Michael Wigge: Motivational Speaker
Adventure-based business motivational speaker Michael Wigge empowers teams to embrace change, leave their comfort zones, and build resilience through humor, global challenge stories, and practical mindset tools.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Award-winning keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and adventure challenge expert
- Creator of internationally broadcast challenge projects including How to Travel the World for Free
- Featured in The Tonight Show, L.A. Times, Outside Magazine, and global media
- Author of four travel and challenge books
- Formats: Adventure-Based Business Motivational Speaker
- Audiences: Corporate teams, leadership groups, sales organizations, conferences, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking mindset shifts, adaptability, engagement, and comfort zone expansion.
- Outcomes:
- Practical frameworks for embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
- Tools for increasing resilience, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.
- Renewed motivation to take action, challenge limiting beliefs, and approach change with enthusiasm.
- Travels from: Boulder, CO
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Leadership & Change
Motivational leadership speaker & keynote speaker Michael Wigge’s Challenge for Change – Leadership Success keynote and workshops inspire the leadership greatness inherent in every individual.
From his experiences as a challenge seeker in international media, this leadership keynote speaker has learned the secrets of leading through extraordinary circumstances to achieve incredible goals.
Amazing Leadership Challenges Michael Has Faced
Known for his Challenge-4-Change programs and his appearances on the Today Show & The Tonight Show, this motivational leadership speaker embraces tremendous challenges head-on to make the impossible happen.
By implementing his fundamental keys to leadership success, motivational leadership speaker Wigge has a portfolio of adventure challenges.
For example, he converted a bitten apple into a home in Hawaii in 42 excellent exchanges (as documented in his book and TV show: How to Barter for Paradise).
He also traveled the entire world without any money for food, transportation, and accommodation (as described in his book and on his PBS show: How to Travel the World for Free).
Hollywood star Angelina Jolie named him “a strange but fantastic man” when she met Michael during his time as an MTV host in Europe. And the Los Angeles Times called him “the ultimate budget traveler.”
Talent Short Bio
Michael Wigge is an award-winning motivational speaker, entrepreneur, author, and world-traveling adventurer known for transforming conferences into energizing, unforgettable experiences. With a signature blend of humor, vulnerability, and adventure storytelling, Michael helps audiences push beyond comfort zones, rethink limitations, and adopt a growth-driven mindset.
His career began with a series of bold, globally acclaimed challenge projects that tested resilience, creativity, and human connection. These include How to Travel the World for Free, Trade Up Around the World, and 2000 Miles on a Kick Scooter in 80 Days. His adventures have been featured across U.S., European, and Australian media, including The Tonight Show, and earned accolades such as the L.A. Times naming him “The Ultimate Budget Traveler.” Outside Magazine highlighted his bartering journey—trading an apple all the way up to a house in Hawaii—as an example of exceptional comfort zone–breaking innovation.
A highly experienced entrepreneur and speaker, Michael delivers keynotes, workshops, coaching, and breakout sessions for organizations seeking resilience, adaptability, and inspiration. His style pairs self-ironic humor with actionable takeaways that teams can apply immediately.
Read Full Bio
Michael Wigge is a motivational speaker who is known for his ability to turn conferences into memorable events. With his unique blend of adventure storytelling, encouragement to leave one’s comfort zone, and international perspective, he has captivated audiences all over the world.
In this article, we will explore the qualities that make Michael Wigge such an effective conference motivational speaker and how he can help turn your conference into an unforgettable experience.
Award-winning top business motivational speaker, Michael Wigge, has an incredible background in adventure-challenge projects broadcast in the U.S., Germany, and the Australian media.
He published four challenge travel books and television programs, like How to Travel the World for Free, Trade Up Around the World, and 2000 Miles on a Kick Scooter in 80 Days.
This top business motivational speaker was crowned by the L.A. Times as ‘The Ultimate Budget Traveler’ after traveling the world for free. Outside Magazine covered Wigge’s adventure challenges and pointed out his comfort zone-leaving challenge style as ‘outstanding’ in the world of travelers and adventurers after Wigge bartered an apple for bigger and better things to get a house in Hawaii (Trade Up Around the World).
Michael’s Qualities as a Business Motivational Speaker:
- Highly experienced entrepreneur and speaker
- Unique experiences include global challenges and adventures featured on T.V. shows, including The Tonight Show.
- Keynotes, seminars, training, coaching, and breakout sessions
- Unique and self-ironic humor
- Event participants get one of Michael’s books signed for free
The business speaker recently took up another travel adventure throughout all 50 U.S. States in 50 days while he faced 50 state-related challenges.
Michael describes his lifestyle as a comfort zone-leaving exercise, where he constantly grows personally and professionally while embracing change. This mindset led him to start a successful career as a top business motivational speaker on stage. Feel free to view his TEDx talk on overcoming fear.
This TEDx talk presents an excellent overview of motivational speaker Wigge’s life as related to the challenges he has pursued. Thirty years after his first self-imposed challenge, Wigge shared his adventures on the Tonight Show and the Today Show.
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Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
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Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
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