About
The Bell System leader who became a storyteller.
Forty years inside Southwestern Bell and AT&T — as a manager, leadership speaker, and National President of The Community NETwork — taught Michael Brundy something the boardroom rarely admits: numbers move minds, but stories move hearts. He didn't lead because of a title. He led because people trusted him to make a difference. Today he blends that hard-won leadership craft with the art of storytelling for corporate audiences, conferences, and communities.
The personal story
About Michael
“Make a point, tell a story.”
For decades, this simple yet powerful philosophy has guided Michael’s journey as a speaker, author, and champion of the oral storytelling tradition. He believes that a story told with purpose has the unique power to bridge gaps, inspire action, and leave a lasting legacy.
His path to becoming a motivational storyteller wasn't linear — it was built on a dual foundation. Armed with an MBA and a decades-long career as a manager and leadership speaker in the Bell System and AT&T, he served as National President of The Community NETwork, one of the company's largest employee affinity organizations. In that role he worked with employees at every level and regularly collaborated with senior executives — including CEO Ed Whitacre — to advance leadership, opportunity, and inclusion. He learned firsthand that data moves minds, but stories move hearts. His early training with Toastmasters ignited his passion for the stage and transformed a foundational skill into a lifelong calling.
As a proud resident of Mansfield, Texas, he has dedicated much of his retirement to nurturing the vibrant storytelling community in the Lone Star State and beyond. He recently had the distinct honor of serving two terms as the President of the Tejas Storytelling Association, concluding his service in June 2026. Over the years, he has loved bringing people together — whether serving as the Master of Ceremonies for featured tellers at the National Storytelling Network conference, organizing dynamic virtual gatherings, or emceeing the historic 41st Texas Storytelling Festival.
Beyond the stage, he is the author of the book, Make a Point, Tell a Story!, where he shares practical insights on how to craft narratives that resonate. You can also catch him sharing life lessons and motivational insights on platforms like the “Now I Can Tell You This” podcast.
When he’s not coaching speakers, crafting workshops, or planning the next big storytelling event, you can usually find him pushing his limits as a marathon runner, deep in a strategic game of chess, or spending quality time with his family.
Whether you are here to find a keynote speaker, explore the art of digital and oral storytelling, or learn how to find your own voice, he is thrilled to welcome you. Let’s connect and discover the power of your story.
Philosophy
Why story?
We are wired for it.
The human brain forgets statistics in minutes and remembers stories for a lifetime. Story is the original technology of human connection.
Stories carry truth.
A well-told story can hold more truth than a textbook — because it makes room for the listener's own life inside it.
Stories outlive us.
Every story we share well becomes a small piece of immortality. That is the work of a lifetime.
On Stage
The microphone is where the story comes alive.
Every telling is a conversation — a shared moment between speaker and listener. Whether emceeing a national festival or sharing a quiet story in a small circle, Michael brings the same presence: prepared, personal, and fully in the moment.
Timeline
Six decades, one through-line.
1970s
Begins career in telecommunications
Joins a young industry that will become the backbone of modern communication.
1990s–2000s
National President, The Community NETwork
Led one of Southwestern Bell / AT&T's largest employee affinity organizations, working with employees at every level and collaborating with senior executives — including CEO Ed Whitacre — to advance leadership, opportunity, and inclusion.
1990s
Discovers Toastmasters & storytelling
Finds the craft that will define the second half of his life.
2000s
Toastmasters Hall of Fame
Recognized for sustained excellence in speaking and mentorship.
2010s
President, Tejas Storytelling Association
Leads one of the country's most respected storytelling communities.
2026
Martha Len Nelson Special Service Award
Honored by the Tejas Storytelling Association for a lifetime of leadership, teaching, and service to the storytelling community.