Mike Veny

Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® and Best-Selling Author

Mike Veny

Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® and Best-Selling Author

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Biography

"Emotional wellness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, psychological safety and a core component of human-centric skills." - Mike Veny

Mike Veny is fiercely committed to empowering employees to discover the gift of emotional wellness so they can accelerate personal and professional growth. If you are looking for a proven speaker who can transform your attendees through addressing mental health, team building and wellbeing, then you've come to the right place.

Mike Veny is the winner of Corporate LiveWire’s 2022 & 2023 Innovation & Excellence Award for his work as a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®. He’s also the winner of NAMI New York State’s 2023 Leader Of Mental Health Awareness award. As a PM360 ELITE Award Winner, he was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the healthcare industry for his work with patient advocacy. Determined to overcome a lifetime of serious mental health challenges, Mike’s career began as a professional drummer and evolved into becoming a change maker in the workplace wellness industry.

In addition to being a world-class keynote speaker, he’s a corporate drumming event facilitator for team building, podcast host, and the author of several books, including the best-selling book, Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero. His expertise and life experience have been featured on ABC, NBC, and CBS news.

As a child, Mike was expelled from several schools, attempted suicide, and spent time in psychiatric hospitals for extended periods of time. His path to eventually becoming a motivational speaker became evident at an early age when he learned how to convince the staff to discharge him.

In the fifth grade, Mike was put in a special education class. Aside from getting more individualized attention from the teacher, he learned that pencil erasers make great sounds when tapped on a desk. He had no idea that drumming would become his path to mental wellness.

As an adult, Mike spent many years facilitating drum workshops for children with disabilities. The project was such a hit that he continued to expand his drumming program, first to adults in recovery and eventually to team building in organizations.

Mike delivers unique learning experiences designed to move past simply educating an audience to provide them with actionable steps they can take to change their lives and work environments. He’s delivered presentations to Fortune 500 companies, healthcare providers, and educators, including Microsoft, CVS Health, T-Mobile, Heineken, Salesforce, Keurig Dr. Pepper, and The Wounded Warrior Project. In addition, his reputation as a dynamic speaker provides confidence and peace of mind for meeting planners everywhere.

Mike Veny, Inc. is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Mike Veny, Inc. complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, Mike Veny, Inc. is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.

The organization is also recognized by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® and is a Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Accredited Provider.

Mike partners with leaders to customize presentations, including interactive drumming workshops, to fit your event's needs and deliver an epic outcome for your organization. Once you book a keynote, ask about his workshops, books, and courses. If you are looking for a compelling speaker who will connect with, entertain, and engage your audience—all while educating and uniting them around improving wellness—you’ve come to the right place!

Speaker Videos

TEDx: Mental Illness is an Asset

Virtual Presentation: Transforming Stigma

Unleash Your Groove: Team Building

Transforming Stigma Into Strength

"A Real Man" with Mike Veny on Depression Recovery

3 Types of Self-Care

Interview with Depression

Drumming Breakout Session

Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness

ABC8: Quad Cities NAMI Candlelight Recovery Dinner

Highlights Video

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Speech Topics

Here is a list of organizations that accept the IACET CEU

Transforming Stigma® into Strength

During the next year, one in five people will experience a mental health challenge, and 1.5 million people will attempt to die by suicide. The stigma surrounding mental health is an enormous barrier to people seeking treatment and getting the help they need. And here's a proven solution: Transforming Stigma®. This high-energy keynote presentation performs double duty as an important educational experience and as entertainment for your audience. You've got an important decision to make.

Learning Objectives:

Differentiate self-care from escape activities.
Identify strategies for practicing self-care to diminish feelings of shame related to mental health challenges.
Determine how to engage in helpful conversations on the subject of mental health.
Discover how to overcome the consequences of not addressing mental health.
Empower people who are struggling through cultivating a sense of community.

Transforming Stigma® in the Workplace

This program is the best kept secret to improved PRODUCTIVITY, team PERFORMANCE and company PROFITS. Addressing mental health is a vital component of your company’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy and a totally new way of looking at. Top companies are setting a new standard for Diversity & Inclusion through investing in essential resources for mental wellness. Attendees will learn practical tools on how to transform stigma into strength and empower each other to get the help they need.

Learning Objectives:

Cultivate a culture of self-care.
Identify strategies and considerations for having conversations about mental health in the workplace.
Identify resources to support mental wellness.

How to Find Inner Peace in Times of Uncertainty

There has never been a more important time in history to focus on your mental wellness. Finding inner peace is crucial to your health and safety. This important presentation will revitalize you. First and foremost, you will learn to shield yourself from stress. Next, you will learn to put your mind at ease and reduce your anxiety. Last but not least, you will learn to take advantage of golden opportunities to cope with loneliness and grief. Don't miss this unique opportunity.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the importance of prioritizing stress management.
Identify three simple techniques to handle stress in minutes.
Practice three exercises to relieve anxiety and manage obsessive thinking.
Identify three inspiring strategies to cope with loneliness and grief.

How To Take Care Of YOU!

There has never been a more important time in history to focus on your mental wellness. You may have heard a lot about self-care but perhaps you're unsure how to practice it. Or maybe you've dismissed it as all "smoothies and bubble baths," and you question whether self-care can really help you. In this interactive workshop, you will learn what self-care really is (and isn't) and how you can implement self-care strategies that work for you to improve your overall wellness.

Learning Objectives:

Differentiate self-care from escape activities.
Identify strategies for practicing self-care.
Explain the eight dimensions of wellness and how to leverage them to help build resilience.
Make a plan to cope ahead for stressful situations.
Create a customized self-care plan.

Transforming Stigma® in the Classroom

This compelling professional development keynote presentation has been a source of MOTIVATION and SUICIDE PREVENTION for schools throughout the USA. It’s an abundance of simple and practical steps (with colorful examples) that teachers can take to IMMEDIATELY to cultivate mental wellness in the classroom. This presentation offers HOPE and TOOLS for teachers who work with students who are struggling with mental health challenges, behavioral health challenges, and self-destructive behavior. Take this important first step to help your students.

Learning Objectives:

Articulate the importance of self-care.
Identify strategies to promote mental wellness during distance learning.
Integrate mental health conversations into the curriculum.
Detect when a student is struggling.
Devise strategies to support students who are struggling.

Fill Your Cup: Emotional Wellness For Exhausted Educators

You’ve heard the saying: You cannot pour from an empty cup. As an educator, your cup may be empty, or close to it. After pouring yourself into your job and your students, there is often little left in that cup for you, your family, and others. It may have led you to question your career choice and possibly even your true passion and purpose in life. Filling your cup can be challenging, but it can be done. This presentation will provide educators with tools and strategies for protecting and promoting their emotional wellness while supporting the wellbeing of their students. First, you will learn how to let go of worry and get control of your time. Next, you will learn how to take care of yourself. Finally, you will learn strategies for supporting your students' emotional wellness.

Learning Objectives:

Identify strategies for spending your time and energy efficiently, productively, and peacefully.
Identify strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout.
Identify strategies for supporting students’ emotional wellness, including having conversations about mental health.

Unleash Your Groove®

This live and interactive program is designed exclusively as a TEAM BUILDING program for employees. Through guidelines that support RESPECT for each other, they will quickly learn to embrace DIVERSITY & INCLUSION. Engagement often spells the difference between success and failure when it comes to corporate team building events. But it can be tricky to get a room full of people with different personalities, interests, and skills to engage in the same activity. However, this is exactly what I focus on accomplishing through my corporate drumming events. While your employees work together throughout the corporate team building activities and games, they are also learning important leadership development lessons. By using the drums I'm able to talk with your group about important leadership topics like building an environment of trust, handling confrontation, communication, the importance of listening, and cooperation. The games and activities that I take the group through allow them to put these skills into practice with each other right off the bat.

Learning Objectives:

Cultivate a welcoming culture in which people feel like they belong.
Explore ways to be intentional about developing a connection with others.
Identify ways to work together toward a larger vision.

Testimonials

"Mike was great! He and his group were easy to work with, flexible, and organized. We had awesome feedback from those in attendance and would definitely consider having him back."

- The Center at Donaldson

“…certainly inspiring…..so great working with you and we loved Mike's talk! Please give him our thanks!”

- FGX International

"It went very well. He is an amazing and engaging speaker. A couple of employees have reached out to me to say how much they enjoyed it. Thank you for your support."

- Microsoft Corporation

"So amazing!!!! Great program."

- Pita Peaces

"Thank you so much for your honesty and sharing. This helps so much. This has been one of the best presentations I have heard. It has made so much sense and gave me tangible things to work on!"

- Kingston Community Health Centres

"Thank you for coming to speak with us! I truly enjoyed your candor. Within the Military ERG we have spoken about mental well-being, but have approached it in almost a reversed, slightly clinical way. During and after your talk people have reached out to help get involved and drive mental well-being not only in the US, but in our international chapters. We knew having you speak would be meaningful to those that participated, we just had no idea that the impact would be this large. I hope we can keep the momentum going that you sparked."

- Microsoft

"Mike's virtual presentation went AMAZING! We had all positive feedback from internal employees. Feedback from the audience included 'This is such a great talk and the answers are really honest and helpful. Thank you.' and 'Excellent session! Feeling grateful and inspired!' Shortly after Mike's session, employees had an open discussion about their own mental health experiences. It was great. We hope to bring Mike back in the future!"

- Salesforce

"Mike did a wonderful job and APB was so helpful, specifically with the move to virtual. Mike was so candid in his presentation, and so brave for sharing. Great to listen to him and his experiences. It was incredible that he was so engaging even via distance."

- Nebraska Council of School Administrators

"It was an amazing presentation. Thank you for sharing your story and experience. As a mom with a son with mental health issues, hearing your presentation brought me to tears because it is real for me. I know today's information will help me and my family. Thank you."

- Aetna

"I am pleased to say Mike’s presentation was very well received by the conference participants! Our staff and sponsors were all very happy he was brought in as the keynote. Some campus administration in attendance were even impressed and have mentioned future possibilities for collaboration with Mike for other campus events, so we hope to welcome more collaborations with Mike and APB."

- UW Whitewater

“Mike was absolutely amazing at our event! There are not words enough to describe how energized and engaged my crew was and I am so grateful to him for sharing his wonderful outlook with our team.”

- Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC

"Mike did an awesome job for us! I got to attend his drumming workshop and had a blast there! His plenary was also great! He was also a very low-maintenance speakers (believe me not all of them are)."

- OK Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

"I highly recommend Mike Veny as a motivational speaker and facilitator for events that promote team-building, health and well-being. The feedback we received was highly positive in terms of his ability to engage and inspire the students, and in fact, out of all the speakers, Mike received a standing ovation from the audience."

- Chief Operations Officer, CMHA Halton Region Branch

"Mike’s presentations are truly high-energy, inspiring and dynamic, which combine for a one of a kind experience. Conference attendees were totally enamored. His passion for wellness, music and life were contagious and served as the perfect complement to the research and clinical information disseminated by the other panelists. Mike received the highest marks of all the panelists in conference surveys. I highly encourage you to incorporate Mike at your upcoming event. I have no doubt that he will deliver a memorable presentation that your attendees will be raving about."

- Development and Event Coordinator, NAMI New York State

"Mr. Veny was nothing short of outstanding! It was clear from our very first conversation that he was invested in helping us to craft an event that would not only entertain but also educate others about a topic often very difficult for most people to discuss. He was engaging and has a unique gift of including his audience in a way that promotes healing through a shared experience."

- Executive Director, NAMI DC

"The Office of Student Services Symposium was successful in part through Mike Veny’s entertaining, insightful, intentional keynote of his journey thus far living with mental illness. He arrived on time, prepared for his microphone check, took time to engage the youth introducing him, and engaged the symposium coordinators in conversation regarding the symposium and mental health as the focus. Having worked decades in this School Division, I have sat through numerous keynoters. Mike Veny is in my top five. He was well received by the audience which for the most part was mental health clinicians and others who work with children and families and encounter youth in mental health crisis. They also appreciated his candor and willingness to verbalize his experiences to assist others in eliminating the stigma associated with mental health. And of course, they all loved his drumming."

- Prince William County Public Schools

"Mike Veny captivated each individual and used his drumming to pull them into a calming atmosphere with no worries or troubles. He promoted the kind of social interaction within the group that provided each person the freedom to emotionally express themselves without any stigma or stereotypes. If you want to experience something really different, I encourage you to invite Mike to your next event and allow him to heal your mind with the beat of a different drum."

- Event/Fundraising Coordinator, NAMI Spartanburg

"Mike Veny is a dynamic public speaker who comes prepared for whatever particular audience he addresses. His presentations have ranged from middle school health classes to a group of incarcerated women. Wherever he presents, Mike brings a clearly defined and organized performance, connecting with his listeners and offering practical demonstrations of how his own experiences can shed light into the lives of other people."

- Outreach Coordinator, Mental Health Association of Nassau County, Inc.

"Mike served as a kickoff keynoter for the entire conference and, as such, did a great job of getting our group of more than 500 participants energized, focused and inspired!"

- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

"Mike’s ability to address an audience not only with his drums but with his story is incredible. His message is very heartfelt and genuine. He was a pleasure to work with, accommodating, flexible, professional and caring. The families and youth were moved and inspired by his powerful story and talent. If you are looking for someone to engage your audience and bring enthusiasm to your event, Mike Veny is that person!"

- Executive Director, Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children, Inc.

"Mike Veny is a talented and inspiring Hero of Hope for children, youth and their families. His story is without pretenses and that resonates strongly with people who care about mental health rights and issues. I highly recommend Mike for any of your future events."

- Social Marketer, Nassau County Family Support System of Care

"Not only was Mike’s presentation excellent, but he was also a delight to work with. I was impressed with his genuineness, ability to understand and engage our audience, enthusiasm, knowledge on a variety of subjects, and his willingness to visit and interact with attendees."

- Director, SEA

"Mike's talk was the highlight of the day! I learned a lot and so appreciated his thoughtful and insightful answers to audience questions. I hope Maine Parent Federation will have him back and can we do some drumming?!"

- Gear Parent Support Network

“We invited Mike Veny to Mizzou to give his presentation, Transforming Stigma in College. He gave an engaging and unique perspective on a topic that can be hard to talk about. The entire audience was captivated by his passion for not only his own mental health but also the health of every individual he meets. Through his animated storytelling and unique history, he gave many insights into living with mental health struggles and provided tips and strategies to manage their own health."

- University of Missouri – Columbia

“With humor, optimism, and quality interventions, he provided us with useful strategies to employ in our classrooms. Mike’s gift for working with children with special needs is apparent to all who had the privilege of listening to his message.”

- Westcop Therapeutic Nursery and Head Start

“We had 602 participants from many of the mental health and substance abuse groups around the state of Arkansas. Our participants have to do more work with less money every year. What keeps them in the profession is caring for their clients and helping them have better lives. Your talk helped them see that their work has meaning and that their efforts count. There is always room for improvement in mental health counseling, but you helped them see this in a gifted way.”

- MidSOUTH/UALR School of Social Work

“Our Chapter has hosted Mike Veny twice on our campus for his program titled “Transforming Stigma into Strength.” Each time we have brought Veny to our campus, he has received nothing but the highest of praise from our students, faculty, staff, and community members...Veny has the remarkable ability to gauge his audience and deliver the best program possible. Not only that, Veny appeals to any aspiring musician or art professionals looking to make a career out of their passion. Because of his dynamic character, Veny is able to encourage students to continue striving to lead the most fulfilling life they can.”

- Active Minds at Elmhurst College

"Mike was a big HIT! The youth in attendance enjoyed his presentation and the drumming session. Wonderful turn out and he kept them entertained and wanting more!! Thank you!!!"

- The Family Café, Inc.

"I have to say that never in my life have I heard someone speak so frankly about their own mental illness. It was amazing and refreshing. Thank you for making your keynote entertaining, informative, and enjoyable."

- Prince William County Public Schools