Michael grew up in poverty without knowing his father. He has lived in a homeless shelter, a center for victims of domestic violence, and even a tent. Michael was able to overcome these struggles and he encourages students to not accept average, but go for greatness.
He connects with teens at a level that is rarely seen amongst today’s youth speakers via his personal stories, entertaining humor, and compelling message.
Michael graduated from college with a B.S. in Business Administration and has worked for some of the top companies in the US including State Farm, Northwestern Mutual, US Bank, Target, Mayo Clinic and Amazon.
Michael lives in Arizona with his beautiful wife and his three adorable little girls.
KEYNOTES
YOU ARE GREATER THAN
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Well, bad things don’t just happen to good people they happen to everyone. But life isn’t about the bad things that happen to us, it’s about how we respond and react to them. Our response is going to determine the path our life takes. When life knocks us down we have two choices: GIVE UP or GET UP?
Michael will inspire your students by telling his personal story of overcoming poverty, growing up without a father, and homelessness. His story will move your students to know that they are greater than their choices, their mistakes, and their past.
*Michael will end his keynote on a high note. Literally. He has prepared a funny song to bring home his talk.
REVIEWS
“If you need an energetic, interactive keynote speaker that is easy to work with, responsive to requests and able to forge a connection with teen audiences, then Michael Cuestas is the PERFECT guy! I would recommend Michael for a speaker at any youth oriented event…you definitely get your money’s worth (and more!).”
“I have worked with speakers and presenters each year during Red Ribbon Week and throughout the year and I have to honestly say that he trumps them all. I would recommend him to anyone who asked!”
“Thank you for being an outstanding keynote speaker.”
“You are what I want to see in a speaker for kids!”
“You did a great job and the kids really enjoyed it.”
PREVIOUS CLIENTS
WORKSHOPS
This workshop reveals the deep truths and proven strategies that take the very best students to the top. This workshop also reveals that the best performers-in a variety of fields-all share the same qualities. Among other traits, the best of the best are able to maintain a big-picture vision while taking zoom focused action, they are mentally stronger, they seize the moment and they inspire excellence in the people around them. But these aren’t traits that one is born with and the great news is that their skills and attitudes that can be learned and applied by all.
10 STRATEGIES TO AN EPIC JOB INTERVIEW (INTERVIEWING SKILLS)
This workshop gives students the knowledge to have an exceptional interview. Michael worked for 6 different Fortune 500 companies and has taken his experience, with the hiring process, and created this highly interactive workshop for students. This workshop will debunk many myths about job interviewing and will give the students the information and confidence to have an epic job interview. (This workshop includes interactive role play).
There are only 24 hours in a day. We all have so much on our plate that sometimes we don’t know how to keep it all balanced. This workshop covers how to establish priorities and then build our lives and schedules around what matters most. We will also cover what you can do to have a more organized life.
THE SECRET TO SUCCESS (FAILURE)
Just because you fail, it does not mean you are a failure. At some point in our lives, we all fail. But it is how we learn from our failures that are going make us successful. In this workshop, we’ll walk through examples of people who have failed, but have made the decision to turn it around into success. Attendees will leave with principles they can apply today to help turn their failures into successes.