About

Michael is well known as a pioneer and leader in the field of coaching, coach training and development. He has trained over 6,000 coaches worldwide, and authored curriculum for many coach training organizations and most recently he co-developed the “Core Dynamics Coach Training” curriculum with Tom Stone, the founder of Human Software Engineering.

Michael has worked with individuals and groups on leadership development at Cisco Systems, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, GE, The Whirlpool Corporation, Wells Fargo, and Blizzard Entertainment. He has designed in-house workshops for companies including QuickLogic, Leading Initiatives Worldwide, and Wells Fargo. He often teaches at Brandman/Chapman College in Orange County, California, having co-created their “Coaching Skills for Business Leaders” Program.

Michael is an engaging speaker and workshop presenter with a light and playful approach matched with his creativity, mastery of language, curiosity, and business acuity. Through his keen insights, masterful coaching and experiential training approach, he quickly reveals a depth of knowledge and understanding on a wide range of human and organizational issues. It is no exaggeration to say that people love engaging with Michael in workshops and gain practical tools and approaches that they can immediately use. He has the ability to design material that is exactly what the client is looking for, drawn from his extensive experience working with organizational issues, as well as his experience as a masterful coach, an actor and a well-seasoned speaker.

Michael graduated from the University of California, Irvine. In college, he majored in Mathematics and Theatre. He was one of the first coaches ever to be awarded the Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential by the International Coach Federation. He has written four books on coaching including Masterful Questions, Directed Evolution: Taking Charge of Change, Hungers: the Hidden Motivators and The Game of Coaching. He is currently writing Quintessential Leadership: 5 Timeless Practices for Leaders.

Quotes from people who’ve attended Michael’s trainings:

“Simply an excellent leader! Michael Stratford communicated enthusiasm, humor, and had wonderful personal examples which were extremely helpful. He is obviously enthusiastic about what he does which I found very inspiring”.

“Michael is the most amazing presenter I’ve ever seen. He has an uncanny ability to reach every person in the audience. He’s like a cross between Robin Williams and the Dalai Lama.”