What People Are Saying

“Michael, I am sending another round of student responses from your presentation on 11/4/25. They are undoubtedly quite moved by your talk, I, too, was moved to tears—thank you for the energy you have put into sharing your story. I have been so very touched by your messages you shared with the students. One that of course stands out the most is to reach for significance vs. success. I feel so honored to have you talk with the student but you also reach ME and I am sure anyone you share the story with…You have a true gift that you have honed, both for writing and speaking, and reaching your audience.”

“I thought the presentation was amazing. As a occupational therapy student, this made me emotional and so excited to go on this adventure. You made me see hope in a lot of ways for my own future. You showed me anything is possible. Your motto has now become my motto as lately some things weren’t looking up. This presentation has confirmed my decision. This is exactly why I want to become a future occupational therapist. Thank you!”

“Women at the Port City Connect Group had the pleasure to listen to author and inspirational speaker Michael Bowen recently. Michael shared his story…about himself, his faith, and his determination to overcome adversity. Through humor and heartfelt speaking, Michael shared his story of a car accident that changed his life... The women were moved to tears as he shared about his battles and triumphs to learn to walk again. The women left the meeting that morning feeling uplifted and encouraged."

“It was great having one of our own back on campus to speak to our student-athletes.  Michael’s story is unbelievable and his faith showed out to our student-athletes.  Our student-athletes were truly blessed to hear and see Michael’s inspirational presentation."

"Michael's talk made me realize and consider how important each day is. That what you do is not just a job, it is making an impact on others...Significance over success! Your impact on others is far more important than being successful in your own eyes. His talk has inspired me to want to be that difference for others." 

"I know Michael’s inspirational story like few people do. I was his roommate and teammate in college when he was injured. I was there through the ups and downs of his long recovery. His accident, recovery, and bicycle treks across the country had a profound effect on his life. It’s his positive outlook, determination to overcome adversity, and desire to live a life of significance that I wanted our sales reps to hear. His presentation was impactful to the point of being inspirational."

“I had the pleasure of hearing Michael Bowen speak to UNCW athletes in December of 2024, as well as getting to know him personally of the past few years.…His story has been an awe-inspiring one for me and my family….Michael's faith, true desire to help, and his drive to be a difference-maker in our youth… has inspired my 14yr old daughter, as she fights Type 1 Diabetes, while being mentored by Coach Bowen. He has shown her that anything

can be done.”

Coming Soon!

"I have heard Michael Bowen speak many times to people of many different age groups. He has the gift of being relevant to the young and older alike. He can be comical, serious, but always engaging. Whether he shares his own powerful story of overcoming great adversity through his faith or just knowledge from his years as an educator and motivational speaker, he always delivers a message that lifts and inspires. On the personal side of things, I was blessed to work with Michael and share an office with him for over 25 years, I know the difference the motto of significance vs success has made in his own life. I am a witness that he not only talks the talk but he walks the walk.”