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Arno Michaelis

From hate to healing: Arno empowers organizations to build
inclusive cultures rooted in compassion and resilience.

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5 of 5

"Excellent speaker who brought in interest from corners we don't always interact with. Our audience was very happy to see the topic discussed in the knowledgeable, personable (and sometimes with humor) way that Arno interacted with the audience.”

US Embassy in London, UK

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Why book Arno Michaelis for your next event

  • Arno’s acclaimed memoir, My Life After Hate, chronicles his powerful journey from violent extremism to becoming a global advocate for peace and empathy. Widely regarded as essential reading, it offers valuable insight for educators, human rights groups, and business leaders working to address division, inclusion, and personal transformation.
  • Arno Michaelis is a former Neo-Nazi who radically transformed his life to become one of the world’s leading voices in compassion-based conflict resolution. His story of personal redemption has been featured on CNN, the BBC, and MSNBC, resonating deeply with audiences seeking authentic, purpose-driven leadership.
  • As co-founder of the nonprofit Life After Hate, Arno helped secure a $400,000 federal grant to support individuals exiting hate groups. This achievement underscores his leadership in building real-world solutions to extremism and social fragmentation, insights he brings directly to your audience.

Non-binding request for Arno Michaelis

From Hate to Human Connection

Arno Michaelis brings a powerful message of transformation, from former hate group leader to global peace advocate. His keynotes inspire empathy, bridge divides, and equip organizations with actionable tools to foster inclusive cultures, strengthen leadership, and build resilient teams grounded in human connection and compassion.

Keynote speaker Arno Michaelis is internationally recognized for his extraordinary journey from violent extremism to becoming a passionate advocate for peace, empathy, and inclusion. As a former Neo-Nazi who renounced hate and dedicated his life to helping others do the same, Arno brings a unique and powerful voice to organizations seeking transformation, resilience, and cultural intelligence.

With over 15 years of experience as a public speaker, Arno has inspired audiences across the globe with his authentic, emotionally resonant storytelling. He is the author of My Life After Hate, co-author of The Gift of Our Wounds, and co-creator of the acclaimed documentary Refuge. His work as a Peer Exit Specialist with Parents 4 Peace has placed him at the forefront of counter-extremism, helping individuals and families break free from hate-fueled ideologies.

Arno’s keynotes are more than personal redemption stories, they are roadmaps for meaningful organizational change. He provides tools to foster psychological safety, dismantle unconscious bias, and cultivate empathy-driven leadership. His message is highly relevant for corporate teams navigating challenges around inclusion, culture, and internal conflict.

If your organization values emotional intelligence, authentic communication, and human-centered leadership, book Arno Michaelis for your event. His compelling voice will not only captivate your audience, it will leave them empowered to drive lasting change. Keynote speaker Arno Michaelis turns hard truths into hope, offering a clear, inspiring vision for a more connected and compassionate workplace.

Customer Reviews

5 of 5

"Excellent speaker who brought in interest from corners we don't always interact with. Our audience was very happy to see the topic discussed in the knowledgeable, personable (and sometimes with humor) way that Arno interacted with the audience.”

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

"Arno is truly a captivating speaker, with a singular story to tell. For our group, the experience of hearing from him was powerful, profound, and not something we'll easily forget (and this is a group that has heard some crazy tales)."

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

"Arno helped us create a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best, driving innovation, growth, and positive change."

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

"Arno Michaelis tells a remarkable, mind-opening story about his journey from being a leader in a racist skinhead organization to a beacon of compassion and forgiveness. Arno embodies what it means to be vulnerable. His transformation and dedication to speaking out against hatred is told from his heart. He engages those around him with profound strength and humanity."

YPO Gold Alpine

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

"Arno is an incredible presenter who speaks eloquently and with passion about subjects that are often difficult to hear and talk about. He manages to stay positive and personal, which creates a comfort level imperative in talking about difficult subject matter. I highly recommend him as a motivational speaker and a presenter."

Program Manager, Developer Relations and Google.dev, Google

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

"Arno is a great ambassador of peace and non-violence who inspired people across the world to stand against injustice and discrimination."

Founder/Label & Personal Manager, Urban Jungle

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

"I've had the pleasure of experiencing Arno Michaelis as a speaker at YPO events twice. Firstly, in Berlin and later personally inviting him to speak at a YPO Danube event in Vienna. Both events were tremendously successful, and Arno left a profound impression on me. His life story is a remarkable journey through extreme experiences and personal growth. Arno is an exceptionally authentic individual who captivates with his openness and depth. His ability to address complex topics while forging a strong emotional connection with his audience is outstanding. Arno Michaelis is highly recommended as a speaker, particularly for his engagements at YPO events. His impactful presentations are rooted in his extraordinary life journey from being a former white supremacist to a peace advocate and co-founder of Serve 2 Unite. His personal story, which includes co-authoring "The Gift of Our Wounds" and his memoir "My Life After Hate," resonates deeply with audiences, offering profound insights into topics such as post-traumatic growth, diversity appreciation, and cultural agility. I wholeheartedly recommend Arno Michaelis. His dedication and ability to inspire and provoke thought make him an exceptional speaker who delivers value beyond measure."

YPO Member since 2000, currently Chapter Chair Vienna Gold, Austria

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

"Arno is an inspirational speaker and motivator. His personal story and commitment to social justice are important additions to the civil rights, human rights, and civil liberties advocacy world. He is an excellent coalition builder and partner in working for social change."

CEO, Milwaukee Jewish Federation

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

"Arno Michaelis is an insightful man whose life experience has garnered him a wealth of information that holds the key to unlocking the minds of racists of any color and successfully replacing the vitriolic hate through intelligent discourse. Hearing this man speak and watching him lead by example, motivates others to do their part to bring racial harmony to our society."

Filmmaker, Author, Musician, Race Reconciliator

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

"Arno rocked our world"

YPO Gold London

Arno Michaelis

5 of 5

“We had the pleasure of hosting Arno Michaelis as a guest speaker during an international event. Listening to his story of deep transformation left a profound impact on our participants and reminded us of how the impossible can become possible.”

Founder, YPO Berlin, Germany

Arno Michaelis

Rated 5.00/5 based on 11 customer reviews

Keynotes

Keynote by Arno Michaelis:

The Journey from Hate to Help: A Former Neo-Nazi Now Working to Help Stop Violent Extremism

Arno Michaelis is a Peer Exit Specialist at Parents for Peace, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by radicalization and extremism. P4P treats radicalization as a public health issue, providing resources to prevent hate, violence, and extremism in our homes and communities. Arno leverages his lived experience as a former Neo-Nazi to reach those making the same mistakes, and lend insight to their families. 

Extremism is on the rise across the United States, transcending political, ethnic, and ideological boundaries. Parents 4 Peace has assisted hundreds of families navigating the radical shifts in their loved ones’ beliefs and behaviors under the influence of extremist ideologies. Young people struggling with isolation, anxiety, and depression are particularly susceptible to extremist narratives that offer a false sense of belonging and purpose. Algorithms on social media platforms can push vulnerable individuals toward extremist content, exploiting their human vulnerabilities.

Audience takeaways

  • No one is born an extremist or becomes one overnight.
  • Radicalization can affect anyone in any family.
  • Grievances and vulnerabilities create pathways to radicalization.
  • Extremist ideologies can seem to be emotionally appealing, especially to those struggling.
  • There are always warning signs, knowing them can make all the difference.
Request a quote: Arno Michaelis The Journey from Hate to Help: A Former Neo-Nazi Now Working to Help Stop Violent Extremism

Keynote by Arno Michaelis:

The Power of Practice to Shape Human Life: Identify and break habitual destructive practices and promote positive practices

Are destructive habits holding your team back from growth, connection, and success?

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for individuals and organizations to fall into unconscious patterns that fuel division, stress, and disengagement. Keynote speaker Arno Michaelis confronts this challenge head-on by revealing how practice, not just intention, shapes our lives, our culture, and our capacity to lead with empathy.

Through his powerful journey from hate to healing, Arno demonstrates how identifying and replacing harmful habits with constructive, human-centered practices transforms individuals and entire teams. His keynotes empower audiences to break cycles of negativity, build resilience, and cultivate positive behaviors that foster inclusion, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

If your organization is ready to move beyond toxic patterns and unlock its full potential through purposeful practice, book Arno Michaelis for your event and start reshaping your culture from the inside out.

Request a quote: Arno Michaelis The Power of Practice to Shape Human Life: Identify and break habitual destructive practices and promote positive practices

Keynote by Arno Michaelis:

Mindfulness and Forgiveness: Exploring forgiveness for self and others through mindfulness and meditation practice

Is your team struggling with unresolved tension, burnout, or emotional blocks that hinder collaboration and growth?

In high-pressure environments, emotional weight can silently erode morale, productivity, and connection. Keynote speaker Arno Michaelis offers a powerful antidote through the practice of mindfulness and forgiveness, tools he used to transform his own life from one of hate to healing.

Arno’s keynotes guide audiences on how to release guilt, let go of resentment, and foster inner peace through mindfulness and meditation. He creates a safe space for exploring the power of forgiving others and ourselves, as a gateway to resilience, clarity, and genuine human connection.

Whether your team is navigating conflict or simply seeking deeper alignment, Arno delivers a profound experience that inspires lasting emotional growth. Book Arno Michaelis for your event and equip your organization with the practices of mindful awareness and forgiveness that lead to true transformation.

Request a quote: Arno Michaelis Mindfulness and Forgiveness: Exploring forgiveness for self and others through mindfulness and meditation practice

Keynote by Arno Michaelis:

Kindness Practice in the Workplace: Empowering excellence, efficiency, and exemplary customer service through kindness

Is your workplace culture suffering from stress, disengagement, or declining customer satisfaction?

In today’s competitive market, high performance isn’t just about strategy, it’s about how people treat each other. Keynote speaker Arno Michaelis shows how kindness is not a soft skill, but a power tool for driving excellence, boosting morale, and elevating customer experiences.

Drawing from his profound personal transformation, Arno delivers compelling keynotes that demonstrate how practicing kindness can reduce conflict, increase efficiency, and create workplaces where people thrive. His message empowers teams to lead with empathy, communicate with intention, and consistently exceed expectations, internally and externally.

For organizations looking to turn compassion into a competitive edge, booking Arno Michaelis for your event is an investment in culture, cohesion, and customer loyalty. Discover how kindness can become your most powerful business practice. 

Request a quote: Arno Michaelis Kindness Practice in the Workplace: Empowering excellence, efficiency, and exemplary customer service through kindness

Keynote by Arno Michaelis:

Cultural Agility and Diversity Appreciation: Develop a zeal for learning and exploring unfamiliar cultures by understanding commonalities

Is your organization struggling to bridge cultural gaps and foster true inclusivity across teams?

In an increasingly globalized world, lack of cultural agility can lead to miscommunication, disengagement, and missed opportunities. Keynote speaker Arno Michaelis helps organizations overcome these challenges by inspiring a genuine passion for diversity through the lens of shared humanity.

Drawing from his own radical transformation, from hate group member to global peace advocate, Arno delivers deeply moving keynotes that break down barriers and ignite curiosity about cultures different from our own. He equips audiences with the mindset and tools to explore unfamiliar perspectives with empathy, respect, and a commitment to learning.

By highlighting common values and lived experiences, Arno cultivates an appreciation for diversity that goes beyond policy, transforming workplace culture from the inside out. Book Arno Michaelis for your event to empower your teams with the cultural agility needed to thrive in today’s diverse business landscape.

Request a quote: Arno Michaelis Cultural Agility and Diversity Appreciation: Develop a zeal for learning and exploring unfamiliar cultures by understanding commonalities

Arno Michaelis: Breaking Down Polarization with Compassion

Watch Arno Michaelis in action!

Arno Michaelis and Pardeep Kaleka Receive 2017 Common Ground Award

Watch Arno Michaelis in action!

The Many Faiths of Nonviolence - Arno Arr Michaelis IV

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Need help?

Phone: +1 347 223 5128

Email: contact@a-speakers.com