Michael Maisey

Michael Maisey is a recognised authority on personal transformation, mental health advocacy and social responsibility in business. As the founder of the Change is Possible Project (CIP Project), he has dedicated his life to helping individuals overcome trauma, addiction and adversity. His journey from serving a prison sentence at sixteen to leading a respected organisation inspires audiences and demonstrates that lasting change is possible for anyone.

Michael’s early life was marked by hardship. A turbulent childhood led him into gang activity and eventually to prison for an armed robbery. During his incarceration, acts of kindness from others became a turning point, showing him that compassion could be the foundation for a new life. This realisation ignited a commitment to reform and to help others do the same.

After his release, Michael built a successful business in the London Borough of Hounslow, founded on honesty and integrity. His leadership not only won the respect of clients and employees but also delivered meaningful community impact. In recognition of his work, he was honoured by the London Borough of Hounslow for his services to the community.

Today, Michael leads the CIP Project, a non-profit organisation supporting people facing grief, addiction, trauma, PTSD, childhood trauma and mental health challenges. The charity also assists those struggling with a loss of connection to loved ones or adjusting after release from prison. Through its programmes, the CIP Project empowers participants to embark on journeys of self-discovery and renewal.

In addition to his charitable work, Michael is an accomplished TEDx speaker, delivering the talk “From Prison to Purpose”, where he shared his powerful life story and the lessons he learned along the way. He is also the author of two books, the bestselling autobiography “Young Offender” published in 2019 by Pan Macmillan, and “Change is Possible” released in January 2025. His writing combines personal narrative with practical strategies for building resilience and compassion.

Michael’s experience resonates strongly with organisations committed to mental health, social responsibility, and workplace wellbeing. He speaks on integrating kindness and empathy into business culture, showing how these values improve employee well-being and create a more connected workforce. His story of redemption, entrepreneurship and service to others offers both inspiration and actionable lessons, making him a compelling choice for any organisation seeking to inspire change and foster a culture of understanding.