Dr. Michael Maddaus

Hire An Unforgettable Keynote Speaker

Inspire leadership
Elevate performance
Promote mental health
Michael Maddaus smiling

Dr. Michael Maddaus:
Keynote Speaker & Podcast Host

Every person is born with 100 billion brain cells with 100 trillion connections to each one. The vast number of unique combinations of all of those connections makes the wiring of each of us unique. Then, we are forced to be actors in the the scripts directed by different people and groups at different times of life – parents, society culture, work culture, etc. and everyone conforms until we are lost.

We feel all screwed up and think “Something is wrong with me.”

But what is really wrong is that our unique wiring – a person’s “personal operating system” – has been polluted with so many apps installed by the outside world that the brain just starts acting up and short-circuiting.

I help clean out all the unuseful apps, downloads, and external wiring, and tune up the ones people want and need to bring the “personal operating system” to more of its original state.

The pursuit of something relentlessly leads to imbalance.

As a high performer, successful academic cardiothoracic surgeon, and lifelong rebel, Michael knew this as well as anyone. In the professional realm, the rules of balance are ignored. “Optimizing” becomes endless. People end up treating themselves like machines.

Michael helps people navigate the boundary between the two. With proven habits and techniques to reconnect with one’s “personal operating system” and get back to living on their own terms — as their UNIQUE self.

Inspired Clients

Veteran. Physician. High Performer.

Success Stories

James Luketich, MD

“It would not be an exaggeration to say that Dr. Michael Maddaus’ conversation “Yes! But Why?” at the Women in Thoracic Surgery’s Virtual Breakfast Meeting was a huge success. Outstanding! It touched people where they were, really connected with this group of 100 strong. I received so many messages afterward expressing how much they loved his time with us and how it really spoke to them. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know Dr. Maddaus.”

Lauren Kane, MD
President Women in Thoracic Surgery

Ann Masten

“Dr. Maddaus is a dynamic, authentic, and inspiring speaker, both for professional and youth audiences. I have been privileged to have him speak many times in my university classes on resilience in human development.

Ann Masten
Regents Professor, Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Development,
Distinguished McKnight University Professor, University of Minnesota

James Luketich, MD

“Dr. Maddaus was the keynote speaker at our first Wellness Retreat for The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Maddaus was the cornerstone of the entire 2-day event! His vivid and engaging summary of his own life’s journey was so insightful and “real” for our group of residents and attendings that afterward they were following him around like the Pied Piper. Cardiothoracic surgeons are tough nuts to crack, but Dr. Maddaus’s talk took our group from initial skepticism to bringing out emotions from our “thick-skinned” surgeons that I personally have not seen before. We are already planning our next retreat and Maddaus Part II.”

James Luketich, MD
Professor and Chair, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburg

 

James Luketich, MD

When planning an event such as this, it is imperative to gain the participation of experts in the field. Special thank you to you for a truly excellent talk. As we discussed afterwards, this was better than a Ted level talk. I have received numerous emails and text messages regarding the excellent quality of your presentation. Your willingness to share your personal stories was certainly revolutionary for myself as well as for those who were able to attend this outstanding keynote address.

Rakesh C. Arora
President Canadian Society of Cardiac Surgeons

James Luketich, MD

Mike, yours was perhaps the best talk I’ve ever witnessed…and magnificently delivered. Your multiple insights are clearly hard-earned. Congratulations!

John Handy, MD
Thoracic Surgeon, Providence Thoracic Oncology Group
Portland, Oregon

Laurie-Baedke

Dr. Maddaus is a treasure! He is absolutely one of the most compelling speakers I’ve observed. He had our audiences rapt. His compassion, personal experience, and intimate knowledge of evidence-based research on topics so timely and practical for healthcare professionals left the audience engaged but also equipped to actually put their learnings immediately into practice for positive change and impact.

Laurie Baedke,  MHA, FACHE, FACMPE
Director of Healthcare Leadership Programs at Creighton University

 

Speaking Topics

Filled Up Life or Fulfilled Life: It’s A Choice
So many of us lose ourselves, who we really are deep down, our uniqueness, in the scripts of our childhood, in the forces of the modern world, and in the culture and demands of our role as physicians. A fulfilled and meaningful life depends on finding and cultivating your special uniqueness, no matter what. Michael shows you how to find or reawaken your awareness of the real you and gives concrete strategies to help you navigate your way to a fulfilled life.
Your Mental Operating Room Team: What You Focus On Grows
The neuroscientist Sam Harris states that “The quality of your mind determines the quality of your life.” Four habits that anyone can develop – gratitude, self-compassion, connection, and meditation – make up what Michael refers to as the Mental Operating Room Team. Just like a well formed team in the operating room can make a case hum and any complications go more smoothly with better outcomes, Michael shows how, through science and moving personal stories and experience, how your personal Mental Operating Room Team habits will make your life hum, increase your resilience to setbacks, and help you be your best self, no matter what.
Connection, Appreciation, and Support at Work - Rocket Fuel for High Performance
Alan Mulally, the former CEO who rescued Ford from near death (and one of the greatest CEO’s of all time) lead by putting “People First” – his principle of leading based on the values of love, respect, listening, helping, and appreciating others. Mulally recognized the fact that we are all human beings first, and that to help people be and do their best at work required creating a safe environment where people are cared about and appreciated. In this talk Michael reviews the science and power of gratitude and connection in the workplace and how it not only powers great performance, but how it also fosters the connection and valuing of others that is so desperately needed, by all of us.

Book Dr. Michael
Maddaus Now

A personable mental health and well-being expert that helps people find the clarity they need to live more fulfilled.

Dr. Maddaus not only educates and inspires his audience, but also provides invaluable resources throughout his talks.

Make your next event a memorable one with Dr. Michael Maddaus as your keynote speaker.

 

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