Mike Abrashoff

Michael Abrashoff

Naval Commander
NY Times Best Selling Author
Leadership & Teamwork Expert
Keynote Speaker

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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ABOUT MIke

Mike Abrashoff is at the center of one of the most remarkable modern day stories of organizational transformation.  

At 36, he was selected to be Commander of USS Benfold and was the most junior commanding officer in the Pacific fleet.   The challenges of this underachieving destroyer were staggering, with low morale and the highest turnover rate in the Navy.  Few thought the ship could improve. Yet 12 months later it was ranked #1 in performance -- using the same crew.  How did Mike do it?  By replacing command and control leadership with commitment and cohesion. The lesson was clear:  Leadership matters and culture is everything. 

Since leaving the Navy, Mike has worked with over 1200 organizations instilling leadership initiatives at every level – achieving phenomenal change in unexpected places.  Leaders especially identify with Mike being accountable for results in an environment where he couldn’t make the rules.  He focused on the one thing he could influence: his crew’s attitude, because culture is the ultimate competitive weapon for any organization.  That’s why Wall Street Journal, Fast Company and others have cited Mike’s story.  It’s also why Mike is so popular with such a wide range of audiences. 

As a keynote speaker, Mike has spoken to every industry and kind of audience – from board retreats to front line personnel, from sales groups to universities, from Fortune 500s to startups.  He tailors his message to focus on engagement, execution, change, safety, diversity, leadership, teamwork, innovation, accountability and more.

 
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KEYNOTE SPEAKING


NY TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR


Articles


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TESTIMONIALS

Mike Abrashoff’s address to our group in Denver was spot-on. It was evident he worked to include information regarding our company, our markets and in particular, our Project Managers Forum objectives and attendee backgrounds. Several people commented to me that they found his story inspiring and relevant.
— Facilities Manager, URS
His message and coaching around leadership is perfect for every level of management in our organization ranging from the General Managers of our stores right up to our CEO. Mike provides practical advice sprinkled with some entertaining stories from his days as Captain of the USS Benfold. Our time spent with Mike has been invaluable and we look forward to working with him again.
— Sam Chamberlain, Chief Operating Officer, FIVE GUYS
You gave a memorable and enjoyable keynote speech that was enjoyed by all. Thank you for making our owners understand that they are the captains of their own destiny and that they need to take all action needed to succeed. You did a great job setting the tone for the rest of the convention.”
— Kevin G. Sinclair, CEO, Wireless Zone
 
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