speaker speaks michael mc grath july.aug2009 m&it p63
TRANSCRIPT
speakerspeaks
Polar adventurer and ‘muscle warrior’ Michael McGrath on keeping cool on freezing stages
Personalfile
A polar adventurer who has conquered both North and South Poles (the first and only disabled person to have done so), muscular dystrophy ambassador Michael McGrath is a motivation, strategy and leadership speaker. He uses his polar, professional and personal ethos as a ‘muscle warrior’ to inspire audiences to expand their potential. Booking McGrath direct via www.musclehelp.com will generate a 10 per cent donation from all contracted speaker fees in 2009 for The Muscular Help Foundation, a charity supporting young people in the UK afflicted by muscular dystrophy. Tel: 01763 274658 or email: [email protected]
Can you describe your first speaking engagement?Having successfully led my first polar expedition seven years ago, I was invited to share the team’s achievement at BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) in Piccadilly. An experience I shall never forget!
What’s the worst thing that has happened to you during an event? I was on a stage that was positioned directly beneath a huge aircon system pumping out ice-cold air – felt right at home! Not.
What was the last event you spoke at?The HBOS plc Senior Executive ‘Strong Leadership in Changing Times’ programme. In the face of extreme adversity, I focused on Ernest Shackleton’s leadership lessons, drawing out key business metaphors delivered through a 21st century corporate lens.
Which event has been your favourite and why?The Business Traveller Awards in Dubai. I delivered a keynote to 500 distinguished business guests from all corners of the Middle East. I revealed for the first time a photograph of a Business Traveller flag planted at the South Pole. The audience went absolutely crazy!
If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?The event that announces a global cure for muscular dystrophy.
Which speaker/performer do you most admire and why?Stand-up comedian and dramatic actor Eddie Izzard. I love his comedy style expressed in rambling, whimsical monologue and self-referential pantomime.
What is your worst on-stage habit?Can a speaker enjoy speaking too much?
What annoys you most professionally?People failing to plan and prepare as thoroughly as I do. Great speakers need great support. A professional production team is worth its weight in gold… and I tell them so!
Do you have any riders or special requirements?No - other than using Virgin when flying transatlantic.
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Gran Canaria was the destination for a spring incentive for a building company looking to reward their sales
directors and high flyers. Fifteen members of staff and their partners were rewarded with a three-night stay at the Talasoterapia Canarias spa hotel.
"The hotel is an incredible place. The group were given a budget per head which allowed them to book spa treatments or a round of golf, which
was arranged prior to their arrival. Most the time was spent on site at the hotel, but we also took them out for a day's racing at the Gran Karting Club," explains Harrington-Lowe.
"It's only a four hour flight of thereabouts and the island is so easy to get around with plenty of coach hire options. The weather was also perfect - warm, sunny with a light wind."
The only negative feedback from the client was the transfer through the original package holiday centre with its 1960s architecture, but this added to the sense of luxury on arrival at the Talasoterapia Canarias. Although the destination was more expensive than the client expected, the experience and venues exceeded expectations.
Building works: Talasoterapia Canarias
ATENSCANARY ISLANDS
Star trek: high flyers take part in the luxury incentive
Sam Harrington-LowePretty Clever Ltd
Continued on page 43
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