A pioneer in organisational culture
Michael Henderson has dedicated over 30 years to understanding how culture shapes performance, behaviour, and identity within organisations. As a corporate anthropologist, he has led more than 300 culture transformation projects across industries and continents, helping organisations recognise culture as their most valuable and underutilised strategic asset. His work bridges anthropology, psychology, and leadership science, making culture not just a topic for discussion, but a tangible driver of results.
From anthropology to corporate strategy
Michael studied anthropology at the University of Auckland, where his fascination with human behaviour and group dynamics took shape. This academic foundation evolved into a lifelong mission: translating the deep insights of anthropology into practical frameworks for business leaders. In 1995, he co-founded Cultures at Work, a consultancy focused on helping organisations design and align their cultures for success. There, he developed innovative models such as The Arrow, a framework connecting culture directly with strategy and execution.
Endorsed by thought leaders
The late Professor Edgar Schein of MIT Sloan Business School, often regarded as the father of organisational culture, endorsed Michael’s work as “a significant breakthrough in understanding and aligning organisational culture.” This recognition reflects Michael’s ability to simplify and operationalise what many see as a complex, intangible subject. His methods have since been applied by leaders in industries ranging from finance and healthcare to technology, manufacturing, and education.
Transformative keynotes with immediate impact
Michael’s keynotes are renowned for their clarity, pace, and immediate relevance. He has a rare talent for turning abstract cultural concepts into practical leadership tools. Audiences often describe his sessions as “turning on the lights”, because within minutes, the fog around culture, behaviour, and leadership begins to lift. He explains what culture is, how it forms, and most importantly, how leaders can influence it deliberately and authentically. His presentations equip audiences to act the very same day, not months later.
Practical insights grounded in real experience
Drawing on values science, anthropology, and his extensive fieldwork, Michael teaches leaders how to align message, meaning, and method, ensuring that culture supports both performance and purpose. His storytelling is rich with real-world examples, from boardrooms and factories to NGOs and startups. Whether he’s speaking to executives or front-line teams, his approach remains the same: culture is not a “soft” subject, it’s the hardest and most strategic advantage a business can build.
Why book Michael Henderson for your event
Booking Michael Henderson means bringing global expertise and authentic perspective to your organisation. He speaks with authority, humour, and humility, connecting deeply with audiences at every level. His sessions inspire leaders to rethink how culture shapes performance, brand, and employee experience. Attendees leave equipped with frameworks and confidence to take tangible steps toward aligning their culture with their goals.
Michael Henderson’s keynote themes include:
Leading culture as a strategic asset
Building alignment between culture and strategy
Understanding how culture forms and evolves
Turning values into behaviour and performance
Creating a culture that attracts and retains talent
With decades of experience across sectors and geographies, Michael’s message resonates universally: every organisation has a culture, but few truly lead it. His work empowers leaders to do exactly that, transform culture from a background influence into a powerful source of unity, direction, and success.
