Michael Maisey

Michael Maisey – Inspirational Speaker on Kindness and Empathy

Michael Maisey is a best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and founder of The CIP Project, a charity supporting over 2,000 people each year across the UK.

From a prison cell at sixteen to nearly two decades sober, his work is rooted in lived experience, not theory. Today, he delivers impactful talks and workshops for organisations including the Home Office, Google, and Nexus focusing on inclusion, empathy, and connection.

His sessions don’t just inspire — they create real reflection, and lasting change.

ABOUT MICHAEL

Michael survived a turbulent and traumatic childhood that resulted in him joining a gang and eventually being imprisoned at sixteen.

Reformed and humbled by the acts of kindness he experienced following his prison sentence, Michael set up a successful business in his home borough of London. His company (CIP Project) was founded on the principles of honesty and integrity. Not only did he earn the respect of his clients and employees, but also built an incredibly successful business that is still operating today. As a result, he was honoured by the London Borough of Hounslow for his services to the community.

The Change is Possible Project (CIP Project) helps those wanting to go on a journey of self-discovery to become a better person, those dealing with a lack of connection with those they love, or for those needing help dealing with grief, addiction, trauma, childhood trauma, poor mental health, or are struggling following being released from prison.

Twenty years after the armed robbery that changed his life, he is an accomplished TEDx speaker and also the founder of a nonprofit organisation, the CIP Project, which helps people with mental health, addiction, PTSD and childhood trauma. He has also written an autobiography, Young Offender, which Pan MacMillan published in 2019, and his second book “Change is Possible” was published in January 2025.

SPEAKING TOPICS

As a highly sought-after speaker, Michael has inspired many individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. With his engaging talks and workshops, he has helped people overcome their fears and achieve success. Michael’s message is simple: you can achieve anything you want if you believe in yourself and work hard.

The Candle of Self-Belief (for teachers, educators, and those working with young people) –A powerful session reconnecting people to their purpose, showing how small moments can shape a person’s life and the impact they carry every day. 

The Power of Kindness –Based on Michael’s TEDx talk, this session explores how simple acts of kindness create lasting change, building stronger connection, empathy, and culture within teams.

Radical Ownership to Freedom – A straight-talking session on personal responsibility, helping people move from blame to ownership, take action, and create real change.

Workshops

Connected Teams – Building trust, communication, and alignment so teams work together with honesty and respect.

Beyond the Noise – Helping leaders and teams step back, think clearly, and make better decisions.

Leading from Within – A leadership workshop focused on self-awareness, responsibility, and how we show up day to day.