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Mike Abrashoff

Mike Abrashoff

Keynote Speaker: Leadership Speaker, Former Commander of USS Benfold & Author of "It's Your Ship"

Mike Abrashoff Biography

Mike Abrashoff was the most-junior officer in the Pacific Fleet when he took command of the near-worst performing ship. Twelve months later, the USS Benfold was the best ship in the entire Navy using the same crew. Abrashoff established a set of management principles that he calls The Leadership Roadmap. At the core of his leadership approach on Benfold was a process of replacing command and control with commitment and cohesion, and engaging the hearts, minds, and loyalties of workers with conviction and humility.

By every measure, these principles achieved breakthrough results: turnover decreased to an unprecedented 1%; the rate of promotions tripled; and the crew slashed operating expenses by 25%. Regarded as the finest ship in the Pacific Fleet, Benfold won the prestigious Spokane Trophy for having the highest degree of combat readiness. This remarkable turnaround was accomplished by the very same crew that had performed so poorly just months before.

In many ways, what Abrashoff was able to do with the USS Benfold was an extreme example of the same problems facing many organizations today. That’s why dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and Fast Company have cited Abrashoff's story as an inspiring lesson for business. Leaders especially identify with Abrashoff being accountable for the results in an environment where he couldn’t make the rules.

Abrashoff is author of three books. His first, "It’s Your Ship," has a timeless message: don’t use outside forces that stand in your way as excuses – control the things you can influence and amazing results will happen. His next books, "It’s Our Ship" and "Get Your Ship Together," showed how these principles have been put into action by business leaders in their own organizations.

A popular keynote speaker for audiences looking to ramp up organizational performance, Abrashoff has spoken to every industry and kind of audience –from board retreats to front line personnel; from sales groups to universities; from Fortune 500s to startups. He inspires audiences to rethink their beliefs about leadership and organizational culture and tailors the message to focus on engagement, execution, change, safety, diversity, leadership, teamwork, innovation, accountability and more.

Prior to commanding USS Benfold, Abrashoff served as the Military Assistant to Secretary of Defense William J. Perry. He also helped draft the air defense plan for naval forces in the Persian Gulf in 1990, coinciding with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait; and served as the executive officer of the Cruiser Shiloh, where he deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq.

Abrashoff is also the founder of Aegis Performance Group, a consulting firm which works with and supports leaders as they address leadership, talent and performance challenges within their organizations. Abrashoff and his team prompt leaders at all levels to re-imagine their leadership thinking and create new ways to elevate individual, team, and organizational performance.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Mike Abrashoff and other top speakers and celebrities.

Mike Abrashoff Speaking Topics

No Limits: Unleashing Breakthrough Performance

Sometimes in our professional lives we believe we are in a battle to beat an adversary or a competitor when in actuality, we are in competition with ourselves but just haven't figured it out yet. When battling the competition, you want to come out on top, if only by one more sale or maybe a few percentage points. Sometimes, someone at a higher level gives you a goal based on some median expectation set for others. When Mike Abrashoff took command of a well below-average ship in the U.S. Navy, his goal was to get to average. He initially set average goals and expectations for himself and his crew until one day it struck him: his ship could be better than average. Mike's eureka moment was realizing they weren't in competition with anyone but themselves to be their best. They had to stop putting limits on what they believed was possible. That realization changed Mike Abrashoff's approach to leadership and led the same crew to accomplish one of the most remarkable turnarounds that was chronicled in the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company magazine and his New York Times' and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, IT'S YOUR SHIP. Many of Mike's former crew members have gone on to accomplish great things in their careers. They write to tell him their stories. One of Mike's sailors just ran for city council of one of the largest cities in the U.S. and he wrote Mike to say, "you gave us the inspiration and confidence to know that there are no limits." This presentation will challenge you to think differently on how to set expectations while realizing the only limits that you have are self-imposed.

GO DEEPER WITH HALF-AND FULL-DAY PROGRAMS

Dive deep into the Leadership Roadmap with a half or full-day program. The 2-hourTake Action session most often used as a follow-on to Mike’s keynote to create a half-day program that provides attendees with powerful tools and strategies to apply in their work environment. Typically facilitated by a senior strategist from Mike’s firm, Aegis Performance Group, Take Action sessions create an exciting interactive atmosphere that examines the key components of high performing leaders, teams and organizations. Full-day sessions with Aegis senior strategists provide an even deeper dive into the practical application of the Leadership Roadmap for the participants and their organizations. Inquire for more details and program descriptions.

The Innovation Road Map: Transforming Your Organization and Achieving Sustainable Growth

In tough economic times, it is critical that all organizations utilize every asset at their disposal to survive and thrive in the global marketplace. While corporations have done a phenomenal job of wringing inefficiencies out of their processes and procedures, everyone knows that you can't cut your way to greatness. There remains an under appreciation and investment in their top asset, people. While economic headwinds have many companies fighting for survival, it is during times like these that great companies are borne by having a relentless focus on innovation and executing new ideas that capture the imagination of the marketplace. A best-selling author of one of the most acclaimed business books of all-time and himself a successful entrepreneur, Mike Abrashoff has traveled the globe speaking to and consulting with some of the world’s most innovative companies. Leveraging his own leadership experiences and having seen up-close-and-personal what separates organizations poised for growth from companies that can’t move beyond the status-quo, Abrashoff equips organizations with the strategies, tactics and tools necessary to unleash innovation, lead meaningful change and improve operational performance. Abrashoff will walk leaders through the 4 step process necessary to create innovation-focused, adaptable, high-performance teams, giving them the takeaways and know-how that is essential to getting organizations on the path to future success.

Take Action Breakout Session

Meant to deepen the learning from Mike Abrashoff’s keynote talk, Take Action sessions provide attendees with additional powerful tools and strategies to apply in their work environment. Facilitated by a senior strategist from Abrashoff’s firm, GLS Worldwide, and taking place immediately following the keynote, Take Action sessions create an exciting atmosphere that examines the key components of high performing leaders, teams and organizations. Participants will experience innovative, fast-paced individual and group exercises tailored to the leadership and cultural issues most relevant to the organization. They’ll learn practical application of principles outlined in the keynote and build a roadmap to achieve the personal and organizational goals they’ve outlined. Take Action sessions are customizable to meet time and resource-sensitive needs and require a minimum of 2 hours.

Mike Abrashoff Videos

Mike Abrashoff: Staying Safe in Tough Times
2019 Convention Keynote: Mike Abrashoff
Navy Captain MIKE ABRASHOFF: People Don’t Come to Work to Fail

How to book Mike Abrashoff?

Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Mike Abrashoff for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers. Fill out a booking request form for Mike Abrashoff, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Mike Abrashoff or any other celebrity of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Mike Abrashoff?

Booking fees for Mike Abrashoff, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies according to the circumstances, including the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. Speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Mike Abrashoff, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.

Who is the agent for Mike Abrashoff?

All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Mike Abrashoff for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Mike Abrashoff for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service talent booking agency?

All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Mike Abrashoff or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Mike Abrashoff or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.


Mike Abrashoff is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Authors and Personal Growth. The estimated speaking fee range to book Mike Abrashoff for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $20,000 - $30,000. Mike Abrashoff generally travels from Lakeland, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Eric Boles, J.R. Martinez and Carey Lohrenz. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Mike Abrashoff for an upcoming event.

Mike Abrashoff Speaking Topics

  • No Limits: Unleashing Breakthrough Performance

    Sometimes in our professional lives we believe we are in a battle to beat an adversary or a competitor when in actuality, we are in competition with ourselves but just haven't figured it out yet. When battling the competition, you want to come out on top, if only by one more sale or maybe a few percentage points. Sometimes, someone at a higher level gives you a goal based on some median expectation set for others. When Mike Abrashoff took command of a well below-average ship in the U.S. Navy, his goal was to get to average. He initially set average goals and expectations for himself and his crew until one day it struck him: his ship could be better than average. Mike's eureka moment was realizing they weren't in competition with anyone but themselves to be their best. They had to stop putting limits on what they believed was possible. That realization changed Mike Abrashoff's approach to leadership and led the same crew to accomplish one of the most remarkable turnarounds that was chronicled in the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company magazine and his New York Times' and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, IT'S YOUR SHIP. Many of Mike's former crew members have gone on to accomplish great things in their careers. They write to tell him their stories. One of Mike's sailors just ran for city council of one of the largest cities in the U.S. and he wrote Mike to say, "you gave us the inspiration and confidence to know that there are no limits." This presentation will challenge you to think differently on how to set expectations while realizing the only limits that you have are self-imposed.

  • GO DEEPER WITH HALF-AND FULL-DAY PROGRAMS

    Dive deep into the Leadership Roadmap with a half or full-day program. The 2-hourTake Action session most often used as a follow-on to Mike’s keynote to create a half-day program that provides attendees with powerful tools and strategies to apply in their work environment. Typically facilitated by a senior strategist from Mike’s firm, Aegis Performance Group, Take Action sessions create an exciting interactive atmosphere that examines the key components of high performing leaders, teams and organizations. Full-day sessions with Aegis senior strategists provide an even deeper dive into the practical application of the Leadership Roadmap for the participants and their organizations. Inquire for more details and program descriptions.

  • The Innovation Road Map: Transforming Your Organization and Achieving Sustainable Growth

    In tough economic times, it is critical that all organizations utilize every asset at their disposal to survive and thrive in the global marketplace. While corporations have done a phenomenal job of wringing inefficiencies out of their processes and procedures, everyone knows that you can't cut your way to greatness. There remains an under appreciation and investment in their top asset, people. While economic headwinds have many companies fighting for survival, it is during times like these that great companies are borne by having a relentless focus on innovation and executing new ideas that capture the imagination of the marketplace. A best-selling author of one of the most acclaimed business books of all-time and himself a successful entrepreneur, Mike Abrashoff has traveled the globe speaking to and consulting with some of the world’s most innovative companies. Leveraging his own leadership experiences and having seen up-close-and-personal what separates organizations poised for growth from companies that can’t move beyond the status-quo, Abrashoff equips organizations with the strategies, tactics and tools necessary to unleash innovation, lead meaningful change and improve operational performance. Abrashoff will walk leaders through the 4 step process necessary to create innovation-focused, adaptable, high-performance teams, giving them the takeaways and know-how that is essential to getting organizations on the path to future success.

  • Take Action Breakout Session

    Meant to deepen the learning from Mike Abrashoff’s keynote talk, Take Action sessions provide attendees with additional powerful tools and strategies to apply in their work environment. Facilitated by a senior strategist from Abrashoff’s firm, GLS Worldwide, and taking place immediately following the keynote, Take Action sessions create an exciting atmosphere that examines the key components of high performing leaders, teams and organizations. Participants will experience innovative, fast-paced individual and group exercises tailored to the leadership and cultural issues most relevant to the organization. They’ll learn practical application of principles outlined in the keynote and build a roadmap to achieve the personal and organizational goals they’ve outlined. Take Action sessions are customizable to meet time and resource-sensitive needs and require a minimum of 2 hours.

Mike Abrashoff Videos

Mike Abrashoff: Staying Safe in Tough Times
2019 Convention Keynote: Mike Abrashoff
Navy Captain MIKE ABRASHOFF: People Don’t Come to Work to Fail

Mike Abrashoff Reviews

  • This is our second event with Mike as our leadership keynote speaker. He was such a hit the first time, but I must say this second presentation was spot on, perfect! Mike has such a great presence and is truly resonating with all ages.
    Whiting-Turner - Apr 05 2023

  • Mike Abrashoff was our highest rated presenter of the conference!
    Western Alliance Bank - Mar 15 2023

  • National Community Pharmacists Association - Oct 03 2022

  • Best Logistics Group - Jan 07 2022

  • It was a great event. We appreciate the partnership and support. We know we asked a lot of the team in a short amount of time!
    FlightSafety International - Oct 22 2021

Mike Abrashoff News

How to book Mike Abrashoff?

Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Mike Abrashoff for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers. Fill out a booking request form for Mike Abrashoff, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Mike Abrashoff or any other celebrity of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Mike Abrashoff?

Booking fees for Mike Abrashoff, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies according to the circumstances, including the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. Speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Mike Abrashoff, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.

Who is the agent for Mike Abrashoff?

All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Mike Abrashoff for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Mike Abrashoff for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service talent booking agency?

All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Mike Abrashoff or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Mike Abrashoff or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.


Mike Abrashoff is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Authors and Personal Growth. The estimated speaking fee range to book Mike Abrashoff for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $20,000 - $30,000. Mike Abrashoff generally travels from Lakeland, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Eric Boles, J.R. Martinez and Carey Lohrenz. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Mike Abrashoff for an upcoming event.

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This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.