Michael Acton Smith

Michael Acton Smith OBE is a visionary entrepreneur, creative leader and an expert in mindfulness, mental health and innovation. As the Co-founder and Co-Executive Chairman of Calm, the world’s leading mindfulness and meditation app, Michael has played a pivotal role in shaping the conversation around mental wellbeing in the digital age. With Calm now valued at over $2 billion, he has demonstrated how technology can be harnessed to improve people's lives on a massive scale. His journey, from launching an e-commerce business to building a mental health unicorn, makes him a sought-after keynote speaker at corporate events, conferences and leadership summits.

Michael’s ability to captivate audiences stems from his deep entrepreneurial experience. His first venture, Firebox.com, which he co-founded in 1998, quickly became one of the UK’s fastest-growing private companies. He then went on to found Mind Candy in 2004, where he created Moshi Monsters, a groundbreaking online platform that grew to tens of millions of users and won a BAFTA. Through these ventures, Michael has mastered the art of brand-building, customer engagement, and scaling businesses from concept to global success. Michael later launched Calm in 2012, at a time when mindfulness was still a niche concept, highlighting his ability to foresee industry trends and capitalise on emerging markets. Under his leadership, Calm has transformed meditation into a mainstream practice, helping over 100 million users worldwide sleep better, reduce stress and enhance focus. 

Beyond Calm, Michael has also founded several innovative ventures that reflect his entrepreneurial creativity. He is the founder of Ping Pong Fight Club and the co-founder of Silicon Drinkabout - a weekly meetup for tech entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts to network and share ideas. Additionally, he launched the Berwickstock Festival, a boutique music festival designed to celebrate creativity and collaboration. As an author, Michael has written two books, titled "Calm: Calm the Mind. Change the World" and "The Magic of Sleep: A Bedside Companion". These books provide valuable insights into mindfulness and the importance of rest in a fast-paced world. Recognised for his contributions to the creative industries, Michael was appointed OBE in 2014.

As a keynote speaker, Michael shares powerful insights on resilience, leadership, creativity and mental wellbeing. Michael’s speaking engagements resonate deeply with business leaders, entrepreneurs and teams looking to foster innovation while prioritising mental health. He discusses topics such as scaling startups, navigating challenges in the business world and integrating mindfulness into workplace culture to boost productivity and wellbeing. His engaging, down-to-earth approach, coupled with his track record of success, makes him an inspiring and credible speaker. As a seasoned speaker, Michael was invited to deliver the TEDx Talk "A New Approach to Insomnia". For organisations looking to inspire their teams and embrace a healthier, more creative approach to business, Michael Acton Smith is an outstanding choice as a keynote speaker.