The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the most enduring and polarising issues in modern politics. For young people especially, it has become a defining question of justice, identity, and belonging. Across college campuses in the UK, America, and beyond, the conversation often feels louder, sharper, and more emotionally charged than ever before.

Having visited Israel multiple times including meetings with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Israeli Embassy both in Israel and the UK, Michael brings a unique perspective that blends first-hand geopolitical insight with media analysis and grassroots engagement. His work across universities and with young professionals has given him a front-row seat to how narratives about Israel and Palestine are shaping the worldview of the next generation.

In this keynote, Michael explores:

• How young people are engaging with Israel and Palestine across campuses and online and why their voices matter.
• The historical backdrop and contemporary flashpoints that continue to fuel the conflict.
• The role of media in framing youth sentiment and amplifying polarisation.
• How narratives of faith, identity, and justice are reshaping activism among young people worldwide.
• Practical ways to move the conversation beyond outrage and division toward deeper understanding and constructive dialogue.

This session offers audiences not just clarity on the conflict, but also an honest look at the role young people will play in shaping the Middle East’s future, and, by extension, global politics.

How to create authentic spaces of belonging in a fragmented world.

Community has been at the heart of everything Mike has done — from faith-based movements to media networks to grassroots activism. However, in a world where connection is easy yet belonging is rare, how do we build communities that don’t just gather people but transform them?

In this talk, Mike will cover:

• The difference between networks and true community.
• Why belonging is a basic human need, not a luxury.
• Lessons from building The Common Sense Network.
• The role of shared values and mission in binding people together.
• How to foster belonging across differences of race, class, and belief.
• The dangers of shallow, transactional communities.
• Why conflict is inevitable — and how to navigate it in healthy ways.
• Practical tools for cultivating trust, resilience, and long-term commitment.

Why young leaders must design new systems, not just repair old ones.

We live in a world shaped by systems that often work against the very people they claim to serve. Politics, education, and media are in desperate need of reimagination. Drawing from his own work in political commentary, community building, and activism, Mike explores what system change really looks like — and how young people can lead it.

In this talk, Mike will cover:

• How to identify where real power sits within a system.
• The limits of reform vs. the necessity of redesign.
• Historical and modern examples of successful system change.
• Why narratives and media are essential to shifting perception.
• How grassroots movements pressure systems to adapt.
• The role of courage and imagination in daring to design differently.
• How to avoid burnout and cynicism when working for change.
• Why young leaders should see themselves as architects, not just critics.

Reclaiming political engagement in an age of distrust.

Politics often feels like a dirty word, yet it shapes everything about how we live together. With degrees in Politics, Philosophy and Economics Masters in Philosophy, a media platform dedicated to balanced debate, and experience engaging with political leaders, Mike brings a fresh lens on why politics still matters and how to engage without losing hope.

In this talk, Mike will cover:

• How politics really works behind the headlines.
• Why young people are disillusioned — and how to re-engage them.
• The importance of bipartisan and nuanced political commentary.
• Stories from The Common Sense Network on bridging divides.
• Why compromise isn’t weakness but part of democracy.
• How political apathy creates space for extremes to dominate.
• The intersection of faith, morality, and political life.
• Why small, local political actions often create the biggest ripple effects.

Harnessing the promise and avoiding the pitfalls of digital platforms.

Social media has changed how we connect, protest, and build influence. It can amplify truth or spread lies, empower voices or foster addiction. With years of experience building digital communities and leading online media platforms, Mike unpacks how we can navigate this space wisely.

In this talk, Mike will cover:

• The psychological impact of life lived online.
• How social media fuels both activism and apathy.
• Case studies from building digital communities of 5,000+.
• The mechanics of virality: what spreads and why.
• How social media shapes politics, protest, and public opinion.
• The hidden cost of the attention economy.
• How to use social media as a tool rather than a trap.
• What the future of online influence will look like in the age of AI.

Why the best leaders build environments, not just strategies.

Mike has led teams in faith, media, and business — and one lesson remains the same: culture eats strategy for breakfast. Leadership is about more than vision; it’s about the atmosphere leaders create. This talk shares insights on how leaders can cultivate cultures of growth, trust, and purpose.

In this talk, Mike will cover:

• What makes a healthy vs. toxic organizational culture.
• The hidden power of everyday leadership decisions.
• Lessons from leading retreats, media teams, and nonprofits.
• Why kindness is the most underrated leadership virtue.
• How to align values with actions across an organization.
• The importance of vulnerability and transparency in leadership.
• Why burnout is a culture issue, not just a personal issue.
• How to build teams that thrive even in uncertain times.

Moving beyond tokenism toward true inclusion.

Diversity is not about box-ticking — it’s about unlocking potential. Having worked across politics, media, and faith spaces, Mike has seen the difference when diverse voices are genuinely embraced. This talk explores how difference can move us forward if handled with honesty and courage.

In this talk, Mike will cover:

• Why diversity is about power, not just representation.
• Common mistakes organizations make in inclusion efforts.
• How diversity strengthens leadership, innovation, and impact.
• The role of storytelling in shifting mindsets about difference.
• Why true inclusion means cultural humility, not cultural erasure.
• The difference between representation and empowerment.
• What it looks like to celebrate difference while fostering unity.
• Why young leaders must carry the torch of diversity into the future.

How to thrive in an era of automation, AI, and shifting careers.

From running a creative studio to mentoring young leaders, Mike has seen firsthand how work is changing. Stability looks different, careers are nonlinear, and purpose matters more than ever. This talk unpacks the trends shaping the future of work and how we can prepare to flourish.

In this talk, Mike will cover:

• The role of AI and automation in reshaping jobs.
• Why young workers care more about meaning than money.
• What leaders must do to adapt culture to new expectations.
• The rise of portfolio careers and side hustles.
• How faith, resilience, and community can anchor us in uncertainty.
• Why adaptability is the most important skill of the next decade.
• How to balance technological progress with human flourishing.
• What a purpose-driven workforce means for the next generation.