Michael McGrath

After being diagnosed with the muscle wasting condition Muscular Dystrophy (MD) aged just 18 years in 1984, Michael McGrath made history by becoming the first disabled person to lead expeditions to both the North and South Poles. This remarkable achievement marked him as the first and only disabled person to do so, a fact that has been recognized globally, including by notable figures such as Sir Richard Branson.

His groundbreaking expeditions catalyzed a new life plan, inspiring McGrath to become a sought-after keynote speaker, focusing on overcoming adversity and demonstrating the power of resilience and perseverance. He has provided bespoke keynotes to a wide range of private and public sector organizations, including PwC, Roche, Standard Life, Shell, HMRC, Barclays, over 16 NHS Trusts, Ashurst, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport, and the Met Police, as well as various academic institutions and special schools. McGrath's speaking engagements are renowned for their motivational quality, encouraging a "can-do" attitude among his audiences.

Leadership, courage, and trust, combined with resolute self-belief, confidence, teamwork, and a singularly focused obsession towards achieving desired outcomes were critical success factors that McGrath draws upon in his presentations. These elements are meshed with professional, slick, and personalized stories from his adventures, effectively connecting with his audience.

In addition to his speaking career, McGrath has utilized his Arctic and Antarctic experiences as a launch pad for The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF), a multi-award-winning national charity that he co-founded and serves as CEO. MHF is dedicated to delivering transformational experiences in the UK, known as Muscle Dreams, for children with muscular dystrophy. The charity's impact is profound, enhancing the lives of participants through improved confidence, greater self-esteem, and an increased sense of hopefulness. Known as the ‘Chief Muscle Warrior’, McGrath is deeply involved in the charity, personally hosting the delivery of every experience and strengthening the community by connecting families and establishing a supportive network. Moreover, he is a specialist disABILITY adviser to the hospitality industry, focusing on revenue generation and inclusion, and he sits on the Legacy Board for the Hertfordshire Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Partnership and an Executive Board member for the Hertfordshire Sports Partnership. His contributions were acknowledged when he was included in The Queen's 2004 Christmas Day television broadcast and received a prestigious invitation to a Royal Reception at Buckingham Palace in 2011.