I’M MIKE. YOUR KEYNOTE DIRECTOR & CREATIVE THOUGHT PARTNER.
And I’m the secret weapon behind some of your favorite professional speakers, best-selling authors, and Fortune 500 executives.
As a keynote director, it’s my job to help you see your performance through the audience’s eyes and identify ways to make your keynote more impactful so everyone remembers your name when you step off the stage.
PUBLIC SPEAKING TRAINER
- Amber Lilyestrom: Keynote Speaker, Business Mentor, and Author
“Mike is THE guy. Don't waste your time and money on systems or public speaking programs. Get custom, personalized support that will help YOU stand out as the speaker that you are. #GOLD"
Cheers,
Mike Ganino
Keynote Director
I learned early on that the most impactful people in the room aren’t the loudest or most authoritative voices. They are the ones who know how to tell a story and be radically present with their audience.
With a background as an actor, writer, director, producer, hospitality executive, and corporate trainer, I’ve learned how to look at storytelling and performance from the audience’s perspective.
And I use these insights and experiences to help my clients develop talks and performances that go beyond just wowing the audience to truly transform their thinking.
I’VE BEEN A PERFORMER
ALL MY LIFE...
At first, performing was a way to escape the realities of childhood poverty. As a kid, I’d write down what happened during Kids Incorporated, scene by scene. Then, I’d gather all the girls at my apartment building, and we’d put on a full production with me calling the shots in the director’s chair.
In my 20s, I graduated from musical performances on the lawn to commercial work, comedy, and theatre as a writer, performer, and director. And later, I used what I learned about storytelling, performance, and delivery to liven up boring AF wine trainings as a sommelier.
Today, I use this power to help professional speakers, authors, industry leaders, and executives with big, brilliant ideas transform the way audiences.
In my 20s, I graduated from musical performances on the lawn to commercial work, comedy, and theatre as a writer, performer, and director. And later, I used what I learned about storytelling, performance, and delivery to liven up boring AF wine trainings as a sommelier.
Today, I use this power to help professional speakers, authors, industry leaders, and executives with big, brilliant ideas transform the way audiences.
Growing up as a closeted gay guy, I quickly learned to read the room, realizing how the choices we make impact the way our message is received. And this soon became my superpower—understanding how others perceive and react to subtle changes in language, physicality, behavior, and tone to make a message more impactful.
WORKING WITH ME
“Mike sees who you are and what you bring. He brings out your YOU-ness. That is a gift.”
01 / 03
— Kathy Klotz-Guest, Keynote Speaker & Author
WORKING WITH ME
“His approach is unique, his feedback is timely, and his creative genius is unmatched.”
02 / 03
— Kathy Klotz-Guest, Keynote Speaker & Author
WORKING WITH ME
“No matter your industry or speaking style, Mike will help you find and tell your story.”
03 / 03
—Amy S. Griggs, Attorney
A few of my
Favorite things
Obsessed with
Favorite Director
Pedro Almodóvar
Greatest Movie Ever Made
Pan’s Labyrinth
BEST ACTOR/DIRECTOR DUO
Penélope Cruz & Pedro Almodóvar
take my money
Single-origin coffee
secret talent
ADHD
order me
Grand Reserve Rioja
put me on a plane to
Barcelona
Keynote Directing
Director's Cut Intensive
Discover new ways to punch up your talk with direct, specific feedback from a Keynote Director.
Legend Era Intensive
Receive a review of your speaker brand with specific feedback on how to boost your positioning.
Get a creative thought partner to help you elevate every element of your talk to transform the audience.
The hit list
Ways to Work with Mike
Director's Cut Intensive
InvestmenT: $971
Go from satisfactory to standing ovation with this 90-minute creative and developmental session where I dive deep into your idea, your speech, and your story to help you punch up your talk so you can confidently conquer the stage.
I’ll pinpoint areas where you can crank up the drama, enhance the comedy, or add a touch of suspense.
This is a great fit for you if you’re already booked and busy but still missing that je ne sais quoi that will make your performance unforgettable.
Legend Era Brand Intensive
InvestmenT: $971
You’re a force in your industry. Now, it’s time to make sure your visual branding and messaging are made for the main stage.
In this 90-minute session, I’ll examine every aspect of your speaking brand and platform to identify how to elevate your positioning so you can step into your legend era.
This is a great fit for you if you want to level up—in fees, in status, in gigs—or you know your current packaging doesn’t match the legend you were born to be.
The Keynote Confidential
Get a backstage pass to this Keynote Director’s insights on what it takes to become a speaking legend—delivered right to your inbox.
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