R. Michael Anderson

1. Michael Anderson, M.B.A., M.A., founder of The Executive JOY Institute, specializes in leading competitive, driven people through the same transformation that he’s been through, integrating joy and happiness into their lives.

By the age of thirty-five, Anderson had played professional basketball (yes, he’s really six-foot nine!), founded three international software companies, and partied at the Playboy Mansion—but he simply wasn’t happy. Hard drugs, alcohol, a divorce, and a nasty lawsuit brought him to a low point. His quest for change included earning a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the prestigious University of Santa Monica, and further educational achievements in neuroscience, complementing his deep understanding of human behavior.

Anderson founded The Executive JOY Institute to teach others the same real-life tools he used to transform his own life. Through speaking, writing, radio shows, and video blogs, he elevates competitive, driven people, teaching them to live happier, more authentic and fulfilled lives, and showing them how to reduce stress, overcome self-limiting beliefs, and improve relationships. He is also recognized for his contributions as a business leader who doubled revenue and profit during the great recession while his software business was named the #1 Best Place to Work.

His book "The Experiment: Discover a Revolutionary Way to Manage Stress and Achieve Work-Life Balance" is an Amazon #1 Bestselling Book in the “Creativity” and “Business Leadership Training” categories. He also authored "Leading in the Next Normal: A Guide to Building an Engaged, Resilient and Agile Virtual Workforce," reflecting his expertise in managing remote teams and fostering high-performance cultures.

Anderson has taught leaders around the world, from Panama to the Philippines to Australia and Mexico, and has worked with a broad range of clients, including notable companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Uber. His keynote speeches often cover vital topics such as human leadership in an AI-driven economy and leadership mindset, resonating well with audiences across corporate and entrepreneurial platforms.

Michael’s Career Highlights: * International M.B.A. (including study in Budapest and London) * M.A. in Spiritual Psychology with a focus on Conscious Health and Healing * Played professional and semi-professional basketball * CFO of an international medical company by age 25 * Founded four successful companies since 2005, one with headquarters in Singapore * Has lived and worked in six different countries * His companies were on Inc. 500|5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies for two consecutive years * His companies are frequently on the San Diego Best Places to Work lists (#2 in 2012) * Twice nominated for Most Admired CEO in San Diego * Winner of Social Entrepreneur of the Year in San Diego * Recognized as Social Entrepreneur of the year