Sir Richard Branson (Chairman, Virgin Group)  "Michael is an inspiration. He has a thoroughly positive outlook for somebody facing such adversities"
	Development Lead, HBOS/U “Michael was invited as our keynote speaker on the 2009 HBOS plc Conference "Strong Leadership in Changing Times", a one-day Senior Executive programme focused on the leadership legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914-16 Endurance expedition. Recommended to HBOS, Michael was not only able to directly relate to this story of leadership in the face of extreme adversity, but to brilliantly articulate the business metaphors and challenges through a twenty-first century corporate lens. This he did with great insight and impact, weaving his own polar experiences in overcoming tremendous personal challenges to achieve the unthinkable. Michael's life story added real perspective. He inspired delegates with his frankness, humility and engaging presentation style. I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael as a speaker”
	International Business Leader, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Pharmaceuticals Division "Direct, considered, inspired and inspirational"  (Engaged to inspire the hearts & minds of a broad European audience of 1000 medical physicians and consultants at the Berlin ICC, "˜Energy to make a difference" Global Anaemia Management Conference. Briefed to highlight where anaemia management is today as an integral part of the quality treatment for cancer patients)
	Operations Director (UK Retail), Ladbrokes plc "Michael is a shining example of what can be achieved with true grit and determination. He represents "CAN DO" better than anyone else I have met or listened to. As an inspiring speaker he is engaging, spirited and a true showman. He will supply a tremendous framework to any conference, management seminar or employee away-day. The work of Michael's charity (The Muscle Help Foundation) adds a further edge which may suit your business from both a CSR and staff engagement viewpoint" (Invited to deliver the keynote at Ladbrokes plc 2010 Annual Retail Conference held at The Belfry, Birmingham. Amidst challenging trading conditions and an ever increasing competitive landscape, the key business message delivered by Michael to an audience of 220 supervisors, area managers, department heads and directors drew on his own life experiences including his polar achievements despite the adversity before him - his presentation focused around personal leadership and ownership, underpinned by the conference theme “Making it Happen”)
	VP Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management (CRDM) Western Europe + European HR Director, Medtronic Inc "Michael kicked off our Annual Sales Leadership Conference in Barcelona based on the theme ‘A New Beginning’. He is a powerful, energizing and thoughtful speaker. The immediate stunned silence at the end of his talk followed by the double standing ovation said it all! Michael helped push the team's mindset to focus on creating success in the future, rather than focus on the issues of the past. An impactful, impressive and inspiring talk”  (Delivered Annual Sales Leadership Kick-off Conference in Barcelona to 100 Senior Sales & Management Team within Medtronic’s CRDM business division. Message focused on change, risk management and reinforcing the companies pioneering spirit. Medtronic is a global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world)  back to top
	Innovation Director, Luton Enterprise Hub, University of Bedfordshire “I found Michael’s presentation fantastic. I have listened to hundreds of talks all over the world with speakers from Harvard, MIT, Yale, Seagate Technology, IBM and others; no speaker has ever inspired me so deeply as much as Michael. In fact his talk was the best I’ve ever heard! I am in admiration for what it is he does in his life, not just through his charity work but also in motivating and inspiring society in his capacity as a professional speaker”  (Speaking to an invited audience of business professionals from a variety of industry sectors at the University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Network, part of the University’s 2009 Knowledge Hub that provides a wide range of business services to companies of all sizes)
	National Programme Manager, Strategy Directorate, Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) “Incredibly pleased with how well Michael demonstrated his understanding of our objectives and very impressed with the extent to which he tailored his speech to our needs and the audience of graduates who left this important conference motivated and inspired”  (Amidst the recent negative publicity as a result of the Baby-P case, engaged in June 2009 to inspire and motivate two distinct audiences – high calibre graduates participating in the CWDC’s pilot Graduate Recruitment Scheme (GRS) prior to qualification and entering the social work profession and workforce leads from local authorities who needed to be energized and re-invigorated prior to recruiting new graduates for the GRS programme)
	Membership Development Manager, Association for Conferences and Events (ACE)  “Your presentation was truly inspiring”  (Invited to deliver guest presentation at the British Dental Association in London in May 2009 to a Group of Conference and Event Industry Professionals. ACE is the UK's longest established event association)
	Brand Director, Pfizer “Excellent, bang on message and inspiring”  (Engaged to deliver keynote at European Product Launch Conference with the objective to motivate and inspire 100 European field-based delegates as part of the launch of a new class of oral HIV drug called Celsentri® (maraviroc). Briefed to reinforce key attributes that underpin the interface between the customer (hospitals) and the field-sales force)  back to top
	Chief Executive, The WOW! Awards “Your presentation was truly awesome – thank you for being such a star!” (Delivered the keynote address to 400 guests from across the UK at the 2009 WOW! Awards National Ceremony at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. The WOW! Awards pays tribute to the very best customer service providers in the UK – ordinary people doing wonderful work can be nominated, lauded, rewarded with certificates and recognised by peers as customer service icons. A panel of expert judges including Michael McGrath decides on the winners from a variety of categories ranging from Best in Financial Services to Most Inspiring Frontliner. WOW! Awards is the only national awards scheme for customer service based purely on customer nominations. The chosen charity at this event was The Muscle Help Foundation where nearly £1600 was raised on the night for Muscle Dreams™)
	National Director, IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative)  We invited Michael to be the guest speaker at our National Awards Dinner in December 2008. This was the first IFI National Awards Dinner staged in the Initiatives eight year history and Michael's contribution was absolutely central to the success of the evening. He delivered a truly inspirational speech highlighting his ability to overcome challenges in his own life. His ability to inspire was phenomenal. The audience was captivated by his compelling words. Michael had also conducted personal research into the IFI before the evening and as a direct result, his speech had a clear focus on the achievements and impact of the IFI. This added real value and relevance for all attendees as well as appearing to unite everyone in the room with a focus to continue our work. Michael’s sheer grit and determination evidenced in his own life challenges was infectious. His genuine passion is quite obviously his driver. He inspired us all to embrace the message that it is possible to achieve the seemingly unachievable. His message was focused, powerful, inspirational, and lasting. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending Michael as a speaker.
	Director, Citigroup  “Michael McGrath is recognised as a leader who truly values difference by engaging people and organisations from diverse backgrounds to make a tangible impact in both their workplace and personal lives. Not only a focused achiever but also an exceptional communicator, motivator and veritable champion of difference ~ strong awareness and active involvement in business helped him deliver a well structured lecture that gripped all present with its directness, pace and engaging style. He focused on each of us as individuals and what we can choose to achieve or not depending on our will. He was truly inspiring”  (Invited to deliver the opening event as part of the European Speaker Series sponsored by Credit Suisse Global Diversity and Inclusion Unit held in London to mark the United Nations’ International Day of Disabled Persons)
	Managing Director Medium Business & Agriculture, UK Banking (Barclays PLC) "Michael’s can-do presentation at our Barclays UK Banking Senior Leadership Conference was incredibly inspirational – in particular, he really brought to life the commercial imperatives of the diversity agenda, contributing significantly to the overall success of the event"
	Director, Hertfordshire Sports Partnership “Michael McGrath superbly delivered the opening keynote address at our inaugural Community Sports Summit held at The Fielder Centre (one of Hertfordshire’s premier purpose-built conference facilities used by commercial businesses, public sector organisations and the University of Hertfordshire). His expertly researched, emotive, thought provoking and enthralling presentation set the scene for a hugely successful event. His life story is a fascinating one and an inspiration to many people. That he was able to portray his experiences in such an interesting, informative and relevant manner to our delegates, was a major plus, and set the benchmark for the rest of the evening’s programme. He had taken the time to research the objectives and context of this important event and was able to connect with the challenges faced by those stakeholders engaged in driving the Sports Delivery System in Hertfordshire. His energy and portfolio of achievement in the face of adversity serves as a exceptional example to all who are privileged to hear him speak"  back to top
	Group Corporate Services Director, Notting Hill Housing Trust  “We invited Michael to speak at our “Lunch ‘n Learn” session here at Notting Hill and I’m thrilled we did. The session was fully-booked, or rather, over-booked, with people standing at the back. It was our most successful event ever! Michael immediately captured the attention of the audience (as well as the fascination with his rather remarkable set of wheels that rise up so that he can see, and be seen). He spoke compellingly of the enormous efforts involved in both assembling a truly diverse team to carry out his remarkable pole2pole expeditions, and movingly about his unique physical challenges. His sheer focus and determination to succeed was palpable. I was struck by the concept of “Shackletonian Leadership”, and have found myself using that expression within the organisation since then. He made a significant impact on the people who heard him and I would without hesitation urge anyone looking for an inspirational speaker to pick up the phone and talk to Michael”  (Triggered by our Disability Equality Duty responsibilities under DDA, we’ve been keen to promote the ‘Ability’ element of the word disAbility. We provide accommodation for over 19,000 households in London, and a significant proportion of our customers have disabilities. In particular, our Home Support division is focused on helping our customers ‘live life to the full’)
	Club, Coach & Sports Development Manager, Hertfordshire Sports Partnership “Michael delivered an inspirational presentation at our recent School Sports Coordinators’ Conference hosted at the de Havilland Campus in Hatfield and was met with huge acclaim. Traditionally a difficult audience to please, those present were captivated by Michael’s entertaining, humorous and at times self-deprecating humour which set the tone for a highly productive day. Feedback from his delivery has been extremely positive, so much so that we have already engaged Michael to speak at a number of other forthcoming events which target some of our key partner audiences. We are so fortunate to have someone of this ilk living in our midst in Hertfordshire. You could have heard a pin drop during his action packed delivery and I am confident that sport for young people in Hertfordshire will be richer for his involvement at this Conference”
	Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs, DHL UK & Ireland "The reaction of everyone standing up at the end of your keynote delivery at our Senior Management Conference was a massive tribute. I have never seen that before!"
	Chief Executive, Remploy “Michael was the keynote speaker at Remploy’s Leading the Way Awards, which recognize the contribution of employers who are exemplars in the employment of disabled people. His personal, inspirational and very amusing presentation was a visible example of what disabled people can do and a spur to all of us to recognize that, if we motivate and drive ourselves and our organizations, there is no limit to what we can achieve. He also had one fantastic and truly original joke, delivered quite superbly!”
	Head of Communications & Marketing, Employers Forum on Disability “Michael is an inspirational person who speaks with great eloquence, conviction, humour and passion. His presentation [at Remploy's Leading the Way Awards] was a thought-provoking and subtle blend of personal experience set against the bigger picture. If you ever want to get a room full of business people thinking about disability in a different way, I would commend him to you"  (Invited to deliver a keynote at Remploy's prestigious 11th National Leading the Way Awards in London held in association with The Times – as an inspiring role model to disabled people, McGrath was engaged by the country's leading provider of employment services for disabled people for his knowledge of disability, commercial acumen and his exceptional ability as a sought after motivational speaker to inform, entertain, challenge and engage. The audience were treated to an intelligently woven 'on message' performance by McGrath. His presentation not only reinforced the 'value of difference' as more businesses capitalize on inclusion but also skillfully recognised the tangible opportunity and competitive edge that 'diversity as a business imperative' offers today's employers of choice) back to top
	European Commission ‘EQUAL’ Project Director, Disability Equals Business "Michael's personal and professional experience of disability combined with his ability to motivate on all levels made him the perfect keynote speaker for our 'More Than Enough' conference in Brussels aimed at influencing policy in the European Parliament. His own contacts within the parliament and professional knowledge of the area meant that Michael brought invaluable weight to our work advising those who influence employers in favour of diversity in the workplace. His speech was truly inspirational and his representation of our organisation and its aims left us in no doubt that, in selecting Michael as our advocate, we had made the perfect choice"  (Addressing 50 MEP's, EU Disability, Employment Lobbyists and Diversity Professionals in Brussels in support of the Transnational Dissemination Report for the EU 'Equal' Project. Delivery focused on the business case for disability, a high-level perspective on the inclusion and employment agenda of disabled people throughout Europe and the positive societal impact in why overcoming social barriers for disabled people makes sense
	Chairman, The Master Innholders, Richard Ball, FHCIMA MI, Hotelier of the Year 2006  “Our conference ended on a high note as every single one our distinguished delegates and invited guests applauded with a standing ovation. Michael brilliantly captured the mood and demands of the audience before finalising and then delivering his speech that began with a summation of the key messages that had been brought out from the entire conference agenda as well as a degree of dramatic presentation, thus creating powerful continuity with the inspirational message that emerged from his own keynote delivery. An outstanding speaker and commanding communicator"  (Speaking at the 14th Annual Hotel General Managers Conference at The Dorchester Hotel in London organised by The Master Innholders with the conference theme 'Doing it Differently', Michael was invited to deliver the final address on day 2 (a slot reserved for high impact speakers) who could end with a strong message engaging an audience of high level hoteliers representing some of the best hotels in the country)
	HR Director, Shoosmiths Law Firm “A very professional speaker who took the time to research our organisation to personalise his delivery which further enhanced a talk that can best be described as impactful and thought provoking … a very slick and professional performance"  (Engaging with equity partners and directors of one of the fastest-growing law firms in the UK at their overseas Partner Conference, focusing on the business imperative of diversity, challenging prejudices, influencing mindsets, promoting the benefits of inclusion and inspiring change)
	Managing Director, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems UK “Michael's presentation at the Café Royal in London exceeded our best expectations on all points. An inspirational talk on his personal achievements at the Poles, not only put into clear context the importance of products like our new SW100 product to people who are meeting the challenge of living with disability on a daily basis, but also stimulated a very lively Q&A session. He made a significant contribution to the overall success of this key launch event and his professional experience as an access champion not only challenged our own understanding of the business issues but also gave the invited audience an excellent overview of current relevant issues. I would have no hesitation in recommending him as a top class motivational speaker and an authority on access issues"  (ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in door opening solutions. The SW100 launch represented a major strategic development for the business. It was therefore critical to the success of this event that we selected a speaker with the credentials and gravitas to be recognised as an authority in the field of accessibility, whilst capable of delivering an informative, inspiring and entertaining presentation that would engage and motivate people to attend)  back to top
	Head of Communications, Aldwyck Housing Group “Michael McGrath provided the closing keynote address at Aldwyck Housing Group’s Annual Staff Conference, ‘Delivering Excellence’ in November 2008. The conference was attended by nearly 300 staff representing all areas of the business. The event organisers were impressed with the level of preparation Michael undertook ahead of the event itself – requesting a clear brief of our expectations, visiting the venue beforehand to consider logistics, speaking to a number of staff from across the business in getting closer to our business challenges including our Chief Executive. This gave Michael an excellent insight into our organisation and the diverse nature of our work. It also ensured that he had a very clear understanding of our current business issues and our strategic focus moving forwards. He wove this knowledge into his presentation in a way that created a real platform for intellectual engagement with his audience. In line with the event theme, he ‘delivered excellence’ in both his highly professional approach to preparing and delivering his presentation, as well as the example he sets as an individual with an amazing and utterly inspiring story to tell”
	Talent Development Lead, Motorola European Mobile Devices  "A great and inspiring story told in a humble and engaging manner. Michael gives of himself in a genuine and authentic way. His belief in what he wants to achieve and his focus came out very strongly capturing the hearts and minds of the audience. He didn’t pretend to be a master at leadership. He spoke from his impressive new "moonwalker" handling the dynamics of this situation very well in both group [answering some 15 questions at Q&A] as well as 1:2:1 scenario’s”  (Engaged to help inspire a newly formed senior management team of 14 individuals to achieve a seemingly impossible task, as part of a 2006 European Business Team Meeting)
	Director, NHS Modernisation Initiative "Huge thanks on behalf of the Modernisation Initiative team for providing us with such an inspirational and motivating keynote speech at our Conference. Feedback has been excellent, enabling us to move forward into the rest of the conference in extremely high spirits. Thank you so much for sharing so much of your personal journey and how you overcame some extreme challenges within your life and your journeys to the Poles. Through expressing those personal experiences, I watched service users, patients, carers, and colleagues reflect on their own personal challenges and consider how they could rise to the occasion in the difficulties they encounter in their own roles. I feel that it is only by people telling real stories and sharing something that is truly about them that people actually learn. Thank you hugely for your candidness. It made a marked difference”
	Lead Clinical Specialist, Yorkhill NHS Trust  "A huge inspiration to students and staff alike. Michael left our Glasgow school children with a message of hope, courage and possibilities rather than pre determined probabilities. The pupils listened intently to how Michael prepared, planned and realised his goals, recognising and understanding that with commitment and determination, it’s possible to live out one's dream. I’ve no doubt that his message will remain with these pupils for the rest of their lives"  (Glasgow welcomed Michael McGrath, the only disabled person in the world to have reached both North and South Poles. He was in Glasgow addressing medical and care professionals, healthcare practitioners and people with neuromuscular disorders at the 7th Annual Scottish Muscle Network Conference. Whilst in Glasgow, he also took time out from his schedule to talk to a number of schools including pupils at Ashcraig School, a Special Education Needs (SEN) secondary school located in the east part of Glasgow where pupils have a range of physical, mental and/or visual impairments) back to top
	Group Managing Director, Carillion Transport  “Michael had a significant impact at our Senior Management Conference by providing an inspirational message to all. His strong message of the powerful benefits to be gained by connecting with people was very well received; this will continue to add value for years to come in our internal relationships, with our clients and with our customers. His energy and portfolio of achievement in the face of adversity serves as a great example to all who are privileged to hear him speak"
	Head Expedition Advisory Centre, Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers "Michael McGrath's presentation in London at the Royal Geographical Society's event celebrating the achievements of disabled explorers was inspirational. Standing on the podium, where some of the world's greatest living explorers have spoken in the past, he held the audience spell-bound, enthralled by the story of his efforts to reach both the North and South Poles and lost in admiration for his ability to use his achievements to help others with the muscle wasting disease muscular dystrophy"
	Area President, Hilton UK & Ireland "A superb presentation. Keeping a lively audience like our Senior Managers & Executive captivated for 45 minutes is no mean feat! Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, illustrated in part by the standing ovation. Your delivery was inspiring, impressive, highly charged and engaging. The honest and direct partnership we enjoy with you as our disABILITY Champion is the best way to ensure that we’re doing all what is practicable to make the Hilton experience even better for our disabled guests"
	Managing Director, YES Consultancy "Thank you for a brilliant, thought-provoking speech that was entertaining, stimulating and moving. I will never forget it. I was in the Ondaatje Theatre as a member of the audience at the Royal Geographical Society. I am sometimes asked to recommend speakers and I will certainly recommend that corporate companies contact you"  (On inspiring the next generation of disabled explorers in further promoting inclusive adventure)
	Managing Director, Panacea Publishing International Ltd & Business Traveller UK  "Brilliantly conveyed, summed up by that impromptu standing ovation. 500 distinguished business guests from all corners of the Middle East were inspired, humbled and incredibly proud to have witnessed your powerfully engaging keynote address at our Business Traveller Middle East Awards at the Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai. Striking exactly the right chord, guests were held spellbound by your feats of endeavour at both ends of the earth and those thought-provoking polar anecdotes. You confidently invited 500 hardened business travel professionals including many CEO’s, Senior Executives and their partners to stand up in visualizing your journey, laugh warmly, cry helplessly and applaud vigorously. Half-forgotten aspirations and personal ambitions were rekindled for many. Your courage, ambition, personal drive and professionalism are to be commended. More of our world must hear what you have to say. The impact it had on all present, including myself, was profound"  (Michael McGrath was recognised on the evening by Business Traveller and the events sponsor FedEx when he received the 2005 Business Traveller of the Year Award, announced by Julian Gregory and presented by Kate Adie, the BBC's chief news correspondent until December 2002) back to top
	Director, National Audit Office "Michael's talk in the morning was inspiring. The added power of his DVD demonstrated what individuals can do to change if there is a strong enough will. I have seen this in several other presentations - usually by people doing similar things on land, ice or water - but the added sense of overcoming the "you can't do that because of your condition" made it all the more powerful"  (Presenting a high impact 15 minute ‘on message’ introduction at Ashridge Business School at a business forum, attended by academics, L&D professionals, business managers from FTSE 100 organisations, multinationals and public sector bodies on the theme of "Finding the Balance" for organisations in the 21st Century)
	Conference Producer, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland  "Inspiring and motivational, despite the challenging nature of our brief to deliver a message of hope and courage to an audience of people with muscular dystrophy and their families. You ensured that our National Conference closed on an impressive high note. We know that those who heard you speak will be inspired to greater things"
	Senior Manager, Lloyds TSB Women's Network "A very polished speaker and an amazing story. Sometimes I need to hear experiences like these to realise my achievements so far are only a small percentage of what most of us can achieve. Inspirational without a doubt"
	Conference Director, Welsh Housing Federation Association "Michael was absolutely fantastic at our Annual Symposium and most certainly lived up to our expectations"
	Director, Norfolk, Suffolk, & Cambridgeshire NHS Diversity Conference "Michael McGrath’s keynote presentation at our Diversity Conference called "˜All Different, All Equal" was inspiring, enlightening and highly informative. The audience of NHS professionals including senior HR and Healthcare delegates were captivated by his engaging delivery that focused on leadership, disability and teamwork"
	Director of Operations, Torry Harris Business Solutions "Our senior managers, employees and enterprise customers [IT professionals within Telecoms & Financial Institutions] from India and China were truly inspired by your presence and your delivery. What made it even more effective was how you linked your experiences to our Every Second Counts theme [signifying our mission critical response times in minimizing the time to market], the important business messages we spoke of and our organisational values. Your keynote session clearly established, where there's a will there's a way – it’s all in your mind!"
	Circulation Director MNCD, Daily Mail & The Mail on Sunday "Fascinating, inspirational and extremely well received, giving the team a great deal to think about. The audience was absolutely captivated"
	Regional Director, Government Office for the South East GOSE "Your engaging style and infectious personality added real drama to your presentation. Staff were truly captivated by your powerful impact and ever since, you have been the talk of GOSE. Your messages will be remembered for a very long time"  back to top
	Events Director, Business Superbrands "Michael presented with humour and humility to 250 senior executives in the marketing, branding and PR worlds. Unquestionable, he is an inspiration and truly living proof that ability [and disability] is as much in the mind as it is in the body. He came across clearly and succinctly and with a modesty rare for someone who has achieved such great personal and physical challenges"
	Director Global Mobility EMEA, Nortel Networks "Michael’s delivery at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts [BAFTA] in London was inspirational. There is no doubt that Michael has an incredibly positive attitude and is a driven man. He speaks with great eloquence and inspires the listeners to want to do more with their lives rather than just sit there and listen to a great adventure. He developed a real "˜can do attitude" in many of his listeners"
	Managing Director, IPS Resourcing "Clearly a skilled communicator able to work the audience and tailor his delivery to the company's message. After spending half an hour listening to Michael, my employees without exception [and that is something] felt more motivated, and left with a belief that if they put their minds to it, they could achieve anything! We were looking for a speaker who epitomised determination and teamwork. Michael undoubtedly fits this bill and I would highly recommend him to any organisation looking to motivate a team"
	CEO, The Mayflower Group "It was obvious from the outset that Michael possessed the grit and determination to succeed. The presentation he gave to our Board of Directors and Senior Management in sharing both the excitement and hardships of his polar experience confirmed our expectations"  back to top