Meetings & Incentive Travel Magazine profiles Michael McGrath in \'Speaker Speaks\' column

1. speakerspeaks
Improving with age
ATENS ISLANDS
CANARY
Polar adventurer
Continued from page 39
Building works: warrior’
and ‘muscle
Michael McGrath
Talasoterapia Canariaskeeping cool on
on
freezing stages
was arranged prior to their arrival.
:46 Page 1 Most the time was spent on site at
Sam Harrington-Lowe
Pretty Clever Ltd
the hotel, but we also took them out This unique example was
for a day's racing at the Gran Karting founded 25 years ago in
Club," explains Harrington-Lowe.
Can you describe your first speaking engagement? 1984 on the coast of
"It's only a four hour flight of
G
Having successfully led my first polar expedition seven years ago, Dorset. A rich blend of
thereabouts and the island is so easy
I was invited to share the team’s achievement at BAFTA (British fresh views and ideas mixed
ran Canaria was the to get around with plenty
Academy of Film and Television Arts) in Piccadilly. An experience I of coach thoughtfully together by
destination for a spring hire options. The weather was also
shall never forget! experienced hands.
incentive for a building perfect - warm, sunny with a light
company looking to wind." The height of good taste
What’s the worst thing that has happened to you during an event?
reward their sales
I was on a stage that was positioned directly beneath anegative feedback from
The only huge aircon this mature yet fruity
directors and high flyers. Fifteen the client was the transfer through little number would
system pumping out ice-cold air – felt right at home! Not.
members of staff and their partners the original package holiday centre suit any occasion.
were rewarded with a three-night with its 1960s architecture, but this
What was the last event you spoke at? The perfect
stay at the Talasoterapia Canarias added to the sense
The HBOS plc Senior Executive ‘Strong Leadership in Changing of luxury on accompaniment.
spa hotel.
Times’ programme. In the face of extreme adversity, the Talasoterapia Canarias.
arrival at I focused on
"The hotel is an incredible place. Although
Ernest Shackleton’s leadership lessons, drawing out the destination was more
key business Tel: 01202 456 550
The group were given a budget per expensive
metaphors delivered through a 21st century corporatethan the client expected,
lens.
head which allowed them to book spa the experience and venues exceeded conference.bic@bournemouth.gov.uk
‐=
treatments or a round of golf, which expectations. Star trek: high flyers take part in the luxury incentive
Which event has been your favourite and why?
Continued on page 43
The Business Traveller Awards in Dubai. I delivered a keynote to 500
distinguished business guests from all corners of the Middle East. I
revealed for the first time a photograph of a Business Traveller flag
planted at the South Pole. The audience went absolutely crazy!
AMBIANCE INCENTIVES
If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?
BC200902-BIC 25YRS AD-130X85.ind1 1
+ : 13/3/09 9:04:24 am
The event that announces a global cure for �
� � � � muscular dystrophy.
Which speaker/performer do you most admire and why?
Stand-up comedian and dramatic actor Eddie Izzard. I love his comedy
style expressed in rambling, whimsical monologue and self-referential Love it?
Hate it?
pantomime.
What is your worst on-stage habit?
Can a speaker enjoy speaking too much?
E-mail it!
What annoys you most professionally?
People failing to plan and prepare as thoroughly as I do. Great
speakers need great support. A professional production team is worth
its weight in gold… and I tell them so!
Do you have any riders or special requirements?
No - other than using Virgin when flying transatlantic. If you’ve got an issue you feel
strongly about, share it with us.
Your DMC in Spain!!
A polar adventurer who has conquered both North and E-mail us at mailbag@cat-publications.com
South Poles (the first and only disabled person to have or go to www.meetpie.com/mailbag
done so), muscular dystrophy ambassador Michael
McGrath is a motivation, strategy and leadership
speaker. He uses his polar, professional and personal
ethos as a ‘muscle warrior’ to inspire audiences to
We are waiting to hear from you…
Personal Sevilla Office: expand their potential. Booking McGrath direct via
Barcelona Office:
www.musclehelp.com de Barcelona -aEdif.per cent
Moll will generate 10 Norte 313
file
c/ Alfarería, 68
E-41010 Sevilla donation from all contracted speaker fees in 2009 for
E-08039 Barcelona
Tlf.: + 34 - 95 434 34 72 Muscular Help Foundation, a charity supporting
The
sevilla@ambiance-incentives.com
Tlf.: + 34 - 93 508 81 66
barcelona@ambiance-incentives.com Please keep
young people in the UK afflicted by muscular
dystrophy. letters to
www.ambiance-incentives.com
Tel: 01763 274658 or email: michael@musclehelp.com 200 words long
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