Mike Stevenson

Mike Stevenson's humour, insightfulness, and years of experience make him not just one of the most impactful motivational speakers in Scotland but also the best. He uses a blend of storytelling, interactive exercises, and tailored frameworks to ensure his sessions are engaging and practical. He also uses visual prompts and creative brainstorming techniques to unlock fresh ideas and solutions. He remarks, "My goal is to create a collaborative environment where individuals feel empowered to explore, question, and implement new strategies with confidence."

From school failure and rough sleeping to entrepreneurship and international speaking, Mike's journey has been anything but conventional. His early struggles, though challenging, were rich in lessons. He often wondered why teachers couldn't engage him, sparking a lifelong quest for answers. He envisioned how he would connect with others like him—storytelling was the key. He performed as a solo guitarist and singer, which ignited his passion for engaging audiences. Over the years, he has held many jobs, learning from each, but running his creative agency for 20 years provided the final piece of the puzzle. He says, "Crafting advertising copy taught me how to captivate with words—like playdough, they can be moulded into compelling narratives. With a wealth of life experience, I became a storyteller, performer, and writer. When I took to the stage, the accolades followed. And here I am."

With vast experience, he has helped people in business and life by sharing the lessons he has learned through his unconventional journey. Through storytelling, he teaches others how to communicate with impact—whether it's captivating an audience, crafting compelling messages, or finding their authentic voice. His experience in running a creative agency for 20 years has equipped him with practical strategies for problem-solving, branding, and creativity. He helps entrepreneurs and professionals see challenges from fresh perspectives and unlock their potential through innovative thinking. Whether it's through mentoring, speaking, or workshops, he offers tools that transform ideas into action. 

Mike describes himself as resilient, creative, and deeply curious about people and their stories. His life experiences have shaped him into someone who thrives on connection, authenticity, and problem-solving. He is passionate about helping others see possibilities where they see obstacles. His communication style is engaging, relatable, and story-driven—he believes storytelling is the most powerful way to connect, inspire, and influence. He remarks, "Whether I'm speaking on stage, coaching, or collaborating, I aim to communicate with clarity, warmth, and a touch of humour. I adapt to different audiences, making complex ideas simple and relatable. I'm not just about giving advice; I listen, empathise, and help people discover their own answers." 

Although he has worked with so many clients throughout his career, he recalls one with a non-professional, which he is proud of. He recalls, "I was asked by children's charity Barnardo's to coach a 15-year-old girl to present at an upcoming Gala fundraising event." When we met, she was reluctant and terrified by the prospect. "Me speak in front of a audience? I just can't." Her words were staccato and murmured. But I slowly teased her story out of her. As it unfolded, the tears gathered in my eyes. She had experienced so many horrors in her short life." It then took him six hours over six weeks and many moments of self-doubt and occasional tantrums to get her ready. He simply gave her the tools and confidence to tell her own heartrending story in a way that wasn't self-pitying but empowering and inspiring.

He then continues that on the night, in front of a packed audience, she blew people away – there were tears and laughter in equal measure. Needless to say, she helped raise a record amount for the charity. He proudly remarks, "She was not an accomplished speaker, but I worked gently to convince her that her story had enormous power and value and would attract support for others like her who needed support. She rose to the challenge with such aplomb. I have never felt so proud." 

A session with him means that the clients walk away inspired, with fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and renewed confidence in their abilities. It helps them clarify their challenges, uncover hidden opportunities, and develop practical steps to achieve their goals. They benefit from his storytelling approach, which makes complex ideas easy to understand and apply. He provides a creative and supportive space where they can explore new ideas without judgment. Clients often discover their own strengths and unique values, empowering them to communicate more effectively and make impactful decisions. 

Since every client is unique, Mike feels that they can sometimes struggle with self-doubt or resistance to change, so creating a safe and open environment is crucial. Another challenge, he notes, is cutting through information overload—helping clients focus on what truly matters without feeling overwhelmed. Time constraints can also be a factor, requiring him to prioritise key insights while maintaining depth and engagement. In light of this, he stays flexible, empathetic, and solution-focused to overcome these challenges, tailoring each session to meet the client's specific needs and ensuring lasting impact.

Mike has been bestowed with numerous awards, including the Better Places Award (Private Sector) Issued by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES). Institute of Public Relations Award for Best Community Campaign, 2004. He was also awarded for Community Investments over a sustained period at a ceremony at 10 Downing Street. In 2006, he received the SME Business of the Year, Issued by Scottish Business in the Community, along with nine Scottish Communicators in Business Awards from 1998 to 2008. 

Mike leaves the Inobal audience with his treasure trove of wisdom that he has accumulated over the years and says, "It really is never too late to learn, develop, change direction, reinvent ourselves, and be the person we dared only to dream about. Chief of all – the very weaknesses that we have identified in ourselves might very well be our strengths. Many of you will have a giant buried that needs to be unleashed. Find it, release it, and make a positive imprint on the world. My philosophy has always been to be first on the block and never settle for second. Even if your distinction is small. Find your passion, and let's make business a force for good."