Diversity champion, leader, adventurer and the only disabled person in the world to have conquered both North and South Poles. Michael provokes, stimulates and inspires change. By connecting with his audiences in delivering powerful learning's, he uplifts both human and corporate consciousness.

British born with a cocktail of Irish and Brazilian blood and educated by the Jesuits, Michael personifies the qualities of self-belief, resilience and purpose of mind, applying real experiences with real messages to today's competitive business environment.

Forget the fact that he has the debilitating muscle wasting disease Muscular Dystrophy for a moment. In May he received the prestigious 2005 Business Traveller of the Year Award in Dubai. He was included in The Queen's 2004 Christmas Day Broadcast reinforcing diversity as a strength and earlier that same month, honoured by Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace for his significant contribution to national life. A business consultant specialising in developing leading-edge organisational change in the area of diversity and inclusion, he is also the disABILITY Champion for Hilton Hotels.

First and foremost a father, leader, motivator and change agent, his remarkable life story is one of consistently challenging adversity. He is both inspirational in terms of his daily battle in overcoming his physical limitations and driven in the way he imparts his can-do ethos to his audience.   Articulate in delivery, he is living proof that the remarkable power of the human spirit is alive and well.

Through his role as disABILITY Champion for Hilton Hotels operating at a strategic level, he drives organisational confidence by communicating with key industry stakeholders. He educates and inspires both employees, customers, agencies and professional industry bodies around DDA legislation, the practicalities, impact and commercial opportunities, influencing both brand and business thinking. His work with Hilton has led to further understanding of the needs of, and matters affecting, disabled guests throughout the Hilton estate.

As disability moves up the corporate agenda, Michael is regularly invited to share his experiences and insights with organisations around the world looking to learn about integrated access and inclusive amenities but also seeking to understand the business case in recognising the benefits of an inclusive culture - with >10 million disabled people in the UK with a combined spending power of >£80 billion per annum, delivering for example inclusive conferences in the UK that are accessible-for-all is unquestionably clear.

In April 2002, his undefeatable will to succeed and his relentless desire to push himself to even greater achievements led him to successfully reach the North Pole and in January 2004 to Antarctica and the South Pole. His polar experiences are laced with danger, incredulity and excitement. After a near fatal aircraft incident on arrival into Antarctica and enduring 14 days on the ice, he and his culturally diverse team reached the South Pole having been man-hauled in the supine position the last 5kms. He 'walked' the final leg, a distance of 310 metres. Facing his worst fears head-on and feeling the cold terribly due to a woefully inefficient circulatory system and despite severe walking difficulties having lost 65% of his muscle bulk, Michael became the first disabled person to have reached both North and South Poles.

In the age of new adventurers, his infectious spirit is personified by the example of self-improvement he continually sets. In valuing difference, engaging presentations move people from diverse backgrounds and at all levels to make a tangible difference in both their workplace and personal lives. One of his key learning's is to recognise what he calls the power within and that the journey towards achieving one's goals is far more important than the final destination.

Undaunted by his debilitating condition, this truly insightful speaker has firmly grasped life head on. He continues to make things happen his way. Numerous magazine and newspaper articles have covered his extraordinary exploits with many radio and TV appearances. Sound commercial experience drawn from a business background in performance improvement, employee motivation and sales development enable him to customise his delivery by inspiring both small and large groups to reach beyond .

Michael is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Muscle Help Foundation whose vision is to see a world free of muscle disorders .  

"In exploring human potential, we are intrinsically connected by muscles that bind us together, muscles that give us the power to function and achieve, muscles that enable ambitions and dreams to be realised" [Michael McGrath]

Strong self-belief, meticulous preparation, focus and personal accountability are his guiding principles. Michael's qualities of determination, courage, resilience, optimism and purpose of mind ensure all parties with whom he connects achieve positive outcomes.

From keynote addresses for conferences, seminars, corporate events and award ceremonies both in the UK and overseas, Michael shapes and customizes each presentation that he delivers according to client objectives. This versatile speaker often illustrates key messages and learning's with stunning high quality images and high impact moments - audiences experience a roller-coaster of emotions through his innate ability to interprete information and then deliver using his unique blend to connect, enthuse and inspire.