Michael offers a distinctive voice in the global conversation on antisemitism, Western values, and the defence of liberal democracy. Drawing on over 30 years of military service, including 27 months in Israel, he provides firsthand insights into the challenges facing Israel, the Jewish diaspora, and the broader threats to free societies. His presentations are grounded in lived experience and designed to move audiences beyond echo chambers toward reflection and action.
Michael speaks across a range of formats, from private boardrooms and leadership off-sites to public forums and large auditoriums, engaging corporate leaders, educators, policymakers, university students, and community groups alike.
Michael’s leadership has been proven in some of the world’s toughest environments. He commanded troops in East Timor (1999) and led a combat team in Afghanistan (2011). Beyond the battlefield, he served as Commanding Officer and Chief Instructor of the Australian Army’s Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. Michael also served with the United Nations, overseeing complex missions across Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, operating at the strategic and political levels.
He applies this extensive experience to help organisations lead with clarity, decisiveness, and purpose in today’s challenging times.
Michael partners with organisations and leaders seeking strategic responses to antisemitism. He designs outreach programs, strengthens stakeholder engagement, and crafts messaging to reach the silent majority often missed by traditional initiatives. Whether advising foundations, businesses, or government bodies, he combines principled advocacy with operational experience to help clients shift from reactive measures to proactive, sustained impact.
Welcome to this space—a reflection of my journey, my purpose, and my unwavering belief in the potential for meaningful change. As you explore, I hope you find more than just stories or achievements; I hope you discover inspiration to lead with conviction, courage, and compassion in your own endeavors.
For over three decades, I’ve had the honor of serving my country in the Australian Army, a journey that has taken me to some of the most challenging corners of the world. From East Timor to Iraq, from Afghanistan to the Middle East, these experiences have shaped my understanding of leadership, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. They have taught me that true leadership is not about titles or accolades—it is about standing firm in the face of adversity and finding purpose even in the most trying circumstances.
But leadership does not end when the uniform comes off. In founding The 2023 Foundation Ltd, I sought to confront one of the most pressing challenges of our time: antisemitism. This foundation is more than a response to hatred; it is a call to action to build a world rooted in education, opportunity, and understanding. It is a reminder that silence in the face of injustice is not an option, and that each of us holds the power to drive progress through empathy and action.
This platform is not just about my journey—it is about ours. It is about the shared responsibility we all bear to stand against division and to create spaces where unity and understanding can thrive. Through the lessons I’ve learned, the initiatives I champion, and the stories I share, I aim to inspire a movement that transcends borders and boundaries, one rooted in the belief that together, we are stronger.
I invite you to join this mission. Whether you are here to learn, to collaborate, or to support, your presence is a testament to your commitment to a brighter future. Together, we can amplify voices that deserve to be heard, build bridges where walls once stood, and inspire generations to lead with integrity and purpose.
Thank you for being here, for believing in the power of leadership, and for standing with me in the pursuit of justice and unity. The journey ahead is one we must walk together, and I am honored to share it with you.
With gratitude and determination,