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Michael J. Tougias        

New York Times Bestselling Author

Michael J. Tougias, a New York Times bestselling author, has written 29 renowned books, including "The Finest Hours," which was turned into a major motion picture by Disney in 2016. Known for his expertise in decision-making and resilience, Tougias delivers compelling presentations that incorporate leadership and overcoming adversity, drawing upon his extensive research and real-life survival stories. He is also celebrated for his book "Above & Beyond: John F. Kennedy and America's Most Dangerous Spy Mission."

Tougias presents on various themes including leadership, strategic decision-making, and peak performance in everyday challenges, using insights from his experiences and a touch of humor. He offers several multimedia presentations, including one featuring survivor Loch Reidy from his book "Overboard!" He also conducts workshops aimed at helping aspiring authors get published, providing guidance on writing proposals and securing publishers. His presentations such as "14 Steps to Strategic Decision-Making" are highly regarded for their depth and applicability.

With a wide reach having spoken in almost all 50 states, Tougias has engaged audiences from Fortune 500 companies to the U.S. Coast Guard, and educational institutions like Florida Atlantic University. His other works include "Ten Hours Until Dawn," "Fatal Forecast," and "A Storm Too Soon." Recognized by the American Library Association with the Editor's Choice award and the Independent Publisher's "Best Book in its Class," Tougias continues to be a sought-after speaker and authority on survival stories and leadership lessons. Additionally, he has been a frequent guest on major media outlets including Fox & Friends, The Weather Channel, National NPR, and ABC's 20/20.

Speech Topics


14 Steps To Strategic Decision-making: President Kennedy & 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.

Overboard!: A Survivor’s Story

Survivor Loch Reidy and author Michael Tougias give this joint presentation about one of the most harrowing and inspiring survival stories of all time. Learn the mindsets that Loch (“an ordinary man”) harnessed to become an extraordinary survivor, enduring three days and two nights treading water 300 miles in the middle of the storm-tossed Atlantic Ocean. When Loch’s sailboat first capsized he was with his injured captain in the water, and he did everything he could to keep him alive. The captain died, but Loch vowed to bring his body back to his loved ones. Using slides from the actual storm and rescue, Reidy and Tougias put the audience right into the action. There will be tears, gasps, and astonishment from the audience. Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds Having interviewed approximately 100 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 overcoming adversity.

Using slides from the actual storm and rescue, Reidy and Tougias put the audience right into the action. There will be tears, gasps, and astonishment from the audience.

Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds

Having interviewed approximately 100 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 overcoming adversity.

The Finest Hours: Leadership, Teamwork and Resilience

Michael Tougias, co-author of The Finest Hours, chronicles the gripping story of Chatham Coast 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.

News


Book by former Republican columnist Michael Tougias adapted into ...
SPRINGFIELD –When author Michael J. Tougias was researching his first true survival-at-sea and rescue book, "Ten Hours Until Dawn: The True Story of ...
Former Republican columnist Michael Tougias has book made into ...
He will give a free talk at the Monson Free Library on Tuesday, November 20 at 6 p.m..
Mystery Meet, Sea Rescue Tales, Writers' Salon: Free on MV ...
Author Michael J. Tougias will appear at the Vineyard Haven Public Library at 7 p.m. with a slide presentation on his new book "A Storm Too Soon: A True Story ...
A Storm Too Soon with Author, Michael Tougias - Library ... - Enfield
Visit the Enfield Public Library on Wednesday, May 1, at 7 PM for, A Storm Too Soon with author, Michael Tougias. Tougias, known for his fast paced writing style ...

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