Find quick answers to the most common questions about Michael’s work, speaking topics, and approach to helping associations thrive in a fast-changing world.
“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:
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:
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.
Association boards, CEOs, senior staff, volunteer leaders, and emerging executives who want to lead with clarity and courage in uncertain times.
Yes. In fact, small-staff and resource-constrained organizations often benefit the most from strategic capacity building.
Always. Every engagement is tailored to the organization’s context, challenges, and future aspirations.
Yes. Keynotes, workshops, and coaching are available in-person and virtually.
Event planners book Michael Butera because he delivers substance, relevance, and impact—not recycled inspiration or generic leadership talk.
Michael brings a rare combination of executive experience, facilitation skill, and future-focused insight to every engagement. He understands associations from the inside out and speaks the language of boards, executives, and volunteer leaders alike.
Planners value Michael because he:
His sessions consistently spark meaningful dialogue, elevate governance conversations, and help leaders see their organization’s future with greater clarity and confidence.
For conferences focused on leadership, governance, strategy, or navigating disruption, Michael offers a voice that is thoughtful, credible, and forward-looking—and an experience that audiences continue to discuss long after the event ends.
