Mike Schlappi

Mike Schlappi – CSP, MBA, Author, Gold Medalist, Hall of Fame

Lying on a bed paralyzed, with a bullet hole in his chest, Mike promised that if he survived, he would share his unique story all over the world and help as many people as he could. This is happening!

Mike knows that the most important part of any meeting or organization is the people. Whether speaking to a global financial corporation or a community medical facility, he has seen their results change when the beliefs of their people change. He inspires real people, with real problems, to respond differently; teaching that attitude is not a mood, but a position we take regardless of circumstances. That is his specialty!

Obviously Mike has had a few challenges in his life. But he also has a few Olympic gold medals, a few college degrees, has written a few books, runs a few successful businesses, has a few passions and has a few kids (five to be exact). This is all possible because he “walks the talk” (or rolls the scroll). 

Some of Mike’s most requested industries are:

Financial Institutions – Mike has a strong background in the financial services industry. He has his life, health and securities licenses, has his MBA, and recently was a main platform speaker at the “Million Dollar Round Table”. All of which give him credibility when speaking to an audience in the financial fields.

Healthcare – Mike has a strong background in Healthcare – Following a shooting accident; his personal experiences with nurses, doctors and therapists not only saved his life, but also pointed him to a career in healthcare.  He has a Masters degree with an emphasis in Healthcare administration.  He served as the Director of Rehabilitation for a large healthcare organization in Salt Lake City for 10 years, giving him credibility with audiences in the healthcare arena.

Education – Mike shares his Olympic Medals, and the bullet he was shot with to teach students, faculty, graduates, and their family members that growth and success are directly linked to the way we respond to challenges and adversity.  Mike comes from a family of professional educators. He taught Liberal Arts at Arizona State University while earning his MBA.

Sales/Corporations – Mike’s message is a perfect fit for both large and small corporations who are forced to make changes to adapt and thrive in today’s shifting world.  Through entertaining and personal stories, Mike teaches: If you resist change – you fail.  If you accept change – you survive.  If you create change – you succeed! 

Safety – Mike’s story is a moving and powerful example of the importance of safety. At the age of 15 Mike was shot in the chest, by a friend, at point blank range; paralyzing 2/3 of his body. In his keynote, he shares his Olympic Medals, and the actual bullet he was shot with to teach that “this didn’t need to happen, it could have been prevented”.  Mike’s powerful message leaves a lasting impression that this didn’t just happen to him.  It also affected his family, his friends, and the entire community.  Mike faces challenges daily because of the split second decision that was made in regards to safety or the lack there of. His entertaining message changes the way people think about carelessness and the magnitude of their decisions in the work place