This is the place to see what other event professionals think about individual speakers, presenters and performers – and to have your own say. If you know who you’re looking for, simply enter the name in the search box. Otherwise, check our existing feedback by section below.
Michael was very approachable and attracted a lot of interest in the event and therefore, achieved our objectives
IRM
Michael was outstanding – his honesty, detailed account of the events that were deeply personal and engaging manner of presenting made the event a huge success. He kept the audience captivated throughout and at the end left them guessing as to how the story progressed from there, which made quite a few people buy his book afterwards – which is great! The audience felt Michael was a good ‘storyteller’, ‘very interesting’ and ‘engaging’. Michael’s story was fascinating to all, but very extreme, which some felt was hard to compare and apply to their own situations.
ACCA
“Your willingness to share the personal and professional details of your whistleblowing experience with Olympus truly captivated and empowered our audience.” “According to our attendee survey, you were the highest rated keynote speaker at this year's Conference, and one of the highest rated speakers we have had in the last 10 years. Your humble confidence and professional candor are two traits that set you apart both as a keynote speaker and accomplished executive.”
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
I've had the honour of hosting six Nobel Prize winners, three US presidents, two heads of state and an archbishop as well as many leading commentators from the fields of economics, finance, politics and civic society and Michael Woodford stands out as one of the most captivating and interesting speakers myself and Pi members have been lucky enough to hear from in Pi's history.
Pi Capital
As a speaker, Michael puts these experiences across vividly, giving a real sense of the emotional rollercoaster on which he found himself. I would recommend him to anyone who is interesting in hearing a gripping story that offers important real-world lessons.
Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation
Michael is a master storyteller, who tells a compelling story masterfully. Our speakers typically spend around 20 minutes giving a presentation, then another. 20 minutes of Question and Answer, but Michael respectfully requested 90 minutes to properly develop his story, plus answer all questions. Attendees were riveted in their seats until he answered the last question.” “When all we hear about is stories of corruption at the top levels of companies, Michael Woodford is a beacon of ethical hope from the C-Suites. He has my highest recommendation for any college campus, professional association or organization.
Institute for Business Ethics Xavier University
Our case study based on your experience at Olympus provoked a great deal of thought among our students on corporate governance challenges in Japan and elsewhere. Your activism in highlighting corporate governance lapses is very important and helps to keep attention focused on corporate governance challenges around the world.
Harvard Business School
His lecture drew an unusually large audience of students, alumni, staff and members of the public who were treated to Michael's thrilling account of his remarkable story.The ICCSR has spent the last decade teaching CSR and Business Ethics and rarely has a visiting speaker been able to combine knowledge, gravitas, passion and humour to such great effect. We would highly recommend Michael as a speaker to any organisation interested in governance, ethics and integrity.
International Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility
The subject is one that is of immense importance, profound significance and tremendous relevance not just to the Japanese corporate sector but to corporate governance around the world. The delivery kept the audience enraptured for more than an hour - it was entertaining, informative and insightful. It is a talk that anyone who was fortunate enough to be there will remember for a long time.
Said Business School
He literally kept the delegates on the edge of their seats as he regaled us with his thrilling adventure through the maze of Japanese business manners, etiquette and customs as he uncovered one of the biggest financial scandals in history. The room was buzzing throughout and he left us all wanting more, evidenced by delegates clambering to ask questions and to engage with Michael after.
The King's Fund
Michael delivered a captivating address to the RSA. His Olympus experience reveals him as a leader of remarkable courage and integrity, and it was a privilege to hear his account at first-hand. Michael is a master storyteller with an enthralling tale to tell, and he held the audience in the palm of his hand throughout his address. There were audible sighs of disappointment when our time was up! It was a uniquely memorable event with a truly inspiring individual.
Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA)
“Your willingness to share the personal and professional details of your whistleblowing experience with Olympus truly captivated and empowered our audience.” “According to our attendee survey, you were the highest rated keynote speaker at this year's Conference, and one of the highest rated speakers we have had in the last 10 years. Your humble confidence and professional candor are two traits that set you apart both as a keynote speaker and accomplished executive.” James D. Ratley, President and CEO Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) ************************************ “I've had the honour of hosting six Nobel Prize winners, three US presidents, two heads of state and an archbishop as well as many leading commentators from the fields of economics, finance, politics and civic society and Michael Woodford stands out as one of the most captivating and interesting speakers myself and Pi members have been lucky enough to hear from in Pi's history.” David Giampaolo, CEO Pi Capital ************************************ “As a speaker, Michael puts these experiences across vividly, giving a real sense of the emotional rollercoaster on which he found himself. I would recommend him to anyone who is interesting in hearing a gripping story that offers important real-world lessons.” Jason James, Director General Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation ************************************ “Michael is a master storyteller, who tells a compelling story masterfully. Our speakers typically spend around 20 minutes giving a presentation, then another 20 minutes of Question and Answer, but Michael respectfully requested 90 minutes to properly develop his story, plus answer all questions. Attendees were riveted in their seats until he answered the last question.” “When all we hear about is stories of corruption at the top levels of companies, Michael Woodford is a beacon of ethical hope from the C-Suites. He has my highest recommendation for any college campus, professional association or organization.” Paul Fiorelli J.D, M.B.A, Professor of Legal Studies, Co-Director Cintas Institute for Business Ethics Xavier University ************************************ “Our case study based on your experience at Olympus provoked a great deal of thought among our students on corporate governance challenges in Japan and elsewhere.” “Your activism in highlighting corporate governance lapses is very important and helps to keep attention focused on corporate governance challenges around the world.” Jay Lorsch, Louis E. Kirstein Professor of Human Relations and Suraj Srinivasan, Associate Professor Harvard Business School ************************************ “His lecture drew an unusually large audience of students, alumni, staff and members of the public who were treated to Michael's thrilling account of his remarkable story.” “The ICCSR has spent the last decade teaching CSR and Business Ethics and rarely has a visiting speaker been able to combine knowledge, gravitas, passion and humour to such great effect. We would highly recommend Michael as a speaker to any organisation interested in governance, ethics and integrity.” Professor Jeremy Moon, Director and Maggie Royston, Business Development & Centre Manager, International Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, Nottingham University Business School ************************************ “He literally kept the delegates on the edge of their seats as he regaled us with his thrilling adventure through the maze of Japanese business manners, etiquette and customs as he uncovered one of the biggest financial scandals in history.” “The room was buzzing throughout and he left us all wanting more, evidenced by delegates clambering to ask questions and to engage with Michael after.” Fiona Lyne, Head of Events The King’s Fund ************************************ “The subject is one that is of immense importance, profound significance and tremendous relevance not just to the Japanese corporate sector but to corporate governance around the world.” “The delivery kept the audience enraptured for more than an hour - it was entertaining, informative and insightful. It is a talk that anyone who was fortunate enough to be there will remember for a long time.” Colin Mayer, Peter Moores Professor of Management Studies Said Business School ************************************ "Michael delivered a captivating address to the RSA. His Olympus experience reveals him as a leader of remarkable courage and integrity, and it was a privilege to hear his account at first-hand.” “Michael is a master storyteller with an enthralling tale to tell, and he held the audience in the palm of his hand throughout his address. There were audible sighs of disappointment when our time was up!” “It was a uniquely memorable event with a truly inspiring individual." Vikki Heywood, Chair Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA)
See below: Additional testimonials:
Our audience loved Michael. Many of our delegates approached us asking whether they could buy his book right there and then. Michael`s high energy presentation was exactly what was needed and certainly left some people with food for thought. Everyone was wowed and people felt inspired by his content and felt like they had the ability to take on new challenges and play a key role in driving the business forward to be the best that it can be. Michael entertained from the moment he stepped onto the stage and left people inspired and ready to challenge the way they do things in the future. He shared his story in an exciting and humorous way.
IndexUniverse
Michael met our objectives exceptionally well. He is an excellent and compelling speaker who had an extraordinary story of high relevance to our members. Michael was the perfect choice for a closing speaker; he kept everyone in their seats to the very end.
Airmic Ltd.
Michael's presentation was quite simply superb. The subject matter achieves the somewhat unique status of being simultaneously fascinating, intriguing, mesmerising and frightening, which is clearly no mean feat! Suffice to say it was perfectly delivered, as was the very open and engaging Q&A session.
Martin Currie