As a professional speaker, Michael focuses on inspiring associations and individuals to think with the future in mind: understanding and solving the impact of short term tactics on long-term success and sustainability. Through governance restructuring, program alignment, executive and team coaching, and strategic development he weaves a pattern of innovation and results-driven by a series of actions in the art of adaptation.
He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Howard County, Maryland NAACP, and is the co-chair of the Maryland State Conference NAACP Technology Committee. He is active as a facilitator for BoomerWorks.org an organization dedicated to helping older citizens transition from traditional W-2 work to 1099 freelancing and Rogue Tulip a company supporting organizational change.
The pace of change has outgrown traditional leadership playbooks.
In an environment shaped by constant disruption, information overload, and rising expectations, the skills that once ensured success are no longer sufficient.
These speaking topics explore how curiosity-driven learning, strategic capacity building, governance rebuilding, and a reimagined balance between technical and human skills equip leaders and organizations to move beyond reactive survival. Through practical insight, real-world examples, and engaging dialogue, participants gain tools and perspective to make better decisions, adapt with intention, and lead responsibly.
The result is not just inspiration, but durable capability—preparing organizations to remain relevant, resilient, and impactful in the 21st century and beyond.
Today’s fast, noisy world demands new ways of solving problems. Lifelong curiosity, clear action vision, and respectful, sustainable power help us adapt and stay relevant—so we don’t become extinct.
To succeed, we must develop ten key capacities. Strengthening these skills makes individuals and organizations more resilient, capable, and inspired to grow together.
Old definitions of hard and soft skills no longer apply. Human skills matter and can be measured. We need a future-ready skill model that matches today’s changing work environment.
PhDConsultant
Past President, MAS MEA
Michael Butera made a huge, positive difference at NAfME, moving the organization forward on multiple fronts, including strategic planning, legislative advocacy, reorganization for effectiveness, affiliate relationships, legal compliance, and technological capacity. He brings a unique breadth and depth of experience to his consulting work.
Executive Director
CEDO & Vice President of Education
“Don’t be a 21st-Century Dinosaur” is a call to action for leaders and organizations that are successful—but at risk of becoming obsolete.
It means recognizing that legacy, scale, and past success do not guarantee future relevance. Associations that cling to 20th-century governance models, static strategic plans, or risk-averse cultures may survive—but they won’t thrive.
My work helps associations evolve before disruption forces them to, building the strategic capacity, leadership mindset, and governance practices needed to remain relevant, resilient, and mission-driven in a rapidly changing world.
I work with boards, executives, and senior leadership teams to help associations move from compliance-driven management to future-ready leadership.
My work typically includes:
• Keynote presentations that challenge assumptions and spark strategic dialogue
• Board and executive workshops on governance, foresight, and adaptive leadership
• Strategic capacity assessments and facilitated planning conversations
• Executive and leadership coaching during periods of transition or disruption
I work across professional societies, trade associations, foundations, and nonprofits—especially organizations navigating complex change, declining engagement, governance strain, or strategic uncertainty.
I don’t sell templates, formulas, or one-size-fits-all strategic plans.
My approach is grounded in:
I bring real-world executive experience, deep association knowledge, and facilitation skills to help leaders think better, decide better, and govern for the long term. The goal is not just a better plan—but a more capable organization.
Booking is simple.
You can:
• Use the contact form on michaelbuteraspeaks.com
• Email directly to start a conversation about your event or leadership needs
Most engagements begin with a short discovery conversation to ensure alignment between your audience, goals, and desired outcomes. Keynotes, workshops, and facilitated sessions are customized for boards, staff teams, or mixed leadership audiences.
Michael offers a range of interactive workshops and facilitated sessions, including:
Workshops are delivered as half-day, full-day, or multi-session engagements and paired with pre-work, facilitation tools, and post-session follow-ups.
Michael specializes in three key areas:
Adapting to fast-changing environments
Building essential organizational capacities
Redefining hard and soft skills for the new economy
These topics help organizations think strategically, act purposefully, and prepare for the future.
Michael is a former Association CEO and the founder of Association ActiVision, LLC. As a speaker and strategist, he helps associations understand how short-term decisions impact long-term success, guiding them toward sustainable and innovative growth.
He supports associations with governance restructuring, strategic development, program alignment, and capacity building—helping them innovate, adapt, and achieve measurable results.
Michael combines decades of association leadership experience with a focus on action, adaptation, and sustainability. His sessions are practical, engaging, and built around real-world solutions.
You can easily book him through the “Book Michael” links throughout the website, or by contacting Association ActiVision, LLC directly for scheduling and availability.
