised over £18m for thousands of small charitable projects around the world.