Mike Staver: Leadership Speaker
Leadership keynote speaker Mike Staver helps leaders transform fear into decisive action through bold coaching, psychological insight, and practical strategies for high-performance leadership.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- CEO of The Staver Group with decades of leadership coaching expertise
- Background in psychology and leadership development
- Known for helping leaders turn fear into actionable, strategic decisions
- Consultant to Fortune 500 companies and global organizations
- Formats: Keynote speaker and leadership coach
- Audiences: Executives, managers, leadership teams, and organizations seeking stronger decision making, greater courage, and improved leadership performance
- Outcomes:
- Practical tools to transform fear into clarity, confidence, and decisive action.
- Strategies to build courageous, high-performing teams and healthier organizational cultures.
- Clear insights into leadership dynamics that improve communication, engagement, and execution.
- Travels from: Fountain Hills, AZ
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
NAVIGATING CRAZY
HOW TO LIVE AND WORK SANELY IN AN INSANE WORLD
We live in a world where things are coming at you faster than ever and performing at your best is harder than it’s ever been. What are you supposed to DO with life and work difficulty? What are the best ways to navigate the ups and downs that are an inevitable part of both life and work?
One thing is for sure; the old ways aren’t working anymore. But there is good news. There are new ways. There are BETTER ways. And this session will give you a whole new skill set for dealing with these changing times.
Participants will learn:
- How to retain your power, control, and influence in the face of circumstances beyond your control
- How to find a path forward that is both successful and realistic
- Six things you can do RIGHT NOW to maintain focus, increase peace of mind and decrease anxiety
LEADERSHIP ISN'T FOR COWARDS
We live in an age when it is more and more challenging to manage all the information, demands and challenges that are coming at us. It takes real
courage to stand firm in what you believe and then to get your followers to understand what really matters and how to execute effectively. Your ability to influence your followers is key to every step of creating significant results. Courage is the key element in that process.
Participants will learn:
- The real definition of courage
- The three most important steps you will ever take
- What your followers do, really do, when you are not around
- The primary motivator of all people\
- The three things every leader can do to insure leadership failure
- The importance of high gain activity and how to do more of it
- Six steps that will insure effective execution
HOW TO BUILD A HIGH PERFORMANCE CULTURE
What do you stand for? What does your company stand for? Are your values clear? Are they obvious to customers, staff, and the community? Is your company optimally positioned and differentiated by the consistent application of your vision and core values?
Most leaders and organizations are moving at such a rapid pace that taking a step back to think about these things seems like a luxury when, in fact, it couldn’t be more crucial. It doesn’t matter where your company and your industry stands in the growth cycle. Focusing on who you are and what you stand for is the most critical thing you can do.
Participants will learn:
- How to identify and apply their core values to their leadership
- How to align their behavior with what they say they believe
- How to be powerfully influential regardless of level of authority
- How to build accountability and improve efficiency
- How to Build a High-Performance Culture
WINNING IS NO ACCIDENT
Every day massive accomplishments are realized all over the world: diseases being cured; teams winning championships; innovative products going to market; and a host of other positive experiences. These things do not happen by accident. They happen as the direct results of certain fundamental principles. The good news is these principles aren’t a secret; they aren’t hidden in some far-off locale, waiting to be unearthed. They are ready and available for you right now.
However, while these life and business-transforming principles are simple, they are not always simple to implement. Here is an opportunity to learn
and apply EXACTLY what you need to do to accomplish outstanding results.
Participants will learn:
- The equation that creates the highest likelihood of success
- The four key principles to pacing yourself effectively
- How to deal with obstacles and opportunities
Talent Short Bio
Mike Staver, CEO of The Staver Group, is a nationally recognized leadership coach and keynote speaker known for his direct, no-nonsense approach to developing courageous, effective leaders. Often referred to as a “rebel with a cause,” Mike challenges leaders to confront their fears, rethink their assumptions, and take decisive action that drives real results in a fast-changing world.
With decades of experience coaching leaders at every level, Mike blends humor, clarity, and strategic insight to help organizations navigate complexity while staying grounded in the human side of leadership. His background in psychology and leadership development allows him to interpret the emotional dynamics that influence decision making, team engagement, and organizational culture. Leaders turn to Mike for his ability to break down complex challenges into simple, actionable steps that inspire confidence and momentum.
Mike has worked extensively with Fortune 500 companies, emerging organizations, and leadership teams across industries. As CEO of The Staver Group, he has developed tailored programs that address leadership effectiveness, cultural alignment, and team performance.
Read Full Bio
Mike Staver, CEO of The Staver Group, has earned a reputation as a bold, no-nonsense leadership coach who inspires change and growth in leaders across various industries. Often referred to as a “rebel with a cause,” Mike challenges leaders to confront their realities and face their fears head-on.
He helps them take decisive action, enabling them to make quick and effective decisions that drive superior results in today’s fast-paced, competitive global economy. With decades of experience, Mike’s compelling blend of humor, practical wisdom, and strategic insight sets him apart as a motivational and leadership keynote speaker, empowering his audience to embrace fear and turn it into action.
Mike’s approach is grounded in real-world experience, having worked with leaders at all levels of business. His ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining focus on the human aspect of leadership has garnered him a loyal following. Whether it’s addressing a large audience or providing one-on-one coaching, Mike’s powerful message of leadership through courage and authenticity resonates with audiences worldwide.
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Talent Videos
Mike Staver Demo: How Courageous Leadership Transforms Performance
In this fast-paced demo, leadership expert Mike Staver shows how courageous action, personal responsibility, and intentional habits help leaders close the gap between intention and execution.
Video Summary & Key Moments
Across this 14-minute demo, Mike Staver delivers a high-energy, story-driven presentation on courageous leadership and the mindset shifts required to thrive in today’s fast-moving business environment. He opens with the idea that comfort is overrated; leaders who want greater influence must consistently take a single step beyond where they feel most comfortable. Purpose and impact live in the “roughest water,” not in safety or predictability.
Mike challenges the belief that comfort equals success, urging audiences to commit to incremental shifts that compound into powerful long-term results. He highlights several core leadership questions: Do you accept your circumstances? Do you take responsibility? Are you acknowledging your progress? His point is clear: sustainable performance begins with honest self-reflection.
He emphasizes the importance of play, resilience, and staying engaged even when days are long, stress is high, and unexpected challenges appear. Leaders, he argues, must keep “playing” rather than withdrawing in difficult moments.
Through interactive exercises, Mike demonstrates human resistance to being pushed. He shows how people instinctively push back when pressured, illustrating why traditional leadership approaches can backfire. This leads to a broader point: customers and employees alike dislike being pushed. Modern leadership is about invitation, not force.
Key Moments
- 04:31–07:20 High-energy interactive exercises demonstrate human resistance to being pushed and introduce the invitation-based leadership model.
- 07:21–10:05 Exploration of the intention-execution gap, excuses, and the importance of choosing responsibility over blame.
- 10:06–13:00 Psychological research on resilience; how high performers accept challenges without letting them define them.
Videos
Mike Staver Demo: How Courageous Leadership Transforms Performance
In this fast-paced demo, leadership expert Mike Staver shows how courageous action, personal responsibility, and intentional habits help leaders close the gap between intention and execution.
Transcript
Across this 14-minute demo, Mike Staver delivers a high-energy, story-driven presentation on courageous leadership and the mindset shifts required to thrive in today’s fast-moving business environment. He opens with the idea that comfort is overrated; leaders who want greater influence must consistently take a single step beyond where they feel most comfortable. Purpose and impact live in the “roughest water,” not in safety or predictability.
Mike challenges the belief that comfort equals success, urging audiences to commit to incremental shifts that compound into powerful long-term results. He highlights several core leadership questions: Do you accept your circumstances? Do you take responsibility? Are you acknowledging your progress? His point is clear: sustainable performance begins with honest self-reflection.
He emphasizes the importance of play, resilience, and staying engaged even when days are long, stress is high, and unexpected challenges appear. Leaders, he argues, must keep “playing” rather than withdrawing in difficult moments.
Through interactive exercises, Mike demonstrates human resistance to being pushed. He shows how people instinctively push back when pressured, illustrating why traditional leadership approaches can backfire. This leads to a broader point: customers and employees alike dislike being pushed. Modern leadership is about invitation, not force.
Key Moments
- 04:31–07:20 High-energy interactive exercises demonstrate human resistance to being pushed and introduce the invitation-based leadership model.
- 07:21–10:05 Exploration of the intention-execution gap, excuses, and the importance of choosing responsibility over blame.
- 10:06–13:00 Psychological research on resilience; how high performers accept challenges without letting them define them.
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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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
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- 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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