Mike's Story
​Mike Abrashoff, former Commander, USS Benfold, and Author of It’s Your Ship, is an innovative thought leader and Co-Owner of Aegis Performance Group. Mike is at the center of one of the most remarkable modern-day stories of organizational transformation.
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​At the age of 36, the Navy selected Mike to become Commander of USS Benfold. At the time, the ship was plagued by low morale, high turnover and abysmal performance. Few thought that the ship could improve – yet 12 months later the ship was ranked #1 in performance – using the same crew. People were amazed and the lesson was clear – leadership matters and culture is everything.​
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Mike replaced the traditional command and control style rampant in the Navy with one emphasizing collaboration, commitment and cohesion, ultimately engaging the hearts, minds, and loyalties of his crew.
Top down leadership is dead, so when the crew would present a problem, Mike became famous for responding,
​“What would YOU do? It’s YOUR ship!”  
Leadership Lessons Anyone Can Adopt
Mike realized that before the ship’s performance could change, he had to change his leadership style. In his keynote, he will share how he created a culture of trust that empowered his crew to take charge and use their ingenuity and initiative to improve every aspect of the way things were done. 

Mike's inspiring story is for every individual and organization looking for practical and sustainable ways to take their performance to new heights.

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WHAT HAPPENED ON BENFOLD?
Turnover decreased to an unprecedented 1%, the rate of promotions tripled, and the crew slashed operating expenses by 25%. Regarded as the finest ship in the Pacific Fleet, USS Benfold won the prestigious Spokane Trophy for having the highest degree of combat readiness. 
Take Command with Mike Abrashoff at Your Next Event
MIKE'S SPEECH
Participate in Mike’s 60-minute keynote where he shares lessons learned aboard USS Benfold.
Q&A WITH THE CAPTAIN
Join a 30 minute Q&A session with Mike where he will answer questions from the audience.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Join Mike and Stacey for an optional breakout session to apply tactics from USS Benfold and create an action plan to leverage on the job. Learn More
Video Playlist
Challenge Every Aspect of Your Operation
How Leaders Build Trust
Through the Eyes of Your Crew

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The feedback was overwhelmingly positive! I personally have never listened to a better speaker. Your message was tailor made for my team and I look forward to discussing future opportunities with you. Thank you so very much Mike.
~ Vice President, Canadian Energy Company

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We got outstanding feedback from your presentation. We have never had such positive feedback so you very much exceeded our expectations. You were quoted numerous times throughout the remainder of the conference which says people took your message to heart and will put it to work in their everyday jobs – exactly what we aimed for!
~CEO, National Restaurant Chain

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I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to you for your participant at our recent Convention in Baltimore. Your captivating talk on owning your own business was inspiring. You gave a memorable and enjoyable presentation that was enjoyed by all. Thank you for making our owners understand that they are the captains of their own destiny and that they need to take all action needed to succeed. You did a great job with setting the tone for the rest of our Convention.
~ CEO, Telecommunications Company

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The "It's Your Ship" conference gave me a wealth of knowledge and strategies going forward.  Mike's presentation was one of the most powerful I have ever seen!  
~ CHRO, Senior Living Facilities Provider

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