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Michael's StoryAuthor, Professional Speaker, Actor, Entrepreneur, Hospitality Industry Executive - Michael Lyons has led a very interesting and diverse life.
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It all began in Paris...
Paris - Class Picture, 1962
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Michael’s eclectic background began as a child while living in Paris, France. During his time there, he appeared in TV advertisements and worked on the film “Paris When It Sizzles,” starring Hollywood legends Audrey Hepburn, William Holden and Tony Curtis.
Upon his return to the US, he performed in theatrical plays and musicals throughout high school and college, and was employed on the stage crew of a professional theatre in suburban Philadelphia, working side by side with famous entertainers including Gordon MacRae, Carol Lawrence, and Chita Rivera. |
Actor
"House of Cards"
On the set of the ABC-TV Show "What Would You Do?"
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After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, he went to work in the business world, bypassing the opportunity to pursue a vocation in the entertainment industry.
In 1990, while working in New York City, he resurrected his dormant acting career, joined SAG (Screen Actors Guild), and began to book commercials for products like Advil, Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, Aqua Fresh toothpaste, and others, as well as television roles and other acting assignments on a regular basis. All the while, he kept his "day job” as a well-respected expert in the travel/meetings industry. Through the years Michael has amassed dozens of credits in major films, television shows, commercials, corporate videos, print ads and more than 350 live appearances on the home shopping network QVC as a Product Host. His roles have included speaking parts in popular shows and movies such as “House of Cards”, “The Sixth Sense,” “All My Children,” “Veep,” “What Would You Do?” “Arrest and Trial,” and “Outsiders,” among others. He is also an accomplished singer and performs a live Frank Sinatra tribute show titled “Mike Sings Frank,” featuring classic Sinatra songs from his CD of the same name. |
Business Career
Exhibition Director, IBTM America
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Michael spent more than 40 years in senior level management roles in the meetings/travel industry, including stints with CIGNA, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Global Events Partners and EGR International. Before going out on his own, he was Exhibition Director of IBTM America, a premier trade show organized by Reed Exhibitions - the world's largest trade show management company, based in London.
During his career, Michael has worked in Philadelphia, Stamford, CT, New York City, Columbus, OH, Minneapolis and Norwalk, CT; and his travels have taken him to 33 foreign countries and most US states. |
Author
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In 2017, Michael released his book "Set Yourself Free: Daydream it... Believe it... Achieve it!" to widespread acclaim. Set Yourself Free is a call to action to people everywhere who are not fulfilling their potential, feel stuck and aren't sure what to do about it.
Drawing from his life experiences and stories of well-known people who have struggled on the road to success, the book outlines tangible and achievable steps that position the reader to pursue goals they might feel are outside their grasp. Seven time Emmy Award winner and ABC-TV correspondent John Quiñones wrote the Foreword. |
Speaker
EVENTx Talk
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As a prolific, experienced speaker and professional member of the National Speakers Association, Mike delivers talks in the US and abroad on how to achieve goals, pursue your passion, and enhance your personal brand, among other topics. His easy-going style and humorous anecdotes, coupled with fun exercises and interactive group involvement, keeps audiences engaged throughout his presentations.
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Roots and Family
With wife Lorie
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A native and resident of suburban Philadelphia, Mike has been married to his lovely wife Lorie since 1974. They are the proud parents of Mike Jr. (Krista), Erin Oosthuizen (Simon) and Aimee, and have seven beautiful grandchildren: Ella, Caitlin, Jesse, Ansley, Joshua, Avery and Logan.
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On-Camera Talent or Host Corporate Video for American Express
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Emcee
Emcee at CMP Conclave
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Singer
"Mike Sings Frank" Sinatra Tribute Show
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