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about michael olivieri

My life began with a story written for me—one of poverty, abuse, and instability. From foster care to facing down my own demons with addiction, my path was paved with challenges that threatened to define me. I was a product of my environment until I decided to become the author of my own future.

This is not a story about what happened to me. It's a story about what I did next. I learned to face the ghosts of my past—parental addiction, sexual abuse, profound loss—and turn them from sources of pain into sources of power. I learned to overcome so I could conquer.

Some Facts

From a single story to a national stage. I've had the honor of connecting with over 3,000 students across the country—from school assemblies in 7 states to major conferences—sharing a message of hope and the power of perseverance.

3,000

students presented

5

    articles written

7

states presented

TONIGHT I HEARD A BROTHER SPEAK

As the words fell from his lips

and flowed across the room

like warm darts piercing

the stillness of my mind

I shuddered at their impact.

He was I

and I him

telling a tale of troubled times

of woes from days

long since passed

and I was stunned by the weaving

of his tale.

I looked the length of the long table

that separated he from me

and I saw the pain reflected in his eyes as he recalled visions and demons long ago scattered to the winds.

His hurt became my hurt and the far away look that filled his eyes

pulled me up and out and into

his very soul.

So

here he sat today

this man

never healed but well mended

receiving an ovation from a room of others

who were moved

and stunned then warmed

by the soul and the spirit of another that had triumphed over despair that had felt the depths of darkness yet had risen to the heavens in its stead.

And so

very simply so

I felt a warmth within

as I left for home

proud and content yet deeply saddened

from the listening

to the magic

of the heavy

so very heavy

words

that fell from the mind

to the lips

of another

me.

November 3, 2016.

After hearing a CASA presentation by a foster care survivor.

Phil White

Phil White

Reviews

The students who were able to hear him speak gained such vital pieces of guidance that wouldn’t have been received in a different setting.  Michael was able to easily connect with our students, resonate with their experiences, and then show them how to overcome their Adversities using his own experiences.


Alex R

School Principal

Michael is a fantastic speaker, and he touched the lives of so many of our students. We are incredibly grateful to him for coming such a long distance to speak at our Diversity Week, share his personal journey in life, and motivate our students.


Sarah A.

School Principal

Michael joined us for two presentations with our high school students. To say they were moved by his story would be an understatement. After, students lined up to thank him for being honest, 

vulnerable, and relatable.


Kelly W.

School Principal

maoinspires.com

While the cost of presentations can vary depending on travel and logistical considerations, the standard speaking fee is $5,000. That said, I made a conscious decision early on not to let pricing be a barrier to sharing this message. I believe deeply in the impact and importance of what I share, and I want it to remain accessible to a wide range of audiences. I’m committed to working collaboratively with schools and organizations to find a solution that makes the presentation possible, even if budget constraints exist.

Presentations typically run between 45 minutes to an hour, including a concluding Q&A session that often proves to be both insightful and thought-provoking. I recognize the value of staying on schedule and am fully committed to adapting the presentation to fit within the time allotted.

My presentations are honest, unfiltered, and deeply personal. I share my experiences exactly as they happened, because I know many young people today are facing similar challenges.

I primarily speak to high school students and teenagers, as much of what I went through occurred during those formative years. Please note that the content can be intense and emotionally powerful, and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

In my experience, after presentations, some participants may share sensitive information that school and organizational administrators may not be aware of. I maintain a clear understanding with administrators that if any information shared with me is deemed harmful to the individual or others, I will promptly communicate it to the appropriate organizational contacts to ensure the well-being and safety of all involved.