Michael Wigge: Motivational Speaker

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
Formats:

Audiences:

Outcomes:
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Boulder, CO
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

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.”

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 Wigge

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.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

  • 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.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Talent Resources

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more
Was this profile helpful?

You may be interested in...

  • (18)
  • (6)
Alison Canavan

Alison Canavan is an internationally renowned transformational wellness coach, motivational speaker, and author, dedicated to empowering individuals to live more balanced and fulfilled lives. With a deep passion for holistic wellness, Alison has spent over a decade helping people transform their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Her own journey through personal challenges and triumphs has […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Workplace Wellness
  • (22)
Rebecca Walker

Rebecca Walker, a prominent figure in the literary world, a dedicated advocate for diversity, and a respected voice in the LGBTQ community. With a compelling blend of personal experience, intellectual insight, and a commitment to social change, Rebecca Walker captivates audiences worldwide as both an author and a keynote speaker. About Rebecca Walker: Rebecca Walker […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Diversity Speakers
  • (28)
  • (7)
Tim Ash

Tim Ash is an acknowledged authority on evolutionary psychology and digital marketing. He is a sought-after international keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of Unleash Your Primal Brain and Landing Page Optimization (with over 50,000 copies sold worldwide, and translated into six languages). He has been mentioned by Forbes as a Top-10 Online Marketing Expert, and by Entrepreneur Magazine […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (57)
Maria Marin

Maria Marin is the leading motivational icon among Hispanics worldwide. Her message of motivation, personal growth and success reaches millions through her newspaper columns, best-selling books, international seminars and radio show. As a “life coach” she now reaches thousands of listeners with her national syndicated radio show, “El Show de Maria” on Univision Radio Network. […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (11)
The Watercoolers

For nearly 15 years, THE WATER COOLERS have entertained audiences around the world, as far reaching as Singapore and Australia, with their high energy, uncommonly funny, honest take on work and life. Smart phones, conference calls, kids, co-workers, and travel are just a few of the topics this group of top NYC talent turns into […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Comedian Performers
  • (30)
Justin Forsett

Justin Forsett’s journey in the NFL is one of the most inspiring stories in sports. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008, Forsett defied the odds to have a successful nine-year career in the league. Despite being considered undersized for a running back, his determination, work ethic, and undeniable talent led him to play for […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (49)
  • (2)
Matt Eversmann

First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life. […]

  • Travels from: West Palm Beach, FL
  • Military Speakers
  • (16)
Chris Voss

Chris Voss, a celebrated keynote speaker, author, and former FBI Lead International Kidnapping Negotiator, brings a wealth of negotiation expertise and insights to audiences worldwide. Known for his powerful presentations on the science of influence and high-stakes negotiation, Chris has successfully transformed complex negotiation strategies into actionable, real-world tactics for leaders, executives, and teams. Chris […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Conflict Management
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.