Founder of Thinktastic, Keynote Speaker, Business Creativity Expert, Social Impact Entrepreneur & Award-Winning Education Advocate
Mike Stevenson, Founder of Thinktastic, is a keynote speaker known for his story of resilience and reinvention, and for a career that has combined business, creativity and social impact. He brings high energy, honesty and a strong ability to move audiences from reflection into action. Among his many achievements, he is a three time winner of the Business in the Community Award for Raising the Attainment of Young People, recognition that reflects his long term commitment to education, opportunity and social change.
His early life shaped much of the perspective he now shares on stage. Expelled from school at 15 with no qualifications, he later experienced homelessness in London, where he faced addiction and the realities of life without support. Those years gave him a deep understanding of pressure, resilience and human behaviour. A move to Dublin placed him in the centre of the city’s music and cultural scene, where he met figures such as Phil Lynott and Brian Downey while living through a period of political tension and even Special Branch surveillance. By his mid twenties he had worked 29 different jobs, from steelworker to musician to actor, each experience adding to the practical insight he now brings to organisations and teams.
As his career developed, Mike built a reputation for creativity, innovation and bold thinking. He founded Thinktastic, which was later voted Scottish Small Company of the Year, and he led major projects with organisations including M&S, Sky TV, British Gas and Standard Life. His work in community development earned him the inaugural Community Mark, awarded to only 21 UK company directors, along with the New Start Magazine Better Places Award. He has delivered the TEDx talk Dour to Doer, spoken at Leadercast events, written for The Sunday Times and hosted Disney Institute Masterclasses, where he helped organisations turn creative thinking into practical results.
Event organisers choose Mike because he combines humour, warmth and hard earned experience with clear, practical ideas. His keynote talks focus on reinvention, overcoming adversity, creativity, leadership and the mindset needed to succeed during uncertain times. His impact is measurable; for example, the Scottish Rugby Union raised their targets after his BBC broadcast, and AXA later made him the face of a national advertising campaign. Audiences leave his talks with more energy, more confidence and a clear motivation to take action.
Why Hire Mike Stevenson?
- VIDEOS
- TESTIMONIALS
- SPEAKING TOPICS
- COSTS
“Mike’s speech was entertaining, full of energy, engaging, inspirational and thought provoking. His powerful message was delivered with superb humour but sprinkled with science and insight. Business people in Lochaber will be talking about his message for years to come.” – Frazer, Chief Executive, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce
“The most motivating speaker I know. From seeing Mike talk in front of 1000s of people on stages (virtually), to speaking with you 1:1. There is always one recurring theme: I feel motivated and optimistic about our future and can’t wait to get back on my purpose!” – Moh, Ethical Growth Hacker
“Mike Stevenson was truly inspirational. He reminded us that it is within our gift to enhance our own lives and the lives of the people around us. That there is learning to had everywhere and that we all have unique experiences and knowledge to bring to the table. The best is yet to come.” – Liz, Astrazeneca, Liverpool
“Mike is the most impressive public speaker I have seen. When I worked with him on PR ventures, he would go from the Today programme to a freezing cold Winter Garden gig in Sheffield (where he held the audience spell bound) without missing a beat; compelling, original and professional in every environment.” – Amy, Axa Insurance
“Truly inspirational and totally amazed at how he managed to engage with and motivate our staff… he’s helped us take stock of where we are, what we want to achieve and how we will achieve it. Still on a total buzz!” – Laura, Citizens Advice Bureaux Scotland
“…a fantastic presentation yesterday. It was or rather you were ‘inspirational’. I was greatly impressed by how you won them over with your excitement, passion, enthusiasm and humour, and then went for the jugular and challenged them all to sit up and take stock.” – Christine, Business in the Community
“You will be TOTALLY motivated AND Inspired by Mike’s words of Wisdom, Humour, Talent and just darn right Captivated!! The word ‘Motivate’ implies a ‘move to Act’ … if you or your team need this in any shape or form, then book Mike Stevenson NOW! Then ‘fasten your seat-belts’ and be prepared to SOAR!” – Dr Susie, CEO and Leadership Coach
“This isn’t just motivation, this is ‘World-Class’ Mike Stevenson Motivation. Mike is always top of my recommended list for anyone looking for long term results along with the ‘WOW’ factor. Live or Virtual, Mike inspires, excites and motivates like no other speaker I know. Forget Branson and Geldof and call this man now. You will not regret it.” – Kenny, Celebrity Speakers and Presenters
“In all my work on my radio shows, podcasts and keynote speaking I have yet to hear a more compelling speaker than Mike Stevenson.” – Simon, The Growth Strategist and host of the Business Show on Dublin FM
“You are a master craftsman Mike. You are such a fabulous speaker and presence. I’m blown away by your class.” – Feargal, CEO of ATPO and Founder of the Irish Resurgence Series
“Mike is an enigma. He is such an inspirational man, and you will be left in awe of his presence and amazing skill at capturing the attention of his audience. His life and business experience are phenomenal, and his wit and charm make him stand out from the rest. Be prepared to be refreshed, motivated, enthused and uplifted. I, for one, would highly recommend Mike as a motivational speaker for your team!” – Ann, Performance Manager, Habinteg Housing Association, Derry
“Inspirational and full of humour… The key messages around ambition, taking ownership, motivation and being wary of complexity sellers were well aligned to our priorities, and guided our conversation in the sessions after our dinner. The audience felt more moved by your words than previous speakers because your background and challenges were much more relatable… we really enjoyed it.” – Matt, Executive Vice President, Energy, Element Materials Technology
“Excellent presentation. The feedback from staff has been fantastic and you were a huge hit with the crowd.” – Darren, Chief Executive, Habinteg Housing Association, Holywood
“A huge thanks to Mike Stevenson for delivering an inspiring and passionate speech about his life and our future. Great end to a great day.” – Jonathan, Director, Harvey, Donaldson and Gibson
“Mike delivered a very simple but powerful message, through his anecdotes from around the world: Get engaged, seize opportunities when they present and know the best is yet to come! A thoroughly interesting man and a great speaker!” – Wing Commander Darren, RAF Boulmer
“It was such a fantastic day yesterday and there has been so much great feedback from staff that I just wanted to email to thank you so much for all your efforts to make it the success that it was; we’re all energised to put it into practice now!” – Sandra, Head of Comms, Grampian Housing Association
“…an extraordinary person, a fantastic speaker, who conveys a positive spirit and inspiring attitude. He is very humble, entertaining, engaging and positively challenging in his approach…” – Professor Thilo, Professor of Health Systems Management, University College Dublin
“If you’ve ever been a room where Mike has the podium you can literally feel the surge of adrenaline lift those around you.” – Colin, Social Tailor
“You went beyond the limits of my expectations and were a huge hit with the audience.” – George, Chair, Scottish Business Continuity
“Your speech was easily the best of the conference; so uplifting.” – Oliver, Kings College London
“…those 30 minutes of your speech (one year on) still resonate inside my mind. Everyone I speak to about Thinktastic smiles and wants to shake your hand… I am inspired by you.” – Ermis, Oregon University
“Mike inspired every single person at the University of Stirling Symposium… he didn’t just speak, he activated everyone to positively impact the world and live life at 100% every day.” – Robert, Founder at Appreciate
“Mike reminded the team and I that everyone of us really does make a difference and that how we describe and deliver that difference counts. Instead of teachers and leaders… following Mike’s Disney-like magic… we became the architects and facilitators of our children’s hopes and dreams. That matters. It was both a privilege and an inspiration to see and hear you.” – Katrina, CEO, Tees Valley Education
“Seeing at first hand 270 under pressure health professionals inspired to run with and pledge to new ideas was uplifting. Mike used fun, humour, motivation and positive participation to lift, energise and empower people to go and make change happen.” – Jacqui, Chief Health Professions Officer, Scottish Government
“This morning everyone is talking about what they did differently at the weekend… so inspiring.” – Ruth, Head of Scottish Parliament Film Unit
“Every young person should hear this man. He is the master of empowerment.” – Gill, Entrepreneur, children’s author and speaker
“Mike stoked the fire of inspiration and innovation and his ideas and stories have made me a better leader.” – Eugene, Training and Design Manager, British Gas
“Mike challenged us to step away from the ‘it’s too difficult’ zone, then left us buzzing, enthused, inspired and up for change.” – Dr Anne, National Clinical Lead, Long Term Conditions, NHS Scotland
“It takes rare insight, skill and confidence to inspire business leaders to a common vision and cause. That’s why I brought Mike Stevenson’s Thinktastic to London; they, uniquely, have it all and get results.” – Gail, Chief Executive, Logic Homes
“Still a positive buzz around; the way you involve young people and make them feel important is a skill that cannot be taught.” – Scott, City of Edinburgh Council
“You really have inspired a change.” – Pauline, Headteacher, Royal High School, Edinburgh
“…high energy, stretching, fun and fast paced.” – Anne, Edinburgh Napier University
“Mike totally exceeded my expectations. He was charming, witty, extremely knowledgeable, passionate, considerate, captivating and just full of gusto in his delivery as our guest speaker. Mike will without doubt shock, enthuse and astound you all at the same time. I would highly recommend Mike Stevenson as a motivational speaker.” – Ann, Quality and Performance Manager, Habinteg Housing Association, Ulster
“Mike – you inspire so many people and are one of the best speakers I have ever heard; keep sharing, keep making a difference.” – Bob, former Chair of Scottish Enterprise and CEO of the Wood Group
The cost of hiring Mike Stevenson depends on your event format, location, duration and any travel requirements. For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact a SpeakOut booking agent for expert guidance.