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Michelle Mills-Porter

Michelle Mills-Porter

Authentic, Compelling and Inspirational Tsunami Survivor. Expert in human behaviour and resilience

Michelle Mills-Porter is an International Speaker and an expert in human behaviour, communication and motivation . She is the creator of a suite of empowering analysis tools and as such has the backing of neuroscience certifications.

Previously a successful CEO, Michelle was caught in the Boxing Day Tsunami. What she learned in the aftermath changed her purpose and her trajectory. She dived into reflection, retraining and researching, eventually creating a whole suite of analysis tools that capture the evidence of the subjects that she also speaks about.

Michelle is described as authentic, empowering and inspirational and has made a lasting difference to the audiences that she speaks for. She will work with you prior to the event to ensure that she understands what you want your students to feel after her talk and what you want them to consider doing differently. Michelle is highly recommended by schools, colleges, universities, and corporate organisations alike.

Her experience as a Tsunami Survivor makes her an astonishing storyteller and she is able to apply something historic into something that even the youngest audiences can relate to. Whether closing large conferences, empowering Leaders, or inspiring students, Michelle gives her all to every single delivery.

She has just been awarded Outstanding Senior Female Executive of 2023, by the Midlands Women’s Awards and was chosen as the finalist in the Inspirational Woman of the Year, by Sandra Bullock OBE. She was also a finalist Entrepreneur for Good for the work that she does in the charity and CIC sector and for humanity at large.

Her 3 main talks are detailed below;

*Introduction to Behaviour Profiling. The majority of students are not aware that they will be “profiled” when they enter the world of work. Many do not appreciate the impact of their body language, their attire and even their first handshake. This talk always goes down extremely well as it’s fun, lovely and engaging. The students find it easy to identify with the different behaviour types and it’s very stickable. The content gives them tools in building rapport, engaging effectively and networking. It also gives insights into how to navigate our relationships, how others may perceive us and prepare us for our future interviews.

*Resilience Reframed. Resilience doesn’t have to roar, and resilience is about flexibility, not strength.This talk embraces that we all go through challenges, it is part of life. Using examples from the adversity that she experienced, Michelle takes care to explain what challenge is, and how they all register similarly within the brain and therefore you cannot measure one person’s experiences against another. Michelle inclusively allows each student to recognise their own challenge (including going through a global pandemic, for those who feel they have not had much to contend with yet) and thus why resilience is essential for our mental health and our success.

*The Astonishing Advantages of Neurodiversity. We are on the brink if discovering that “neuro-typical” is not in fact very “typical.” And as such we have never been in a stronger position to support neurodiversity. This talk is not only inclusive of all neurodiversity’s, but it takes steps forward to embrace and celebrate the unique super powers of each of them. Whilst also looking at areas of potential support required, this liberating talk will empowering our young adults to be open and proud of the potential neurodiversity of themselves and others and to embrace the benefits that they bring.

All of these sessions are also available at a more advanced level for staff and parents, with an added insight into helping support and motivate our young people based on their behaviour preferences.

Testimonials from Teachers

'King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls is a selective grammar school situated in Handsworth in Birmingham. In October 2017, the English Department were keen to design a day that would encourage the next generation of public speakers. Michelle came with superb credentials and was so generous with her time.

Michelle was the keynote speaker for a day celebrating Spoken Language which was aimed at preparing students to speak with confidence in front of an audience- the day turned out to be one of the most memorable days for many of the Year 10 students and for staff alike.

Michelle’s delivery was simply captivating. From the opening of the talk, the entire audience was gripped: they pictured, felt and shared every moment of her incredible story and, by the end of the talk, were totally inspired to take stock, but more importantly, take action to become magnificent! Michelle’s warm and empathetic style of delivery was well-suited to her audience. Michelle was honest and spoke with such integrity that the day was, quite simply, a privilege to be a part of.

As part of the day, Michelle was happy to support students and share her expertise in public speaking and she coached and mentored 18 students in public speaking- this was an opportunity that the students benefitted greatly from and many have expressed an interest in pursuing this as an occupation as a result of this intervention.

We will not hesitate in inviting Michelle back to KEVIHS to inspire our next generation of professional speakers. We thank her profusely for her generosity of both time and spirit.'

– Miss T.Goodyear, Head of English, King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls

'Michelle is an exceptional speaker, presenter and all round human! She has gifted us her time, passion and talent over the years to truly bring a bit of magic to our Employability Skills programme. Her insightful content, style of delivery, warmth and personality have helped benefit so many young people from across our three partner schools in Coventry. We couldn’t be more grateful for her genuine desire to give something back and use her many talents as a force for so much good. Sincere thanks and kudos to you Michelle.'


– Belinda Brown, Senior Community Specialist responsible for secondary school outreach and "Better Futures" at Coventry Building Society

'Michelle came to deliver a motivational speech at our School in May of 2019. It was part of a 12 week programme for our Year 12's. She came into our assembly and told us of her journey and experience. I don't want to give anything away but suffice to say it was both moving and inspirational. I was totally gripped and hanging on her every word; but also there with her in her minds eyes as she relived it. A full year group of over 200 young people - and you could have heard a pin drop. It was captivating, sad, exhilarating and moving...all in one go! Some students came to see me afterwards for appointments and we were quoting from the speech. A captivating story - a story brought to life - something I will always remember for time to come. Thank you Michelle.'

– Marie Brennan, Level 6 Qualified Career Advisor and Co Cordinator. Cardinal Newman Catholic School.

“Michelle has been one of our most a popular speakers for the many schools in our programmes for more than 7 years. Her sessions have been an invaluable insight for our young adults, when considering life skills needed whether they are moving into further or higher education, apprenticeships, or the workplace.

Michelle is a fantastic facilitator that raises the energy in the room whilst managing her audience expertly, bringing out the very best in them. If Michelle should encounter a moment of distraction in her audience, she has a way of getting instant re-engagement, with her stern words – always with a twinkle in her eye!

Michelle is reliable, entertaining and brings wisdom with solid content; she always leaves her audience feeling energised and wanting more. I would highly recommended her for speaking in schools and other educational settings, not only to students, but also in teacher groups and with parents."


– Diane Vernon MBE, Founder and CEO of EmployabilityUK

"Michelle never fails to deliver the most impactful and inspiring motivational talks to young people from our partner schools. Her authentic and passionate delivery style ensures a highly engaging performance which students really connect with. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Michelle, as she is a force for good and I very much enjoy our continued working relationship together."

– Belinda Brown, Senior Community Specialist responsible for ‘Better Futures’ secondary schools outreach, Coventry Building Society

Speaker File

Location

Birmingham

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