MIKE DONAHUE
Mike Donahue is the founder and director of Value Up, a Nebraska based motivational company that focuses on positive school culture. He has spoken to over a million students throughout the last three decades in live settings. He has worked with young people all over the world including the United States, Asia, South America, and Europe. Mike has authored four books: Reinventing My Normal, Hidden Scars, Talking to Brick Walls, and his latest book, Value Up.
He is a highly sought-after speaker and one of the best on the subjects of respect, bullying, resiliency and other school climate issues. He has spoken alongside the likes of Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL, and Arne Duncan, the Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama. His candid style and authentic persona keep students engaged throughout the entire presentation and leaves them inspired.
After partnering with thousands of schools and speaking/listening to educators and students, Mike has come to understand that so many teen issues are directly related to how students view themselves. If a student believes they have high intrinsic value and identify with that high value, they make life choices that match their perceived value identity. Students who value and respect themselves make positive life choices and show greater value and respect to others. Value Up was created to amplify value in every student, resulting in strengthening a positive school culture.
Mike and his wife Rachel live in Omaha, NE but he hails from Boston, MA and was a member of the United States Air Force. He is the father of five children. He has dedicated his life to helping students understand their own innate value and the value of other people.
