What are you doing about the high cost of low morale?

Michelle Ray knows how to help you reframe your attitude, energize your workplace and transform your business!

• Rethink your perspective regarding your abilities and possibilities
• Build a happier, respectful and more productive workplace
• Rise above toxic behavior and master assertiveness & diplomacy skills
• Enhance open, constructive communication between co-workers and management
• Provide outstanding customer service and improve internal relationships
• Learn essential leadership skills to motivate and retain your best people
• Create a collaborative, multigenerational culture

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.

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 completed the Vancouver International Marathon in 2005.

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!

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”. Audience members will 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:

1. Implement immediate solutions to workplace stress and negativity
2. Realign your core personal and professional values to those of your workplace
3. Learn how to re-energize attitudes to co-workers and management that brings profound results
4. Discover how to influence others with outstanding communication skills
5. 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:

1. Recharge your attitude to client relationships: They are the reason you are in business
2. Learn the six secrets of customer satisfaction to outsmart the competition
3. Improve your internal client relationships to increase bottom line results
4. Learn dynamic communication strategies…Master the art of diplomacy with your most annoying clients!
5. 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:

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

"Michelle spent the day sharing life-skills for problem solving during disagreement, and my only sorrow is that she wasn't there to teach me those skills 25 years ago. Michelle is charismatic, easy to listen to, and FUN! She is hands-down the best speaker I've heard, and her message resonates with me still - it has been of benefit to me in every interpersonal relationship I have."
Northern Alberta Operating Room Nurses Association

"Her interactive, upbeat speech kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the entire keynote address. We would not hesitate to contact Michelle Ray again should we require a speaker at any future events."
National Leasing

"A very thought - provoking presentation. This completely changed my perception of issues within my workplace. Now I will make efforts to expend energy positively; not negatively."
Davis & Co. LLP

"What I liked the most was her enthusiasm and passion for the topic of leadership...Her interaction with us... Excellent that she spent time with us the previous night so she had a good perspective on our group"
Safeway Inc.

" I just wanted to say again how much I enjoyed your session at the conference and how so much of it made sense. I feel motivated to take this information back to my co-workers and try to implement it on the front line with our customer interactions."
TD Canada Trust

"Motivating, inspiring and humorous, Michelle's style stimulates introspection and creates a desire to become a better leader for those around you...and for yourself"
Simon Fraser University Co-Op Education Department

"Michelle Ray is a truly professional, engaging and inspirational speaker. She responds very well to the needs of the audience and is well prepared."
Environment Canada

Airlines/ Airlines Services/ Transportation
American Airlines
Cara International
Qantas Airways Ltd
Queensland Department of Transport
Reimer Express Lines
Sunstate Airlines
TT Line
Travelex
Education
Abbotsford School District
Australian National University
Bellevue Community College
BCIT
BC Teachers Federation
Camosun College
Coquitlam School District
Everett Community College
Melbourne Girls Grammar
Motorola University
OPS Centre for Leadership and Learning
Simon Fraser University
University of British Columbia
University of Lethbridge
University of Western Sydney
Vancouver School Board

Government
Alberta Environment
Australian Industry Group
BC Assessment
Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
Canada School of Public Service
City of Vernon
City of Victoria
Crown Counsel Office
Department of Indian and Northern Affairs
FBI
Federal Department of Justice
Ministry of Community & Social Services
Ministry of Employment & Income Assistance
Ministry of Labor and Citizens' Services
Ministry of Property Assessment Corporation
Ministry of Public Works & Government Services
Ministry of Small Business
Office of the Attorney General
Ontario Mnistry of Transportation
Ontario Public Service
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Health Canada
NISH
Provincial Health Services Authority
RCMP
Service Canada
Superior Courts Judiciary

Food and Beverage
Boston Pizza International
Cara Operations Ltd.
Omni Foods
Smith Snack Food Company
SouthCorp Wines
De Bortoli Wines
Liberty Wine Merchants
McDonalds Australia
Safeway Inc.

Retail
Aritizia
Flight Centre
Fountain Tire
Metropolis - Metrotown
Lush Cosmetics

Oil and Gas
Ledcor Pipeline
Quicksilver Resources
Shell Canada
       
HealthCare/ Medical/Dental
Aurum Group
Baxter Healthcare
BBraun Australia
BC Financial Healthcare Professionals
Calgary Health Region
Cairns Base Hospital
Canadian Mental Health Association
Capital Health Halifax
Chinook Health Region
Credit Valley Hospital
David Thompson Health Region
EPICC
Eye Surgery Foundation
Family Insurance Agency
Health Canada
Laser Sight Australasia
Mater Hospital
Orion Health
Nursing Links Canada
Regina Qu'Appelle health Region
Peace Country Health
Platinum Professional Development
Residence at Belvedere
Royal Brisbane Hospital
Worksafe BC
Yaletown Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Financial Services/ Insurance/ Legal
BDO Dunwoody
Coast Capital Savings
CIBC Wealth Management
Criminal Justice Branch
HSBC
Davis LLP
EFTS Financial
Gainsworth Mortgages
Royal Bank
TD Bank
Standard Life Insurance
Gilbert & Tobin
Grant Thornton LLP
Insurance Corporation of BC
KPMG Vancouver
OPSEU Pension Trust
State Super Financial Services

Miscellaneous Associations
Association of Image Consultants International
Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Government
Australian Customer Service Association
Australian Society of Refractive & Cataract Surgeons
BC HRMA
Canadian Association of Professional Speakers
Canadian Association of Petroleum & Land Administration
Canadian Banner Users Association
Canadian Payroll Association
Cerified General Accountant's Association of BC
Connecting Environmental Professionals
Healthcare Support Services Association of Alberta
HR Management Association of Manitoba
International Association of Administrative Assistants
Legal Services Society
Local Government Management Association
National Association of Orthopedic Nurses
NZ Retailer Association
NZ Retail Meat
Meeting Industry Association of Australia
Pedorthic Association of Canada
Project Management Institute
Operating Room Nurses Association of Alberta
Operating Room Nurses Association of Northern Alberta
US Society of Human Resource Management Association
Vancouver Island Economic Development Fund
Woman's Business Network