Michael J. Tougias | New York Times Best-Selling Author of 29 Books

Michael J. Tougias

New York Times Best-Selling Author of 29 Books

Michael J. Tougias
Biography

A passionate decision-making expert and author of several national bestsellers, including The Finest Hours, which the Disney Corporation turned into major motion picture released in 2016. Tougias is a dynamic speaker who shares what he has learned from survivors and rescuers about decision-making, goal attainment, and resilience. He also has studied and written about President Kennedy's deliberations during the Cuban Missile Crisis and reveals how we can all learn from JFK's determination, conclusions, and leadership. Tougias' latest book is Above & Beyond: John F. Kennedy and America's Most Dangerous Spy Mission (release date April 2018 --- "This superbly written, tense, and sometimes sad account views the Cuban Missile Crisis from an unusual and telling perspective." -- Booklist Starred review!)

Tougias has spoken in almost all 50 states to Fortune 500 companies, Associations, Colleges, and had keynotes dozens of annual conventions. (Endorsements are available)

Author and co-author of 29 books, including Ten Hours Until Dawn, Fatal Forecast, King Philip's War, Rescue of the Bounty, The Finest Hours and A Storm Too Soon.

Frequent guest on television & radio such as Fox & Friends, The Weather Channel, National NPR, and ABC's 20/20.
Recipient of the American Library Association's Editor's Choice, and the Independent Publisher's "Best Book in its Class"

Speech Topics & Categories
Leadership, teambuilding, management
Inspiration, motivation
Stress (harnessing into action)
Military, Decision-Making

2018 Endorsement from Executive Director of Gulf Coast CEO Forum, Kim Miele: "As you begin planning for 2019, consider Michael Tougias. We just had him last week and he received all 5's- our highest rated speaker this year and the group raved about him. Loved his takeaways and so enjoyed Michael. He presents a wonderful talk on 14 steps to Strategic Decision Making and brings in his new book "Above and Beyond" which brings in John F. Kennedy and American's Most Dangerous Cold War Spy Mission. Michael is so kind and easy to work with and I hope you will consider him for your group."

Tougias lives in Florida and Massachusetts. (Speaking Fee Discounts given for keynotes in FL and the New England states)

Among his most popular books are:

The Finest Hours (Simon & Schuster)

Above & Beyond (Public Affairs/Hachette Book Group)

A Storm Too Soon (Simon & Schuster)

King Philips War (with Eric Schultz, published by WW Norton)

Some organizations have had Tougias speak multiple years on a different topic. These groups include Gulf Coast CEO's, Acadia Insurance Company, Florida Atlantic University, The U.S. Coast Guard, and many more.

Michael J. Tougias
Featured Videos

Current: "Decision Making Under Pressure: from Survive and Thrive" (Annual Meeting MA Library Association)

Time 09:13

More Videos From Michael J. Tougias

"Decision Making Under Pressure: from Survive and Thrive" (Annual Meeting MA Library Association)
Time 09:13
Leadership Lessons From the Finest Hours (Bridgewater State College)
Time 42:22
Nicholas College
Time 07:28
Library Dedication
Time 16:47

Michael J. Tougias
Featured Keynote Programs

14 Steps To Strategic Decision-making
President Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis

In this multi-media presentation author and keynote speaker, Michael J. Tougias provides you with the information you need to make winning decisions. Tougias first chronicles the thirteen harrowing days of the Cuban Missile Crisis and then outlines the steps President Kennedy made to reach a decision on a course of action. The information is based on Tougias' upcoming book about the President and the U-2 spy plane pilots titled Above & Beyond: John F. Kennedy and America's Most Dangerous Spy Mission. Kennedy's deliberate method of decision-making is a worthy case study for all those who face rapid change, increased competition, career choices or a significant personal challenge. JFK's leadership and the manner in which he demanded teamwork during the crisis was spot on, and Tougias explains why.

The Finest Hours
Leadership, Teamwork and Resilience

Guardman Bernie Webber and the incredible leadership he displayed in the most daring rescue in American history.  Tougias describes the harrowing attempts to rescue the seamen on a sinking oil tanker, focusing on four young Coast Guardsmen who must overcome insurmountable odds to save the lives of 32 crewmen off Cape Cod. Tougias shares the teamwork,  leadership and decision-making lessons from this event that can help all of us perform under pressure.  The author also discusses how the true life hero of this story overcame adversity in his professional career to go on and achieve real success.  In this edge-of-your-seat presentation, audiences will see slides of the storm, the sinking of two tankers, the rescues, the survivors and the heroes of this historic event.

Survive & Thrive
Decision-Making Under Pressure

Having interviewed dozens of people whose survival stories are seemingly miraculous, Tougias has unlocked the mindsets and decision-making that allowed them to make it to the other side of life's most daunting challenges.

Tougias wow's audience's with his multi-media presentations of survivor stories and the lessons learned that we can all use in our day to day lives for peak performance under pressure and overcome adversity.

This presentation on leadership and decision-making can be tailored for all hands as well as management.

The Finest Hours
From Idea to Book To Major Motion Picture

The Disney Movie "The Finest Hours" all started with an idea Michael Tougias had to tell the story of one of the world's greatest rescues. Tougias will first use slides of the actual rescue to tell the story, then he will discuss the writing of the book and the making of the movie. Entertaining and informative, this presentation gives you an inside look at Hollywood and the research work behind a non-fiction bestseller. Tougias mixes in humor about his experiences auditioning, on the movie set and the red carpet.

Michael J. Tougias
Featured Reviews

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