Michael Dargie
Michael Dean Dargie is a creative force of nature with a knack for transforming “meh” into memorable. As the host of the multi-nominated RebelRebel Podcast and author of the acclaimed branding playbook, BrandJitsu: Move Your Brand From ‘Meh’ to Memorable, Michael has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations craft compelling brands and stories that cut through the noise. With tens of thousands of hours spent on stages around the world, Michael is a masterful storyteller and an electrifying keynote speaker who knows how to captivate and inspire audiences.
A mentor and partner with Calgary Economic Development and Canada’s Trade Accelerator Program, Michael also lends his expertise to incubators, colleges, and universities, where he regularly speaks and mentors the next generation of innovators. Whether he’s diving into the intricacies of brand strategy, creativity, or the art of storytelling, his motto remains unwavering: “Do cool and weird sh*t with cool and weird people.”
Michael’s approach to life and work is as adventurous as it is authentic. He’s not just a talker; he’s a doer—whether running the grueling Canadian Death Race (twice, on purpose) as part of a family relay team, performing with Calgary’s legendary Loose Moose Theatre Company, or creating short films with his partner, Jennifer MacLean, as part of the creative duo Dropbear and Panda. When he’s not battling creative deadlines, you might find him riding his motorcycle to the West Coast, chasing sunsets, octopuses, and inspiration in equal measure.
Oh, and in case you were wondering: yes, his Apple Watch was trying to kill him—until it realized it couldn’t keep up.
A proud dad to two incredible young men, Keegan and Kierin, Michael’s life is proof that keeping it simple doesn’t mean playing it safe. Whether he’s on stage or on the road, he’s driven by one goal: to help others uncover the magic of their own stories and boldly share them with the world.
Keynote Topics & Speaking Categories
Michael’s dynamic style, paired with his expertise in creativity, branding, and storytelling, makes him a versatile and unforgettable speaker.
Here’s a list of keynote topics and categories he can cover:
Customized Keynotes
- Michael has a gift for tailoring his talks to specific audiences and industries. Whether you’re a group of tech entrepreneurs, creative professionals, or corporate leaders, he’ll customize his message to maximize its relevance and impact.
Branding & Marketing Mastery
- BrandJitsu: From ‘Meh’ to Memorable
- A deep dive into the principles of Michael’s acclaimed book, this keynote teaches audiences how to create brands that people remember, love, and champion.
- The Rebel Brand Playbook
- Strategies for breaking out of the “safe” zone and building brands that are bold, disruptive, and authentic.
- Telling Stories That Sell
- Learn how to craft compelling narratives that build emotional connections and drive customer loyalty.
- Stop Selling, Start Storytelling
- Why storytelling outperforms sales pitches every time and how to leverage this strategy for growth.
- How to Outpace the Competition Without Chasing Them
- A blueprint for creating distinctive, category-defining brands that lead instead of follow.
Creativity & Innovation
- The Art of Creative Problem-Solving
- Practical tools and frameworks for thinking outside the box in high-pressure environments.
- Embrace the Weird: Why Quirky is the New Competitive Advantage
- Why businesses and individuals should lean into their unique quirks to differentiate and thrive.
- The Creator’s Edge
- Unlocking your creative potential to drive innovation in business and life.
- Building a Culture of Creativity
- Strategies for leaders to cultivate creative thinking and innovation in their teams.
Storytelling for Leaders & Entrepreneurs
- Your Story Is Your Superpower
- How to leverage your personal or business story to inspire, connect, and influence.
- The Hero’s Journey in Business
- Lessons from mythic storytelling to help entrepreneurs and leaders guide their teams through challenges and transformation.
- Pitch Perfect: How to Craft and Deliver Winning Pitches
- A step-by-step approach to creating pitches that captivate investors, clients, or stakeholders.
- Authentic Leadership Through Storytelling
- How to use personal vulnerability and authenticity to lead with impact
No matter the topic, Michael’s unique blend of humor, wisdom, and practical advice ensures audiences leave not only inspired but also armed with actionable insights. Expect laughter, breakthroughs, and maybe a few stories about octopuses along the way!
Professional Growth & Motivation
- Fail Often, Fail Forward
- Turning setbacks into opportunities and redefining failure as a launchpad for success.
- The Power of Play: How Creativity Can Save Your Career
- Why adopting a playful mindset leads to better problem-solving, higher engagement, and sustainable success.
- Unleashing Your Inner Rebel
- Discover how breaking the rules (strategically) can lead to breakthrough moments in business and life.
- The Courage to Create
- How to overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt to share your voice with the world.
Entrepreneurship & Business Development
- The Rebel Entrepreneur: Building a Business on Your Own Terms
- A keynote for entrepreneurs who want to create businesses that reflect their values, passion, and individuality.
- Scaling Creativity: How to Build a Brand with Longevity
- Proven strategies for creating scalable, adaptable brands that grow alongside your business.
- From Idea to Execution
- Turning wild ideas into actionable plans that deliver results.
- Making an Impact in a Noisy World
- How to stand out and stay relevant in a crowded marketplace.
Personal Development & Inspiration
- Do Cool and Weird Sh*t: A Manifesto for Living an Unforgettable Life
- A motivational talk about embracing curiosity, taking risks, and living boldly.
- Running the Race (Literally and Figuratively)
- Lessons in resilience, teamwork, and perseverance inspired by Michael’s Canadian Death Race experiences.
- Keep It Simple: Life Lessons in Creativity, Balance, and Joy
- A practical and inspiring talk on simplifying your approach to maximize your impact.
- Rebel with a Cause
- How to find your purpose and use it to fuel your personal and professional life.
Performance & Creative Arts
- Lessons from the Stage: How Improv Can Make You a Better Leader
- Insights from Michael’s years with Loose Moose Theatre Company on how improv techniques can improve leadership, collaboration, and adaptability.
- Creativity on Demand
- How to unlock and channel creativity—even under tight deadlines and high stress.
- Lights, Camera, Leadership
- What performing in theatre and film has taught Michael about communication, storytelling, and confidence.
