Michael Bungay Stanier

Michael Bungay Stanier is a renowned author, coach, and founder of Box of Crayons, a training and development company that has revolutionized coaching skills for hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Born in Australia and currently residing in Toronto, Michael has made a significant impact in the world of coaching and leadership development.

Michael was a Rhodes Scholar and received an MPhil from Oxford, a law degree, and a BA with highest honors from the Australian National University. He has always been driven to challenge the status quo. His early career saw him hold senior positions in the corporate, consultancy, and agency worlds across Australia, the UK, the US, and Canada.

Michael's most notable achievement is his best-selling book, "The Coaching Habit," which has become the most successful coaching book of the century. This self-published masterpiece has sold over a million copies and has been recognized as a classic in its field. In addition to "The Coaching Habit," Michael has authored five other books, collectively selling more than a million copies worldwide. His latest book is "How to Work with (Almost) Anyone".

Throughout his career, Michael has been a strong advocate for human-centered workplaces and has practiced what he preaches at Box of Crayons. His company has been instrumental in transforming organizations from advice-driven to curiosity-led, fostering connected and engaged company cultures that are more resilient, innovative, and successful.

Michael's impact extends beyond his professional achievements. He has been happily married for over 30 years and has partnered with Seth Godin to create a book that raised $400,000 for Malaria No More. In 2019, he was named the #1 Thought Leader in Coaching and a Coaching Guru, cementing his position as a leading figure in the industry.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Michael remains humble and committed to continuous learning. He sees himself as a student, constantly striving to understand, navigate, and share his power while having the courage to do work that makes a difference. With his unique approach to coaching, which "un-weirds" the practice and makes it accessible to everyone, Michael continues to challenge leadership and hierarchy norms, creating more possibilities for individuals and organizations alike.