Michael Altshuler: Turning Ideas Into Action—and Action Into Results
Michael Altshuler is a high-energy keynote speaker, entrepreneur, bestselling author, sales strategist and performance expert who helps organizations close the Knowing-Doing Gap—the costly distance between what people know and what they actually do.
His message is built around a simple truth: Success isn't determined simply by what you know. It's determined by what you consistently DO with what you know.
Drawing from an extraordinary life in business and beyond, Michael combines powerful storytelling, humor, audience interaction and practical strategies to help people challenge limiting beliefs, strengthen resilience, elevate performance and turn ideas into measurable results.
He Doesn't Teach From Theory. He Teaches From Experience.
Michael's credibility comes from having lived the lessons he shares.
After being fired from his first professional sales job at 21, Michael started a company from his 650- square-foot apartment, built it into a multimillion-dollar business that he later sold to the 5-billion dollar industry giant IKON Office Solutions.
Along the way, he broke sales records, closed seven-figure deals, competed against some of the biggest companies in his industry and even tested himself physically and mentally as a competitor on the nationally televised hit show American Gladiators.
But Michael's story isn't simply about winning.
He made millions. Lost millions. Experienced bankruptcy. And rebuilt.
Those highs and lows give Michael a rare ability to speak authentically about sales, success, failure, resilience and what it takes to keep moving forward when circumstances don't go according to plan and still come out a winner.
His audiences don't hear theories about success. They hear lessons forged through experience that they can relate to on many levels.
Closing the Knowing-Doing Gap
Most organizations don't suffer from a lack of information. Their people already know many of the things they should be doing.
The challenge is execution. Consistent execution!
Michael closes the distance between knowledge and execution, intentions and actions, and potential and performance known as the Knowing-Doing Gap.
His keynotes help audiences recognize what's keeping them from taking consistent action and give them practical strategies to close that gap.
Whether the objective is increasing sales, strengthening leadership, improving communication, building resilience or elevating performance, Michael challenges people to stop merely knowing what to do—and start doing what produces results.
More Than a Speech—An Experience! (Watch his video and see for yourself).
Michael believes a great keynote shouldn't simply be heard. It should be experienced, remembered and acted upon.
His high-energy, entertaining and highly interactive presentation style keeps audiences engaged while delivering substance they can use long after the event ends.
Michael incorporates compelling stories, humor, audience participation and unexpected moments to create an environment where attendees aren't passive spectators—they become part of the experience.
And because every organization is different, Michael works closely with clients to understand their objectives, challenges and desired outcomes, then tailors his message to make it relevant to the people in the room.
The goal isn't simply applause. It's action.
From Setbacks to Comebacks
Resilience isn't something Michael learned from a book.
After achieving extraordinary financial and business success, he experienced devastating setbacks, lost millions and ultimately filed for bankruptcy.
Then he rebuilt.
That journey changed his understanding of success and gives him a powerful perspective on adversity and how to overcome it: You don't get to choose every challenge that comes your way—but you do get to choose how you respond to it.
Michael gives audiences practical strategies for navigating setbacks, maintaining perspective, strengthening resilience and continuing to move forward when quitting would be easier.
His message isn't about pretending adversity doesn't exist. It's about developing the mindset and behaviors necessary to respond, adapt and come back stronger.
Recognized for Business, Performance & Impact
Michael's entrepreneurial achievements, speaking career and commitment to making a difference have earned recognition in business, media and his community.
His honors and appearances include:
- New Jersey Governor's Cup for Entrepreneurial Excellence
- Atlantic City Entrepreneur of the Year
- The Salvation Army Community Builder Award
- Competitor on the nationally televised hit show American Gladiators
- Featured by ABC, NBC and The New York Times
- Featured in Harvey Mackay's bestselling book, We Got Fired! ...And It's the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us, alongside prominent business and media leaders
Michael is also a bestselling author and host of The RESULTS Podcast where he's interviewed by some of the top thought leaders and entrepreneurs in the world.
Customized Keynotes Built Around Your Outcomes
Michael doesn't believe in showing up, delivering the same canned speech and leaving.
He works with organizations to understand what they want their people to think, feel and do differently after his presentation.
His programs can be customized around:
Sales • Peak Performance • Leadership • Communication • Resilience • Mindset • Execution •
Personal & Professional Growth
The result is a keynote designed not simply to motivate people for an hour, but to give them ideas and strategies they can put into action when they return to work.
Because inspiration may create a moment. Action creates results.
And Yes...There's Magic
Michael can create an unforgettable experience before he ever steps onto the keynote stage.
An accomplished magician, Michael can perform mind-blowing strolling magic during receptions, cocktail hours and networking events, creating moments of surprise, laughter and connection among attendees.
It's an unusual combination few keynote speakers can offer: the same person who captivates your audience from the stage can also amaze them from just a few feet away.
For meeting planners looking to create an event attendees will talk about long after it's over, Michael brings something genuinely different.
